POLOKWANE – Businesswomen and men from around South Africa were invited to be part of the award ceremony, and as usual, the women dominated the awards section.
RBAA hosts Capricorn FM radio presenter Mpho Mashita and Thobela FM radio presenter Lethabo LeJoy Mathatho welcomed nominees inside as they made their way to their tables.
Pastor Nkhensani Mushwana opened the event with an inspirational and powerful prayer, and Inno Mpe, BWASA Executive Committee member welcomed guests.
Tanya Coetzer, the Deputy Chairperson of BWASA thanked guests for attending, while Limpopo BWASA Chairperson, Mmabogoshi Msiza danced her way to the stage as she stood on the podium and appreciated the guests, and also called upon the BWASA team of ladies on stage to thank them for their hard and excellent work.
BWASA National Board Member Happy Ralinala highlighted the growing trend of women in business, women supporting women.
“Women who make their vision known, get further faster. Let’s all share our success and we shall all succeed even more, let us inspire each other as business women,” she advised the guests.
Ledet Deputy Director General for Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Keleabetswe Tloane took to the stage to share her message as a partner of the RBAA.
Special guest speaker for the evening, Dr Judy Dlamini talked about ‘Courage Rebuild’.
“With wisdom, I’ve learnt to embrace the package called ‘me’. My challenge to you is – become an agent of change, push for gender and racial transformation if we are to achieve economic transformation. I’ve learned to ask myself questions such as ‘who am I, who do I want to be and what do I want to leave behind. I believe people are born equal but different, as I have titled my book in a similar statement,” she told the guests.
One by one, winners in the different categories were announced and prizes handed out.
Award for emerging entrepreneur:
• 2nd runner up: Managing Director of Tlhwekisha Laundry and Cleaning Services, Dimakatso Lebelo.
• 1st runner up: Managing Director of Thabeng Lodge, Getrude Mathebe.
• Winner: Director of Papyrus, Bakang Moeketsi.
Established entrepreneur award:
• 2nd runner up: Owner of Kabane Strategic Marketing, Carol De Neijs.
• 1st runner up: Local Fashion Designer, Owner of Mengouchi Haute Couture, Erika Mengouchi.
• Winner: Managing Director of Tiveka Game Lodge Stella Mathumbu.
Corporate Category:
• 1st runner up: Park Inn by Radisson General Manager, Nisha MacDougall.
• 2nd runner up: NHBRC Provincial Manager (Limpopo Province) Nurse Chavalala.
• Winner: Great North Transport Chief Financial Officer, Mampe Gololo.
Professional category:
• 1st runner up: Veterinarian Dr. Florence Makgamatha.
• 2nd runner up: Founder of Phila Dialysis Services Virginia Gcaki.
• Winner: Dentist Dr. Marcia Sibuyi.
Social category:
• 1st runner up: Member of NGO, Change Mind Change Future, Masesebe Ramahuma.
• 2nd runner up: Owner of Mufulufheli Primary Health Care, Livhuwani Ramaano.
• Winner: Owner of the Samaritan Children’s Home, Sarah Galane.
The last award of the evening which was an honorary award, went to Dr and Pastor Khensani Selina Maluleke serving as a senior pastor and founder of Solomon’s Porch Christian Church.
