ElectroBase’s annual Supplier of the Year (SOY) event honoured outstanding partners and suppliers who have played an integral role in the group’s success story. This year marked ElectroBase’s 25th anniversary, a milestone that reflects a journey of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
“The ElectroBase annual SOY event is the premier gathering for leading professionals and key decision-makers in the electrical industry. This highly anticipated occasion is a cornerstone of the ElectroBase calendar, bringing our valued members and suppliers together to celebrate excellence, build meaningful connections, and explore the future of our industry,” said Anthony Lloyd, CEO of ElectroBase.
This year’s SOY event took place from 6–7 November at the Oubaai Hotel and Golf Course, near George, with a full itinerary that included a golf day, a suppliers' expo, and an awards gala evening. ElectroBase members representing all regions in South Africa and the Southern African border countries were in attendance, with some coming from as far as Australia.
Leading up to the awards
The programme kicked off with a golf day on the 6th. Despite the wet weather, players remained in high spirits and pushed through with the American Scramble format to complete the course.
Congratulations to the winning team, which comprised Leonie Breedt, Stephen Grobler, Conrad Bothma, and Brendan Le Grange.
After the day of golf, everyone reconvened in the evening to enjoy a braai.
The next day, the focus shifted to the suppliers’ exhibition and their presentations about new products and industry developments.
The following suppliers had exhibits on-site and also shared their expertise during the presentation slots: WACO, Crabtree, Enerji Electrical, MajorTech, Siemens, Radiant, Eurolux, HellermannTyton, Smart Homes driven by Herholdts, Stone Stamcor, Veti, Bright Star Lighting, and Three-D Agencies.
After the informative and engaging presentations, there was a short break before the evening’s awards dinner commenced.
Crowning the winners
The evening’s formalities were kept to a minimum with no long speeches. ElectroBase’s new chairman of the board, Gary Nieuwstad, said a few words, welcoming everyone and thanking them for their hard work and support over the years.
“We have never walked this road alone, so a massive thank you to all our suppliers,” Nieuwstad said.
For the first time, there were no silver or bronze awards for the SOY – only gold. MajorTech was awarded the top honours of ‘Supplier of the Year’, with Stone Stamcor achieving ‘Most Improved Supplier’.
The other suppliers who won gold were:
- Bright Star
- Crabtree
- Eurolux
- HellermannTyton
- Enerji Electrical
- Three-D Agencies
- WACO
Afterwards, the Suppliers’ Choice awards followed. Congratulations to the following winners:
- Plumstead Electrical – Gold
- Herholdts Group – Silver
- Lite-Glo – Bronze
For a good cause
During the SOY gala dinner, ElectroBase announced that its suppliers and members will once again initiate a fundraising drive for the SA Children’s Home. This initiative will take the form of a friendly challenge between suppliers and members: a participant may donate an amount and then challenge another supplier or member to match or exceed their contribution.
The competition was officially launched by Heine Herholdt of the Herholdts Group, who generously donated the R36,500 prize money he received for his Suppliers’ Choice award and doubled it, encouraging others to follow his example.
This challenge will run from 20 November 2025 to 20 December 2025.
“Any contribution, no matter how small or large, will be sincerely appreciated. Let us give where it is needed most. Every cent makes a meaningful difference in the lives of these children,” said Lloyd.
Coming in 2026
Next year’s SOY event will take place around the same time of year, in Gauteng. Further details will be announced in due course.
