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At Brahman Hills, sustainability isn’t just a trend — it’s our way of life. Every tree we plant, every watt of solar power we generate, and every drop of water we recycle is part of a bigger promise: to protect our environment, uplift our community, and show that luxury and sustainability can thrive together. For us, being green is woven into every corner of our property — from our thriving organic gardens, pesticide-free environment, and beehives to our off-grid energy solutions and waste-free operations.

And now, this unwavering commitment to greener hospitality has been recognised at the highest level: we’re proud winners in the Renewable Efficiency – Green Initiatives category at the 2025KZN Top Business Awards, presented by Standard Bank and the Women of Africa Group.

The awards evening, held at Coastlands Musgrave Hotel in Durban on 17 July, was a memorable celebration of KwaZulu-Natal’s most inspiring businesses and visionary leaders. Hosted by EastCoast Radio’s Carol Ofori, the night was filled with energy, resilience and applause for companies and individuals driving real change across the province.

These awards celebrated outstanding businesses driving positive change and in the Renewable Efficiency – GreenInitiatives category those who lead in renewable energy,
low-carbon transport, energy-efficient buildings, clean technologies, and sustainable waste management.

For us at Brahman Hills, this recognition reflects years of dedication to building a regenerative, people-powered future. Tucked away in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, our property has grown into one of South Africa’s most inspiring examples of sustainable luxury. Here’s how:

Powered by Nature

Today, solar power supplies 85% of our energy needs — keeping us largely off-grid while reducing our carbon footprint.Our sophisticated wastewater purification system filters water twice, protecting our lake and water sources while providing purified water for our gardens. Rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling help us irrigate our award-winning garden and rehabilitate our lake sustainably. We also propagate many of our own plants on-site, ensuring our gardens flourish with indigenous and climate-appropriate species while reducing the need for external suppliers.

Bringing Biodiversity to Life

We’ve planted over 1,000 trees in the past few years, supporting carbon capture and local biodiversity. Our thriving organic vegetable and herb gardens provide fresh, seasonal produce straight from our soil to our kitchens — giving guests a true taste of farm-to-fork dining and further closing the loop on sustainable living, while 12 beehives —produce over 140 litres of raw honey each year, all in a pesticide-free environment that supports pollinators and the wider ecosystem.

Closing the Loop

Our zero single-use plastics policy, composting, and glass bottle refills ensure waste is managed responsibly. Even food waste is turned back into soil enrichment, keeping our gardens lush. Artists used upcycle materials for art installations, showing that creativity and conservation can thrive side by side.

Sustainability Starts with People

Our green initiatives are made possible by our dedicated team — from the staff who built our Royal Horticulture SocietyPartner Garden (one of only two in South Africa) during lockdown, to the local artisans and gardeners who keep our spaces alive and blooming. Many of our leaders started in junior roles and have grown with us, proving that nurturing people goes hand in hand with nurturing nature.

Purpose Meets Profitability

What makes us most proud is that all our green infrastructure has been self-funded through reinvested profits — showing that sustainability can be not only ethical but economically sound. This approach helps us extend our impact beyond Brahman Hills, supporting our communities and local crèches through our partnership with The Unlimited Child.

Winning the KZN Top Business Award for Renewable Efficiency – Green Initiatives is an honour — but for us, it’s just the beginning.
As our Executive Director, Onwaba Gonyora, says:

“This isn’t the finish line. It’s motivation to keep going, to keep reimagining how tourism, nature, people, and business can thrive together.”

We thank our entire Brahman Hills team for living this vision every day and as we look ahead, we remain committed to finding new ways to grow, protect, and inspire — proving that sustainability is not a destination, but a journey we’re honoured to keep walking, step by greener step!

Read the full press release on our website
https://www.brahmanhills.co.za/news/kzn-top-business-awards-renewable-efficiency---green-initiatives

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https://www.instagram.com/brahmanhills
https://www.facebook.com/brahmanhills

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