Dawn Nathan-Jones Receives Investec Business Icon Award

Dawn Nathan-Jones, a business leader with over three decades of experience, has been awarded the Investec Business Icon Award at the 2026 Investec Jewish Achiever Awards. The ceremony took place on Sunday, November 1, in recognition of her business leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and service to the Jewish community. Nathan-Jones expressed her gratitude, saying she was "completely overwhelmed" and filled with "immense gratitude" upon receiving the award.

Nathan-Jones' career began at Imperial Car Rental, where she encountered influential role models, including founder Carol Scott and former chief executive Bill Lynch. Their influence shaped her career in mobility, car rental, and tourism. She eventually became chief executive of the car rental division, helping build it into a R3 billion business with a fleet of over 25,000 vehicles. Her experience in corporate leadership spanned more than three decades.

After stepping down as chief executive, Nathan-Jones decided to leave corporate life and pursue a more purposeful path. This decision led to an unexpected opportunity as one of five judges on M-Net's Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to potential investors. The experience introduced her to young entrepreneurs, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, who had enthusiasm and promising ideas but lacked practical experience and tools.

Nathan-Jones' commitment to service extended to the Jewish community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She co-authored Hope Stories, celebrating entrepreneurs who adapted and persevered through uncertainty. The book aimed to preserve their experiences for future generations. She also joined the Cape Jewish Board of Deputies, supporting vulnerable people and advocating for the rights of the Cape Town Jewish community.

Following the events of October 7, Nathan-Jones continued serving the community through efforts to combat antisemitism and advocate for the Cape Town Jewish community. Her passion for job creation, investing in start-ups, mentoring entrepreneurs, and promoting women's empowerment was also highlighted. She expressed her gratitude to the SA Jewish Report, its chairperson, Howard Sackstein, and the event sponsors.

Nathan-Jones reserved a special tribute for her son, Daniel, thanking him for his kindness, patience, and understanding when work took time away from their time together. She hoped that one day he would look back at the award and feel inspired to pursue his own dreams with determination and passion. The award, she said, belonged not only to her but also to the people who had supported her throughout her career.

Reflecting on the award, Nathan-Jones admitted that she had initially questioned whether she deserved it. However, looking back, she recognised the difference she had made in other people's lives. She ended her speech with the words "Am Yisrael Chai". The award was a testament to her dedication to business leadership, entrepreneurship, and service to the Jewish community.

Key points

• Nathan-Jones received the Investec Business Icon Award for her business leadership, entrepreneurship, and service to the Jewish community.
• She has been involved in various initiatives, including co-authoring Hope Stories and advocating for the rights of the Cape Town Jewish community.
• Nathan-Jones emphasized the importance of job creation, investing in start-ups, mentoring entrepreneurs, and promoting women's empowerment.