Drakenstein Municipality Celebrates Local Business Chamber’s Big Win
Drakenstein Municipality is thrilled to extend its warmest congratulations to the AHi Drakenstein Business Chamber for achieving the highly esteemed AHi Chairman’s Award for Business Chamber of the Year at the AHi Western Cape Congress and Awards Ceremony, which took place in Cape Town on Friday, 31 October 2025. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional performance and dedication of the Chamber in fostering a vibrant business environment within the region.
Securing this award is particularly noteworthy, as the AHi Drakenstein Business Chamber was selected as the top chamber from a competitive pool of 61 AHi Business Chambers across the Western Cape. This honor comes shortly after Drakenstein Municipality was recognized as the Best Municipality in the Western Cape by the Provincial Government in September 2025. These dual accolades reflect a synergistic commitment to excellence and significant progress in the region.
Councillor Stephen Korabie, the Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality, commented on the significance of these achievements, stating, “These awards confirm that Drakenstein Municipality and our Business Chamber are on the same growth trajectory. We are a winning team.” This statement underscores the collaboration and mutual support that drives economic and communal development in the area.
Both the Municipality and the Drakenstein Business Chamber recognize the essential role of collaboration between local government and the private sector in promoting economic growth, job creation, and overall community prosperity. Mayor Korabie emphasized, “Drakenstein is thriving because of the strong partnership we have with local businesses,” highlighting the critical importance of these relationships in achieving shared goals.
Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality
Dirk Breytenbach, the Chairperson of the AHi Drakenstein Business Chamber, expressed immense pride in receiving the prestigious award and dedicated it to the Chamber's members, acknowledging that “Without them, this achievement would not have been possible.” This recognition reflects the collective efforts of all members working in harmony towards a common vision of business excellence.
Breytenbach also highlighted the vital support received from Drakenstein Municipality, stating, “Our partnership with the Municipality ensures that businesses can establish themselves in a conducive and marketable environment. The collaboration from the Executive Mayor, his Mayoral Committee, and municipal officials to address matters of common interest has significantly contributed to our success.” This collaboration has created a supportive infrastructure for local businesses to thrive.
Throughout the year, the Drakenstein Business Chamber organizes a variety of activities and collaborative projects designed to benefit its members. Breytenbach elaborated, “We are very proud of the ways we provide businesses with networking opportunities, marketing support, and valuable knowledge to promote and enhance their products.” This commitment to fostering growth and innovation is central to the Chamber's mission.
He concluded with heartfelt gratitude to the businesses that have sponsored events and participated in various initiatives: “To every business that supported our functions and engaged in our activities, we thank you sincerely. We are excited about developing even greater business opportunities next year, allowing our members to showcase their products effectively.”
Looking ahead, Breytenbach expressed optimism for the future, stating that the Business Chamber is eager to build on its successes in 2026, aiming to unlock more value for its members and enhance Drakenstein as an exceptional place for all.
From being honored as the Best Municipality in the Western Cape to celebrating the recognition of the Best Business Chamber in the province, Drakenstein exemplifies a collaborative spirit and a commitment to excellence. Congratulations to all involved!
