Nastassja Pollard, a strategic business partner with over a decade of experience in the compliance industry and Wesley Pollard, founder of BEE Efficient and the CEO of the Bureau Group, each won an award at the African Career Summit and Gala endorsed by the African Union.
The awards were for special recognition in transformation and for employment equity and diversity equity and inclusion.
About the winners
Born in Alberton, Nastassja has dedicated her career to driving meaningful change through her work in broad-based Black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).
“Renowned for our exceptional strategic and creative skills, I have successfully executed over a thousand compliance audits, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Nastassja.
Her passion for diversity and transformation has positioned her as a leading figure in the field, enabling her to implement successful transformation initiatives within large corporations and multinational organisations.
“These efforts not only enhance client satisfaction but also positively influence thousands of lives in our local communities,” she added.
Her extensive experience spans over a decade and supported by qualifications, including the B-BBEE Management Development Programme.
She further highlighted: “As a proud economic empowerment professional (EEP) recognised by the Association of B-BBEE Professionals (ABP), I am committed to advancing B-BBEE, employment equity and DEI principles through strategic implementation and compliance with regulatory frameworks.”
Wesley is a visionary to the group and has surrounded himself with brilliant integrators who can see the vision and execute the rollout of his wants and dreams.
“We touch a group of companies that services all aspects of the compliance value chain,” Wesley said.
Wesley describes himself as the man responsible for building this group of companies and ensuring they stay relevant.
He said: “I take pride in our team and the level of ‘out of the box thinking’ expressed in the work that we do. My mantra is if you ask yourself can it be done better, and you answer ‘yes’ then you must ensure it is done better.”
Well-deserved recognition
This prestigious award celebrates individuals and organisations that demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.
“My work in these areas has always been driven by passion and excellence, and receiving such a distinguished endorsement is both humbling and motivating,” said Nastassja.
“I am honoured to have received an award that recognises my contributions to BB-BEE and DEIA. This recognition underscores my commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and creating equal opportunities for all,” said Nastassja.
Wesley added: “I am sure it would mean the same to any hard-working entrepreneur that has dedicated their entire existence to building something bigger than themselves, something meaningful.
“Mostly, it means validation to all our staff and clients who believed in us. This award is largely because of them. It means I can show them their belief and trust were not misplaced.
“As a small company based in Bassonia in the south of Johannesburg, we are proud of our success and the success it has brought to our community,” said the winners.
“With continued work and being a continued voice, we hope to educate corporate South Africa and the rest of the world on how to access these barter economies and how cultural governance can and is a genuine reflection of transformation. Away with check writing for compliance and bring on the impactful barter relationships.”
