The Judging Process

Our rigorous, multi-layered evaluation process ensures that every SABQA Award is earned on merit, verified by independent research, and validated by the public.

Fair, Independent & Credible

SABQA's judging process is fully independent from the nomination process. No member of the judging panel has a financial or personal relationship with any nominee. All panel members sign a conflict-of-interest declaration before proceedings begin.

The panel reviews verified research data, public voting results, and supporting evidence submitted by nominators. Their deliberations are confidential and their decisions are final.

  • No pay-to-win: no business can purchase an award
  • Independent research is conducted by a third-party market research firm
  • Panel members rotate every two years to prevent bias
  • All results are verified before announcement

How the Score is Calculated

Independent Market Research 60%

Market surveys, mystery shopping, industry data, and competitor benchmarking.

Public Voting 40%

Consumer votes cast during the official voting window, weighted for reach and diversity.

The highest composite score in each category determines the winner.

Judging Criteria

All nominees are evaluated across five core dimensions, regardless of category.

Market Leadership

30%

Strength of brand position, market share, and influence within the sector and region.

Customer Satisfaction

25%

Verified customer feedback, complaint resolution rates, and net promoter scores.

Innovation

20%

Investment in new products, processes, technology, or business models that create value.

Financial Performance

15%

Revenue growth, profitability, and financial stability over the assessment period.

Social Impact

10%

Contribution to communities, employment creation, and sustainable development goals.

Judging FAQs

Can winners challenge the result?
All decisions by the SABQA judging panel are final. No challenges or appeals are accepted after the Gala announcement.
Are nominations reviewed before public voting?
Yes. Every nomination is verified by our research team before being shortlisted for public voting.
How are conflicts of interest managed?
Panel members declare any conflicts before proceedings. Anyone with a direct interest in a nominee is recused from that category.
Is the judging process audited?
Yes. An independent auditor monitors the tallying and scoring process and certifies the results before announcement.
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