Jo Fensham honoured with two awards at Industry Awards Dinner

On 6 Octover 2025, the annual South African Boat Builders Export Council (SABBEX) Awards Dinner brought together more than 300 leaders, innovators, and craftspeople from across South Africa’s marine manufacturing industry. Amidst this gathering of talent, Jo Fensham was deeply honoured to be recognised with two prestigious awards.

For a small company to stand out twice in such a competitive field is both humbling and inspiring. These awards reflect the values that underpin our business — collaboration, consistency, and long-term commitment to excellence.

Collaborative Impact Award

The first accolade of the evening, the Collaborative Impact Award, was accepted by Tariq Fensham on behalf of the entire Jo Fensham team.

This category honours teams, partnerships, and cross-industry synergy — celebrating how collaboration can multiply results and create lasting impact.

For more than four decades, the Jo Fensham Yacht Upholstery team has worked hand-in-hand with many of South Africa’s leading boatbuilders and designers, including Robertson & Caine, Kinetic Catamarans, Maverick Catamarans, Two Oceans Marine, Southern Wind, HopYacht, Phoenix Marine Manufacturing, and Jacobs Brothers.

Their upholstery, soft furnishings, and custom bedding have featured aboard yachts that have gone on to earn international recognition, from the World Superyacht Awards to Sail Magazine’s Multihull of the Year.

Beyond the technical skill, it is this collaborative spirit that defines the company’s success. Working seamlessly alongside designers, project managers, and production teams, Jo Fensham ensures every yacht’s interior and exterior upholstery aligns perfectly with the overall design and delivery schedule.

Their ability to respond under pressure, deliver precisely to specification, and solve complex challenges at speed has earned them the trust of the country’s top boatyards. This award reflects that — recognising Jo Fensham as a cornerstone collaborator within South Africa’s thriving marine manufacturing community.

Small Steps to Big Wins Award: Bradley Wassung

The second recognition of the night, the Small Steps to Big Wins Award, was presented to Bradley Wassung, Production Manager at Jo Fensham.

This award highlights the power of patience, persistence, and long-term effort — celebrating those who demonstrate that even small, consistent progress can lead to extraordinary achievements over time.

Bradley’s journey is a perfect reflection of this ethos. Having joined Jo Fensham 14 years ago at entry level, he has steadily advanced through the business — from packer and driver to Production Manager — through sheer determination, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to learning.

Along the way, Bradley completed his matric, earned a Production Management for Industry qualification from CPUT, and later completed a GetSmarter Operations Management course — all while working full-time. His quiet discipline, strong leadership, and daily commitment to upholding quality have elevated both his team and the company.

As a mentor and motivator, Bradley embodies the values that underpin Jo Fensham’s success: consistency, reliability, and growth through continuous improvement. His recognition at the SABBEX Awards highlights the people behind the precision — those whose sustained effort keeps South Africa’s boatbuilding reputation world-class.

A milestone for Jo Fensham

To receive two awards in one evening is a milestone moment for Jo Fensham — and a tribute to the people, partnerships, and persistence that define the company.

It reflects not only the skill of its artisans and upholsterers but also the culture of collaboration that runs through every project. From local workshops to international waters, Jo Fensham’s work continues to showcase South African craftsmanship at its finest.

Jo Fensham – celebrating collaboration, consistency, and craftsmanship that lasts.