Call to find top EC women
Association celebrates 20 years of empowerment
After 16 years of celebrating exceptional women in business, the Business Women's Association (BWA) is at it again in 2019, calling for nominations of phenomenal women who have contributed to the economy of the region in different categories.
Regional BWA chair Ruth Troskie said this year was momentous for the association, as they were celebrating their 20-year anniversary.
“We want to continue to uplift and celebrate women who are playing a role in building our economy and communities,” she said.
“We recognise and celebrate these women because we want to see transformation and overcome the injustices of inequality by saying, here are capable, credible women who are ready to take their place in boardrooms and other executive positions, something that is not happening fast enough.”
The call for nominations is out, and the final awards will be made at a glitzy ceremony later in the year.
Last year’s winners included Vuyo Sidelo, of Capsun Trade & Invest (trading as CSSA and Entecom) who scooped the emerging entrepreneur category, Nedbank regional manager Sandra Lyn Pelser scooped the corporate category while Professor Lana Weldon from the University of Fort Hare won the professional category.
Mandisa Dukashe of Zanoncedo Empowerment Centre won the social entrepreneur category while beautician Afika Mbandazayo won the regional entrepreneur of the year award.
The association’s campaign is sponsored by East London car giant Mercedes-Benz, the Daily Dispatch, the EL Industrial Development Corporation and Investec.
Troskie said they were looking for a woman, a South African resident, and a business owner in the Border-Kei region.
“The nominee needs to accept the nomination and agree to the terms of the BWA, but they don't have to be a member.
“We have six categories which we believe represent most women, particularly in terms of their profession and where they work,” Troskie said.
Last year’s regional winner and nominee for the national awards Dr Lesley-Ann Foster of Masimanyane Women's International said being a finalist had been an eye-opening experience.
“A lot of women know that I resonate with gender and violence abuse and for me to have been part of the BWA awards was a great platform to get to explain exactly what it is that we do,” Foster said.
“We have been exposed to a community that we wouldn't ordinarily have had access to and have received a lot of support for the organisation and for me as an individual.
“There's something uplifting about being part of a team of diverse women who are driven and always ready to extend a hand, sharing knowledge and also praying together,” she said.
To nominate your phenomenal woman, e-mail or call 043-721-3363. Nominations close on March 29.