Brian Joffe Receives 2026 Investec Jewish Achiever Lifetime Achievement Award

Brian Joffe, a renowned South African entrepreneur, has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to business and philanthropy with the 2026 Investec Jewish Achiever Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, in honour of Helen Suzman, acknowledges Joffe's remarkable achievements in building two corporate giants, Bidvest and Bidcorp. With a career spanning decades, Joffe has made a significant impact on the business landscape, creating thousands of jobs and driving growth across various sectors.

Joffe's business journey began in 1978 when he borrowed R49 000 to acquire an interest in a pet-food manufacturer. He eventually took full ownership and built the business with limited resources and makeshift production equipment. After selling it, he spent time in the United States playing golf before returning to South Africa and joining industrial group Weil & Ascheim. This experience laid the foundation for his future success, and in 1988, he founded Bid Corporation with the acquisition of Chipkins and Sea World.

Under Joffe's leadership, Bid Corporation evolved into Bidvest, with strategic acquisitions including Steiner, Safcor, Waltons, Rennies, and McCarthy. The company's food-service interests expanded internationally, and in 2016, the food-service operations were unbundled into separately listed Bidcorp. Today, the companies comprise more than 250 businesses and employ over 130 000 people across several countries. For the financial year ended June 2026, Bidcorp reported revenue of R242.2 billion and Bidvest R130.3 billion.

Peers and colleagues describe Joffe as a visionary businessman with exceptional entrepreneurial skills. Andy Leith, former managing director of Investec South Africa, praises Joffe as "probably the best all-round businessman that I've ever met." Leith notes that Joffe's ability to see opportunities that others overlooked was a key factor in his success. Stephen Koseff, veteran banker and former Investec chief executive, shares this sentiment, recalling that it took only 30 seconds to back Joffe's business proposal in 1988.

Joffe's commitment to philanthropy and giving back is a significant aspect of his legacy. He has supported numerous charitable causes, often preferring to avoid publicity. His uncle Benny Weinstein introduced him to the Jewish principle of giving at least 10% to tzedakah, which has had a lasting impact on Joffe's approach to philanthropy. He has also been driven by the significance of chai, the Hebrew numerical value of 18, associated with life.

Joffe's personal life has been marked by his long-lasting marriage to his wife, Lee, who has been part of his business journey from the beginning. Today, Joffe is retired in Israel but maintains a strong connection to South Africa, where his family, friends, and business interests remain. His dedication to building rather than merely accumulating wealth has been a core motivation throughout his career.

The recognition of Joffe's achievements serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the business world. As Koseff notes, Joffe's contribution is difficult to overstate, and his legacy will likely be felt for generations to come. With his focus on creating opportunities and elevating others, Joffe has left a lasting impression on the South African business landscape and beyond.

Key points

• Brian Joffe receives the 2026 Investec Jewish Achiever Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions to business and philanthropy.