Linda Blackbeard has been named as one of the most influential businesswomen in Africa. At the Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government and Titans awards at the Vodacom Dome in Midrand on 28 July, the CEO of the Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, based in Ferndale, was awarded the finalist and runner-up position for the agencies and regulatory authorities category.
“It’s an honour to stand among such amazing women at this level and receive such ‘personal achievement’ recognition,” she said afterwards. “I feel humbled, privileged and very proud.” Blackbeard added that without “a stream of amazing people” behind her, she would not have received the award. “They too need to be acknowledged for their strength, commitment, dedication and inspiring initiatives.” She continued that the award would instil pride and confidence in the members of the chamber, as well as local businesses that it serves.
Blackbeard gave brief descriptions of some of the current projects the chamber is involved in:
– Connectivity, support and aid given to Gauteng’s service delivery war room
– Offering short, medium and long-term energy solutions for South Africa
– A rural development, upliftment and empowerment programme that will soon be rolling out on an international level
– The entrepreneur mentoring programme for SMME’s with the EARN International hub development
– The Johannesburg Organisation of Services to the Homeless (Josh) taking the homeless off the street and helping them to help themselves.
