By Taralyn McLean (Business Reporter)

 Developers who held their nerve and built through the recession were honoured at a South African Property Owners' Association (Sapoa) gala dinner this week.
"We started these awards three years ago as a way of recognising developers who put their money where their mouths are and risk building development," Sapoa Buffalo City vice-chairperson Grant Wheatley said yesterday.

"We want to reward and recognise those developers who create sustainable projects that are also catalysts for growth."  Winners at the regional event, held at the Osner Hotel on Wendesday, were Lukhanji Mall in the retail category; kenwick Close in the urban development category; and in the tourism development category, the East London International Convention Centre.

Premier Hotels owner Sam nassimov took top honours as regional "Sapoa Developer of the Year" for the convention centre.

"It's great to be recognised for doing something good," nassimov said yesterday, adding: "This award is not just for the developer.  It is great the municipality (BCM) is encouraging development by giving (plans)approval.

"I personally feel very honoured by this award (for the convention centre). " "It has been  my biggest development." - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it