Welcome to the “Best of” Competition Rules* Page!

We know reading the fine print isn’t the most exciting part of the competition, but we’ve worked hard to keep it clear and relevant.

With thousands of businesses participating, we may have missed something. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, click here to contact us. We’re here to make your experience smooth and enjoyable! 

General Overview

The “Best of” competition is organised by CTP limited. It is  designed to identify and celebrate top businesses as nominated and voted for by the public. It provides a trusted platform for recognizing excellence in products and services and helps businesses stand out in their communities.

The competition operates within the spirit of fairness, transparency, and community celebration, ensuring all voters and businesses have a fair and enjoyable experience.

Definitions

• Main Category: Broad business groupings for easier navigation (e.g., Shopping, Medical, Motoring).
• Sub-Category: Specific segments under a main category (e.g., “Best Hospital” under Medical).
• Nominations Phase: The first phase of the competition, where businesses are nominated by the public.
• Voting Phase: The second phase, where the public votes for nominated businesses to determine winners.
• Sponsors: Partners providing prizes or supporting the competition.

Nominations Phase

• Duration: Typically runs for one month (may vary by region; exact dates announced at the start of the competition).
• Unlimited Nominations: Voters can nominate as many businesses as they wish in each sub-category.
• Nomination Process: Voters nominate businesses online at www.bestofsouthafrica.co.za/. Each nomination must include the business name and the sub-category.

Eligibility for Voting Phase

1. Qualification: Businesses with at least one nomination qualify for the voting phase (subject to points below).
2. Sub-Category Minimum: Sub-categories must have more than one nominee to proceed to voting.
3. Category Adjustments: Organisers may create or remove categories for inclusivity or fairness, with changes promptly communicated.
4. Regional Focus: Only businesses with a physical address in the competition area are eligible. Exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and organisers’ decisions are final.

Voting Phase

• Duration: Typically runs for one month (may vary by region; dates announced at the start of the cycle).
• Setup: All nominated and eligible businesses are listed for voting at the end of the nominations phase.

Voting limitations

• Voters can vote once per sub-category only.
• The online voting system enforces restrictions, such as tracking IP addresses, to ensure fairness.
• Voters select their favourite business from the nominee list in each sub-category.

Transparency and Fair Play

• Winners are determined solely by the total number of valid votes received per sub-category.
• Results are publicly announced, and recognition is awarded to top businesses.
• The competition upholds fair play. Fraudulent activity, such as attempting to bypass voting restrictions, will result in disqualification of both the business and the voter involved.

Disqualification

Businesses can be disqualified for:

1. Manipulating the voting process.
2. Violating competition rules.
   Suspicious activity will be investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken to maintain the spirit and integrity of the competition.

Feedback and Disputes

• Voters can provide feedback via forms on the website.
• Disputes must be raised within 7 days of the results announcement.
• In the event of any dispute, the organiser’s decision shall be final and binding, and no correspondence will be entered into.

Rule Changes

The organisers reserve the right to amend competition rules as needed. All updates will be reflected in this document. 

Privacy and Communication

1. Opt-In Communication: By entering the competition, voters consent to receiving updates and emails related to the competition.
2. Data Privacy Compliance: Personal information is processed per the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) to ensure security.
3. No External Sharing: Personal data will not be shared with external parties without explicit consent.
4. Right to Unsubscribe: Voters can opt out of communications at any time using the unsubscribe link in emails.

Summary

These rules ensure the “Best of” competition is fair, transparent, and enjoyable for all voters and businesses. By participating, businesses gain the opportunity to showcase their excellence, while the public supports their favourites in a structured and equitable way.

*These rules are to be read with and interpreted in accordance with our standard competition Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, available on our website.

NOTE:

Best Of Ermelo is a registered trademark and reader’s choice award based on voluntary public nominations and voting. Results reflect community preference only. The competition does not constitute a scientific comparison, professional accreditation, certification, or formal endorsement of any goods or service provider.

References to “winner”, “finalist”, or “nominee” indicate the outcome of the public nomination and voting process and do not imply verified performance ranking, or regulatory approval.

Professionals – Special Conditions

Certain categories of professionals are registered with regulatory bodies that enforce codes of ethics and conduct in relation to ethics and advertising or publication. Such professionals may be nominated/win and may participate in the Best Of reader’s choice competition, subject to the ethical rules governing their profession.

As with all nominees/winners, such professionals are not required to advertise their nominee/winners status and are not required to actively solicit votes in order to remain active nominees/winners. In general, professionals who elect to advertise, should ensure that they do not breach their relevant organisation or regulator’s guidelines.