SOUTH AFRICA – Richard Manzini, CEO of Daybreak Foods, has been highlighted as a finalist in the esteemed BBQ Businessman of the Year Awards. 

The BBQ Awards, set to take place on July 26, 2024, at Emperors Palace in Gauteng, aim to promote sustainable black business and transformation by recognizing exemplary corporate governance, leadership, and achievement. 

Recognized as the nation’s longest-running black business awards, this ceremony has honored transformation pioneers for almost twenty years.

The event features ten categories and is open to individuals, black-owned businesses, and empowered organizations across South Africa. 

Finalists and winners, chosen by an independent adjudication panel, will be announced during a live-streamed ceremony to reach a broad audience.

Over the past year, he has steered Daybreak Foods through a noteworthy recovery, overcoming significant obstacles such as Avian Influenza, soaring feed costs, load shedding, and taking charge of a struggling business with a tarnished reputation.

Manzini, an influential player in the business world and a veteran private equity investor, has left a significant mark on the corporate scene. 

He brought operational stability, recruited top-tier professionals, rebuilt stakeholder trust, reclaimed major customers, and strengthened the employee value proposition. 

Under his guidance, Daybreak Foods is now on a recovery trajectory, attracting investor support and securing over 3,300 jobs amid a tough economic landscape.

Manzini’s educational achievements are notable, with degrees from four South African universities: a BBus.Sci from UCT, an LLB from Unisa, an MBA and MMFI from Wits, and an MSc from UP. He is also a certified director (IoDSA) and holds several board positions.

“I am deeply honored by this nomination,” said Manzini. 

In addition to his role at Daybreak Foods, Manzini has been instrumental in partnering with the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme to combat youth unemployment. 

This collaboration provides young people with opportunities in agriculture and related sectors. 

Manzini has actively promoted agribusiness careers through talks at Mpumalanga University and Fort Hare University, encouraging many young individuals to consider this rewarding field.

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