Karthi Moothsamy and Saantha Naidoo receive Crown Jewel awards in Mauritius - IOL

Karthy Moothsamy with his recent award. Alongside him are Dharambeer Gokhool, the President of the Republic of Mauritius (left, and Dr VRS Sampath, Chairman and organiser of the World Tamil Economic Development Society.

SOUTH Africa’s business community has received an important international vote of confidence following the recognition of two respected entrepreneurs, Karthi Moothsamy, Chairperson and founder of Tamil Business Warriors, and Saantha Naidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Coastlands Hotel Group.

The two South Africans were recipients of the prestigious Crown Jewel of World Tamils Award at the 13th World Tamils Economic Conference and Global Economic Summit, held recently in Mauritius. 

The awards were presented by Dharambeer Gokhool (Grand Commander of the Order), President of the Republic of Mauritius.

Receiving an international accolade from the Head of State of a country with such profound historical, cultural and economic connections to Africa, India and the global Tamil diaspora makes this recognition particularly significant.

This was more than an awards ceremony. It was a moment of South African pride and an acknowledgement of what can be achieved when entrepreneurship is guided by vision, perseverance, cultural consciousness and service to society.

Saantha Naidoo with Dharambeer Gokhool, the President of the Republic of Mauritius (left, and Dr VRS Sampath, Chairman and organiser of the World Tamil Economic Development Society.

Moothsamy’s recognition reflects his commitment to building networks through which entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate and grow. Through Tamil Business Warriors, he has helped to create a platform that promotes entrepreneurship, mentorship, economic participation and international business cooperation.

The organisation is not confined to advancing individual businesses. Its broader mission is to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture, particularly among emerging businesspeople, women and young people, while connecting South African enterprises to opportunities on the African continent, within the Indian Ocean region and across the world.

Moothsamy understands that heritage must not merely be remembered; it must become a living resource that inspires present and future generations. His leadership demonstrates that cultural identity and economic progress are not opposing forces. When approached inclusively and responsibly, heritage can become a source of confidence, creativity, discipline and enterprise.

The award presented to Naidoo similarly recognises an inspiring South African business journey. Through the Coastlands Hotel Group and his wider interests in property, hospitality and financial services, he has contributed to economic development, tourism, investment and employment.

The Coastlands' name has become closely associated with hospitality in KwaZulu-Natal. Its growth represents the value of long-term planning, determination and the courage to transform an entrepreneurial vision into a sustainable enterprise.

The hospitality sector is about far more than buildings, accommodation and conferences. It is about creating experiences, welcoming people, supporting tourism and presenting the character of a country to the world. Through his work, Naidoo has helped to position KwaZulu-Natal as a destination for tourism, business and major events.

The achievements of these two leaders have even greater meaning when viewed against South Africa’s history.

The ancestors of many South African Tamils arrived on these shores as indentured labourers from 1860. They came with few material possessions, but carried with them their languages, religious traditions, cultural practices, work ethic and hope for a better future.

From the sugar estates of colonial Natal emerged generations of teachers, doctors, academics, religious leaders, professionals, workers and entrepreneurs who helped to build modern South Africa.

Today, descendants of that community are no longer defined by the hardships imposed upon their ancestors. They are participating confidently in the global economy while remaining rooted in the values of family, education, enterprise and community service.

The recognition of Moothsamy and Naidoo therefore belongs not only to them and their families. It is also a tribute to the generations whose sacrifices created the foundations upon which today’s achievements have been built.

The Crown Jewel Award should not be viewed merely as a trophy placed in an office or displayed on a shelf. A crown jewel is something valued because it is rare, distinguished and capable of representing the best of a people. In this context, the award celebrates leadership that has created opportunity, inspired others and strengthened the global voice of Tamil enterprise.

It also carries a responsibility. Recognition of this nature must encourage established business leaders to open doors for those who are still trying to find their place in the economy. The true value of success is ultimately measured not only by what we accumulate, but by how many others we enable to rise.

South Africa urgently needs business leaders who are prepared to mentor young entrepreneurs, support small enterprises, invest in communities and create meaningful employment. International recognition is important, but its greatest value lies in how it inspires action at home.

The World Tamils Economic Conference has become an important platform for connecting entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and thought leaders from different countries. It demonstrates how a global diaspora can use shared cultural bonds to stimulate trade, investment, innovation and knowledge exchange.

For South Africa, participation in such forums creates opportunities to establish partnerships across Mauritius, India, Africa, the Indian Ocean region and the wider international community. In a rapidly changing global economy, relationships and trusted networks are as valuable as financial capital.

Moothsamy and Naidoo have shown that it is possible to be proudly South African, deeply connected to one’s heritage and globally relevant at the same time.

Their achievements remind our young people that their origins need never limit their destinations. The stories of their ancestors can become a source of strength, while education, entrepreneurship and technology can provide the means to compete in the modern world.

This is indeed a moment of pride, a moment of history and a moment of global recognition.

South Africa congratulates them on receiving this distinguished honour. Their Crown Jewel Awards celebrate two remarkable journeys, but they also illuminate a larger story - the continuing contribution of South Africans to business, development and community advancement across the world.

Their success reflects the enduring power of vision, resilience and service. It is also a call to the next generation: remain grounded in your heritage, courageous in your ambitions and generous in the opportunities you create for others.

Dr Rajendran Govender is a Social Anthropologist and Researcher and the Chief Executive Officer of Tamil Business Warriors.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or post.co.za