Sustainability took centre stage at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens as Spur Corporation celebrated the winners of its 2024 Green Feather Rewards, honouring restaurants that have gone the extra mile in their commitment to environmental responsibility.
This year’s theme, “Unity for change”, highlighted the power of collective action in tackling sustainability challenges, bringing together individuals, businesses, and communities to forge a greener future.
After months of rigorous evaluation, Birchwood Spur in Boksburg, Gauteng emerged as the ultimate champion, walking away with the first prize of R50 000. For the third year in a row, Johan Erasmus, Darrel Gower, and their team proved that sustainability isn’t just a corporate buzzword – it’s a way of life.
From solar panels to a borehole, their restaurant has made substantial eco-friendly investments, but what truly set them apart was their community-based recycling program and farm, demonstrating a sustainability approach that goes beyond the restaurant floor and into the heart of the community.
Eagle Mountain Spur in Thabazimbi, Limpopo claimed second place, earning a R20 000 prize. Owners Jacques, Isabel, and Ruvé Blaauw have turned their restaurant into a beacon of green innovation, integrating solar energy solutions and engaging their staff in sustainability initiatives.
Their commitment has positioned them as a role model for the restaurant industry, proving that profitability and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
There was a tie for third place, with Little Rock Spur in Piketberg, Western Cape and RocoMamas Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng both walking away with R10 000 each.
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Under the leadership of Nicolene Claassen and Standton Naidoo, Little Rock Spur has fully embraced sustainability with solar power, water conservation measures, and paperless operations, all while staying actively involved in their local community.
Meanwhile, RocoMamas Vanderbijlpark, led by Rita Benecke and Hendrik Wagener, has taken an equally hands-on approach, spearheading food gardens, waste repurposing projects, and community clean-ups that make a tangible difference in their surroundings.
Beyond the winners, several finalists also received well-earned recognition for their environmental efforts. Restaurants such as Eagle Ridge, Kansas Spur, Malibu Bay Spur, Silverado Spur, John Dory’s Pavilion, and Panarottis East Rand Mall have all played their part in reducing their environmental footprint, reinforcing Spur Corporation’s vision for a sustainable restaurant industry.
As one of South Africa’s most well-loved restaurant groups, Spur Corporation continues to drive eco-conscious initiatives across its operations, using the Green Feather Rewards to inspire and celebrate the restaurateurs who are turning sustainability into action.
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