DISCLAIMER
This production is the property of Bloemfontein Courant and published to announce the results of the Best of Bloemfontein Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

The category winners announced here have been chosen by online reader votes in the annual Best of Bloemfontein campaign. The voting results as depicted herein were verified by independent auditors and are final.

Best Architect: Reinier Brönn Architects

Reinier Brönn Architects and Associates CC was established in 1998. Centrally based in Bloemfontein, their location allows them to operate efficiently across South Africa. The practice specialises in residential, commercial, and industrial architecture, delivering tailored design solutions to meet diverse client needs.

Best Car Service: Human Auto Ford

The vision of Human Auto Ford is to promote effective community involvement through the availability of affordable, quality motor vehicles. At the heart of the company’s mission is a commitment to serving the greater communities of the Free State and Northern Cape by fostering prosperity and growth. Human Auto operates under the MIBCO agreement, striving to maintain industrial peace and stability for both employer and employee. Its affiliation with MERSETA ensures that skills development plans are actively developed and implemented within the organisation. 

Best Creative and Brand Agency: Chrysalis Advertising & Publishing

Chrysalis Advertising & Publishing is a creative powerhouse with over 20 years of experience delivering standout design solutions. Known for reliability, creativity, and cost-effective brilliance, they transform ideas into eye-catching results – on time and within brand. From corporate polish to small business flair, Chrysalis makes the impossible look easy.

Best Courier Service: The Courier Guy

The Courier Guy South Africa was founded in 2000. The Courier Guy has built a strong reputation through strong customer relations and effective personal service. Today, The Courier Guy is trusted, recognised and the fastest growing courier company in South Africa.

Best Digital and Social Media Marketing Company: Viral Solutions

Established in Bloemfontein in 2011, Viral Solutions offers expert social media management with a personal touch. Serving clients across Africa – including major universities and brands – their team delivers trusted, tailored digital marketing solutions. Known for long-term client relationships, Viral Solutions is a top choice for social media strategy and support.

Best Doggie Parlour: Pawsh Doggy Parlour

Pawsh Doggy Parlour in Langenhoven Park, Bloemfontein, offers expert grooming with a loving touch. From baths to stylish cuts, nail trims to ear cleaning – every dog gets VIP care. With a handy pick-up and drop-off service, it’s no wonder Pawsh is Bloemfontein’s go-to doggy spa for happy, pampered pups.

Best Electrician: Lamax Project & Services

Lamax Project & Services offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including house wiring, Certificates of Compliance (COCs), fault finding, renovations, plumbing, and both electrical and mechanical maintenance and installations. Their expertise also covers building, roofing, swimming pool installations, damp sealing, and painting – making them a reliable partner for residential and commercial projects alike.

Best Event Hire Company: Covet Projects

Covet Projects specialises in creating beautifully curated events with a focus on unique décor and floral design. From weddings and corporate functions to baby showers, kids’ parties, and even custom cakes, Covet Projects offers creative, full-service event coordination to turn any occasion into an unforgettable experience. 

Best Fibre Supplier: Iclix

Iclix offers a wide range of internet services, including Wireless, Fibre, LTE-A, ADSL, and VDSL. Driven by a commitment to meet all your digital needs, this dynamic company provides tailored solutions across connectivity, communication, and IT support. Their services include internet access, email, hosting, VOIP solutions, security, network installation, and comprehensive IT maintenance and support.

Best Fuel Station: Engen Northridge Convenience Centre

Engen Northridge, located at the corner of Kenneth Kaunda and Christo Groenewald Road, is a convenient stop for both travellers and locals. As part of South Africa’s trusted Engen brand, the station focuses on quality fuel products, excellent forecourt service, and well-maintained convenience assets – all backed by dynamic, ongoing promotions.

Best Funeral Service Provider: Louise Nel Funeral Services

Louise Nel Funeral Services in Bloemfontein offers compassionate, professional support during difficult times. Providing funeral arrangements, cremations, repatriations, exhumations, and tombstones, they ensure dignity and care with every service. With years of experience, they are a trusted partner in honouring loved ones respectfully.

Best Gas System Installer: Executive Gas & Lifestyle

An improved lifestyle is the philosophy that guides all activities at Executive Gas. In an industry where your success is determined by the perfect balance between speed and safety, Executive Gas can improve your lifestyle in a dynamic and safe fashion. This is made possible by the company’s experience and commitment to safety and thorough planning before implementation. Through preparing for and safely planning every sale and installation, Executive Gas ensures that relationships are built on well-planned foundations.

Best Glass & Aluminium Supplier: Bloem Glass & Aluminium

Bloem Glass & Aluminium is committed to providing new and existing clients with top-quality glass and aluminium products, expert installations, and reliable service. As industry leaders in Bloemfontein, they deliver high-end solutions and durable structures that meet the highest standards of craftsmanship and design.

Best Home Loans Provider: Dare2Dream Homeloans

At the heart of Dare2Dream Homeloans is a shared passion for turning dreams into addresses. Led by founder Yolandi Bezuidenhout and seasoned home finance specialist Madelein Snyman, this duo brings over three decades of combined experience, a deep understanding of the home loan landscape, and a client-first approach to every interaction.

Best Home Security Company: Bloemsec

Bloemsec provides a professional all-round security service, which includes armed response, guarding, and a wide range of security solutions. The family-owned security company is based in the heart of the Free State and has been keeping Bloemfontein safe for over ten years.

Best Legal Service: Phatshoane Henney Attorneys

At Phatshoane Henney Attorneys, a team of experts has been uniquely assembled with one goal in mind – to address the needs of clients. The firm views its combined skills, abilities, strengths, and backgrounds as necessary tools that allow it to meet any challenge and find the right solutions for its clients.

Best Must-Hire Venue/Conference Venue: Brandkop Estate

Brandkop Estate is a unique boutique venue on the fringe of Bloemfontein, featuring a historic Cape Dutch homestead and tranquil gardens dating back to 1876. Ideal for weddings, conferences, and intimate gatherings of up to 150 guests, the estate offers versatile event spaces, picturesque natural surroundings, and family-friendly activities –ensuring a memorable experience for every occasion.

Best Network Provider: Vodacom

Vodacom is a leading African communications company providing a wide range of communication services, including mobile voice, messaging, data, financial, and converged services to over 110 million customers.

Best Online Grocery Delivery Service: Checkers Sixty60

Checkers Sixty60 is a 60-minute grocery delivery service. Sixty60 allows you to conveniently shop from over 23,000 products using your smartphone, and get your groceries delivered to you within 60 minutes.

Best Office Automation Supplier: Itec

Itec is a leading provider of printing, production printing, document management, enterprise communications, and financial solutions. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, Itec delivers integrated services that help businesses streamline operations and enhance productivity.

Best Panel Beaters: OFS Smart Repair

OFS Smart Repair, based in East End, Bloemfontein, has grown into a state-of-the-art, approved auto body repairer. Combining highly skilled staff with an ultra-modern workshop, the company consistently delivers superior workmanship and trusted service.

Best Photographer/Videographer: Rooistoel

Rooistoel Video Productions & Digital Marketing simplifies complex video solutions, helping businesses grow with hassle-free marketing that works. They expertly craft videos, animations, live streams, and immersive VR/AR experiences – tailored to each client’s unique needs for maximum impact and engagement.  

Best Plumber: ESL Plumbing

ESL Plumbing is a dedicated construction plumbing company that has grown from humble beginnings – starting with its first project at a small hostel in Bloemfontein – into a formidable competitor with projects across South Africa. Their steady expansion reflects a commitment to quality, reliability, and industry excellence.

Best Print Services: Just Print It

Just Print It offers expert assistance with photo canvas prints, vinyl wall art, full-colour digital printing, signage, and a variety of decorative solutions – bringing your creative vision to life with precision and flair.

Best Recruitment Business: Mirna Butler Recruitment

Mirna Butler Recruitment brings over 30 years of expertise in connecting exceptional talent with the right opportunities. More than just filling roles, they shape careers and strengthen businesses by offering tailored staffing solutions across diverse industries – ensuring the perfect fit for both candidates and employers.

Best Water Filtration Installer: Forever Pure Water

Forever Pure Water was established by Kobus Wiese in 2001 in Bloemfontein. Specialising in the sourcing, installation, and maintenance of industrial and household water purification and bottling technology, the company has rapidly earned a reputation as one of the most competent and innovative businesses in the region.

Best Scrap Metal Business: Laney’s Metal Trading

Laney’s Metal Trading (LMT), established in 2014 in Bloemfontein, is one of the fastest-growing scrap metal companies in the Free State. Known for professional, efficient service and competitive pricing, LMT combines advanced weighing technology with full regulatory compliance. The company serves a wide range of suppliers – from industrial operations to local farmers – with reliability and integrity.

Best Solar Supplier: Class A Solar

Class A Solar delivers reliable, sustainable energy solutions across South Africa, with a focus on expert solar installations, inverters, and backup systems. Backed by over 30 years of experience, the company powers homes and businesses throughout the Free State – helping clients eliminate load shedding and enjoy uninterrupted, clean energy.

Best Sound Engineers for Events: Creative Kilowatt

Creative Kilowatt Productions has been a trusted technical supplier since 2001, delivering expert sound, staging, mood lighting, and audio-visual effects for weddings, parties, corporate events, and concerts. Backed by a professional team, they cater to all your event needs – whether it’s sound, music, lighting, staging, or audio-visual solutions – with precision and creativity. 

Best Upholsterer: Genie Upholstery

Genie Upholstery offers affordable repair and upholstery services with expertise in fabric, leather, and diamond button finishes. With experience in car trimming, seats, door panels, carpets, and hood linings, as well as the manufacturing of custom sofas, chairs, spare wheel covers, and SUV mattress solutions, they deliver comfort, style, and durability across every project.

Best Shuttle & Transport Service: Citybug Shuttle Service

Citybug is a legally licensed provider of scheduled shuttle services, chartered transport, and tourist transfers, operating in full compliance with the Road and Transport Act. When you book with Citybug, you can travel with confidence, knowing their service is built on a steadfast commitment to safety, security, and comfort throughout your journey.

Best Storage Facility: Bainsvlei Storage

Bainsvlei Storage, located just outside Bloemfontein, offers secure and easily accessible storage units for both business and household needs. With a variety of unit sizes and flexible short- or long-term rental options, they provide convenient, reliable storage solutions tailored to every client’s requirement.