The 22nd Annual Top Empowerment Awards Ceremony, presented by Topco Media in association with Impumelelo Top Empowerment Companies, took place at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg on the evening of July 20, 2023. The awards ceremony celebrated and honored South African Purpose-Led Transformers and recognized their commitment and responsibility to secure a transformed and empowered future for the nation.
Hosted by talented actor and comedian Alan Committie, the event set the stage for an inspiring evening of celebration and recognition. Distinguished guests, transformation captains and industry leaders came together to recognize the great strides companies and individuals have made in boosting black business and empowering people from all walks of life.
“I am extremely proud to extend my sincere congratulations to all the winners and runners-up of the Top Empowerment Awards 2023,” said Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Top Media. “Their remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to transformation have had an indelible impact on the South African economy and society. As we celebrate the 22nd Annual Top Empowerment Awards, it is clear that each of them is a catalyst for positive change, propelling us into a more inclusive and prosperous future.”
“This prestigious event brought together industry leaders, pioneers and visionaries who exemplify the true spirit of empowerment. Their dedication and hard work inspires us all, and I am truly honored to witness the exceptional steps they have taken to move our country forward.”
The top winners of the evening are:
1. Top Empowered Company: Fast Growth Black-Owned SMME of the Year Award
Winner: NTGR Engineering
Representative: Abednico Mkhari, Director, NTGR Engineering
Runner up: Y-BRAND
2. Top Empowered Company: award for sustainable company of the year
Winner: Sun International
Representative: Anthony Leeming, Chief Executive, Sun International
Runner-up: Coca Cola Beverages South Africa
3. Top Empowered Company: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace of the Year Award
Winner: Exxaro
Recipient: dr. Nombasa Tsengwa, CEO, Exxaro
4. Top Empowered Company: Digital Transformation of the Year Award
Winner: Liquid Intelligent Technologies
Recipient: Trishen Moodley, Head of Information Technology, Liquid Intelligent Technologies
5. Top Empowered Company: Public Sector of the Year Award
Winner: CEF Group
Recipient: dr. Tshepo Mokoka, Chairman, CEF Group
6. Top Empowered Company: Education and Skills Development of the Year Award
Winner: BP South Africa
Recipient: Taelo Mojapelo, CEO, BP South Africa
7. Top Empowered Company: Enterprise and Supplier Development of the Year Award
Winner: African Bank
Recipient: Edna Montse, Group Executive Transformation & Sustainability, African Bank
Runner Up: Rennie’s BCD Travel
8. Top Empowered Company: Socio-Economic Development of the Year Award
Winner: Sasol
Recipient: Brenda Nkosi-Bakare, Head Governance, Compliance, Planning & Management, Sasol
Runner up: Oceana Group Limited
9. Top Empowered Company: Job Creation Award of the Year Award
Winner: Schneider Electric
Recipient: Kim Naidoo, Head of HR, Schneider Electric
Runner up: exponent
10. Top Empowered Company: Youth Development of the Year Award
Winner: Nestlé
Recipient: Nicole Roos, Managing Director, Nestlé
11. Top Empowered Company: Public Sector Leader of the Year Award
Winner: CEF Group – Zinhle Thupana
Recipient: Zinhle Thupana, Group Executive Corporate Service, CEF Group
12. Award for the best entrepreneur of the year
Winner: TakeNote IT – Mamela Luthuli
Recipient: Mamela Luthuli, President and CEO, TakeNote IT
Runner-up: Mandate Molefi – Nene Molefi
13. Award for the best emancipated young performer of the year
Winner: Dimension Data – Natalie Musonda
Recipient: Natalie Musonda, Head of Diversity and Sustainability, Dimension Data
Runner Up: AfroCentric Health – Dr. Abongile Qamata
14. Best Powerful Business Leader of the Year Award
Winner: Methano Group – Sereme Joel Maphaka
Recipient: Sereme Maphaka, CEO, Methano Group
15. Best Authorized Company of the Year Award
Winner: Traders
Recipient: Sydwell Shikweni, Vice President Transformation, Merchants
The event also witnessed special recognition for Legends of Empowerment: Nedbank, Inseta, Amis, SAB, Bathu Shoes and PWC.
The prestigious event’s highest accolade, the Lifetime Achiever Award, goes to someone who has built a legacy in Africa’s driving transformation. This award was presented to none other than Velaphi Ratshefola, the Managing Director of Coca Cola Beverages South Africa.
Velaphi Ratshefola was appointed Managing Director of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa in 2016 and led the integration of six different entities to build CCBSA. Velaphi’s exceptional leadership has earned CCBSA multiple global and supplier awards. But it doesn’t end there, his commitment to empowering women is reflected in the Women@CCBSA program, nurturing female talent and promoting representation in leadership. Velaphi’s mission transcends mere profit; he is committed to leaving a lasting positive impact on society through economic, social and environmental contributions.
Transforming South Africa: celebrating the visionaries
The evening was celebrated by esteemed judges, including Noah Debeila, President & CEO of SMME Chamber of Commerce, and Tshepo Ncube, Head of International Coverage at Absa, who played a pivotal role in selecting the winners.
“Together we will continue to push boundaries, break down barriers and shape a future where equality and opportunity thrive. I am confident that the impact of the awards will resonate well beyond the evening and inspire countless others to join the movement towards a more connected, inclusive and prosperous South Africa,” said Fletcher. “Congratulations again to all winners and runners-up. Your passion and dedication to transformation are an example to all of us. Thank you for being the driving force behind change, and I eagerly look forward to witnessing your continued success and impact on our beloved nation.”
TOP EMPOWERMENT AWARDS 2023 CELEBRATES SOUTH
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