Event celebrates and inspires women’s role in SA
IN CELEBRATION of Women’s Month and in acknowledgement of the powerful role women play in moving South Africa forward, Tsogo Sun’s Citizenship team hosted a “Celebrate and Inspire” Women’s Day event with businesswoman Phuti Mahanyele, executive chairwoman of the Sigma Capital investment group, the keynote speaker.
More than half of Tsogo Sun’s workforce consists of women. The group aims to make a significant impact on creating opportunities and ensuring gender diversity in the workplace.
“Having a diverse employee base is part of the reason why Tsogo Sun continues to be a leader in our industry. Fifty-two percent of our employees are women and we rely on the value they bring to the business,” said Candy Tothill, Tsogo Sun’s general manager of corporate affairs. She is one of three corporate finalists in the Businesswoman of the Year Awards, run by the Business Women’s Association of SA.
Guests at the all-women event included leaders, entrepreneurs, businesswomen and drivers of change and development who share a common commitment to unite women in moving South Africa forward, which is the national theme for this year’s Women’s Month.
The event honoured brave women who have paved the way for democracy in this country over the past six decades since 1956, and recognised the work of those who are forging the path towards an equitable future for women to come.
As guest speaker Mahanyele was welcomed with loud applause. She has won numerous awards, including the Forbes Woman Africa Business Woman of the Year Award.
She said: “Have a strong sense of connection to yourself because that is something that is constantly being tested, particularly if you are a woman. There are many who will question why you are in your position. But you have to have confidence to be in the role you are in.”
Highlighting the “Celebrate and Inspire” theme came the announcement by Tothill of the five Tsogo Sun 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalists, with four women.
They are: Meisie Nkosi, owner of Bella Bonni Guest House, Carol Senosi, owner of Lefa Cleaning Services, Lucille Cremen, owner of Cresco Tours, Zinzi Masina, owner of La Emme Guest House, and Nqobile Nkosi, owner of NQ Jewellery Design Services.
The winner be will announced at a banquet on October 20.