Johannesburg, 28 July 2024: “It’s not every day that I get to surround myself with the best of the best in the world of business, it is a privilege that I am here, and it was amazing, humbling and edifying all at once,” says BBQ Businessman of the Year, Richard Manzini.

Manzini, the catalyst for change at Daybreak Foods and the company’s current CEO, scooped the top award at the gala event held Friday night at Emperor’s Palace. He was one of the 10 finalists recognised by BBQ as champions of strategy, operations, leadership and transformation across South Africa.

“Rubbing shoulders with the who’s who of business in South Africa, allowed us to showcase Daybreak’s business model and strategy. My vision to become a mainstay nationally and globally recognised brand in the industry has started.”

The BBQ Awards is South Africa's most prestigious and longest running black business awards ceremony. For almost 2 decades, the Awards have honoured and recognised the champions of business across South Africa, as well as encouraged and promoted sustainable black business and transformation through the recognition of good corporate governance, leadership and achievement.

“Thank you for this nomination, and for this award, which is absolutely thrilling for us” adds Manzini, “this is not something that I could have achieved alone. I hold this award on behalf of Daybreak’s 3500 employees some of whom as I stand here are in our plants working, my family, the board, our shareholders and the community where our operating activities take place. My gratitude to BBQ and all industry participants. I am humbled by the recognition. We at Daybreak take this as a welcomed responsibility to continue making the right sustainable decisions for the business. To be a part of the South African transformation story.”