Businesswomen to be honoured
THE cream of Port Elizabeth's businesswomen will be hoping to take top honours at a gala dinner later this month.
The annual Businesswomen's Association (BWA) Regional Business Achievers Awards will be held on Thursday, June 19.
One of South Africa's most influential businesswomen, Dr Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, will be the keynote speaker at the sold-out, glamorous event at the Boardwalk Hotel.
Eighteen finalists, handpicked from dozens of community nominations, are being honoured for their extraordinary contributions and achievements in various business sectors, including corporate, government and the private sector.
However, just one woman from each of the six categories will walk away with this year's titles.
BWA Nelson Mandela Bay chairwoman Michelle Brown, also vice-president of BWA SA, said the event marked the association's 35th year of celebrating the courage, achievement and leadership of South African women in business.
"These awards applaud women's contribution to the economy and create a cadre of extraordinary role models whose achievements will inspire and empower other women to develop and reach their own goals," she said.
The Rocket Seed owner Lisa Brunette said being nominated for the award had boosted her self- confidence as a businesswoman.
"It's taken hard work and determination. The BWA is a valuable platform from which to grow," said Brunette, who started off delivering the company's fresh fruit and vegetables with her eight-week old baby son and a babysitter in the back seat.
JH Group sales and marketing manager Leigh Myles-Rohroff said the real secret to success was to love what you did.
"My dad, tourism professional Peter Myles, instilled a passion for travel and being part of this dynamic company, with its vast portfolio of hotels, restaurants, retail businesses and even a perlemoen farm, ensures that I wake each morning radiating enthusiasm and positivity for what the day may bring," Myles-Rohroff said.
Entrepreneur Julie Oates, owner of Pixel Shoes, adds hard work, guts and tenacity to her recipe for business success. "I started my business on a whim while on the BWA's mentorship programme.
"My then mentor and I took a whirlwind shopping trip to the Far East, bringing back thousands of funky, upmarket shoes.
"We sold most of them the first weekend we opened," Oates said.
Pinky Kondlo heads up the social intervention programme of the Wilderness Foundation, equipping vulnerable youth with skills to become economically active as well as environmentally responsible.
"I am humbled and motivated by this award nomination. I thrive in making a difference and being a symbol of hope to others to never stop reaching for their dreams," she said.
Transnet stakeholder management senior manager Sindie Ndwalaza said the awards acknowledged the great economic contribution made by women and should inspire the younger generation. - Business reporter
