The votes are in, the results are counted, and the excitement is real!
After months of nominations, campaigning, and community buzz, we are thrilled to reveal the first-ever Best of PMB & Midlands winners.
The very first Best of PMB and Midlands Readers’ Choice Awards has officially wrapped up, and what a journey it has been! In our very first year, more than 225 000 votes poured in — proving that local is alive and thriving. Every single vote was more than just a click — it was a shout-out of support, a thank you, and a standing ovation for the incredible people and places that go the extra mile every day.
You voted. We tallied. And now it’s time to celebrate the legends who’ve stolen your hearts and earned the coveted first, second, and third place titles across our vibrant local business landscape. From the freshest bakeries to the friendliest hair stylists, the cosiest coffee corners to the hardest-working community heroes, this year’s winners truly embody the spirit, warmth, and creativity that make our community shine.
To our amazing readers and voters — thank you. Your dedication, service, and excellence have not gone unnoticed. You’re the reason our neighbourhoods feel like home.
“What stood out most was seeing businesses cheering for their fellow businesses. That sense of camaraderie is exactly what keeps our region strong; it fosters collaboration, optimism and hope.”
“It’s been incredible to see how the people of Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands rallied, not just to vote, but to celebrate one another,” said Duanna Chenghai, project manager for Best of PMB and Midlands. As the first chapter of this exciting journey closes, one thing is clear: when communities unite to celebrate each other, everyone wins.
This exciting local initiative has shone a light on the people, professionals and businesses that make our region thrive. Part of the Caxton group’s 30-year-old Readers’ Choice Awards legacy, this debut edition marked a major milestone for Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands, bringing a long-running, much-loved tradition of community recognition to our area for the very first time. The campaign was designed to foster community spirit, celebrate excellence and encourage support for local talent.
In a time when many businesses are rebuilding and adapting, Best of PMB and Midlands became more than an awards feature. It became a powerful reminder of what can happen when communities come together.
