There is electrifying excitement in the air, accompanied by plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as local businesses officially started receiving their nomination letters for the Best of Emalahleni Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.

The nominations have officially closed, and the response has been absolutely fantastic.
Proving just how much faith residents have in local businesses, a staggering 1 620 nominations flooded in across the eight categories.

Residents had the chance to nominate their favourites in the Eat, Drink and Be Merry, Healthcare, Home Improvement, Glam It Up, Kids, Living, Motoring and Shopping categories.
“I am overwhelmed. I did not expect this,” a nominee in the home improvement category said.
If you are wondering what all the hype is about, these awards give the public the chance to nominate and vote for their favourite businesses in the City of Coal.

This is the second year the awards have taken eMalahleni by storm.
This is the real deal.
“This is not a hoax. This competition was launched as part of the Caxton Media initiative, and the first for eMalahleni was held last year.

The response was overwhelming,” said news editor Zita Goldswain.
The voting process starts on June 19.
Keep your eyes peeled on our social media platforms for how to vote for your favourites.