Time for region’s top women to step up

Nominations are open for the BWA/Investec Regional Business Woman of the Year Awards 2019.

The competition recognises women entrepreneurs and professionals for the crucial part they play in the economy of the region.

Here, in their own words, are what 2018’s winners had to say about being recognised by the BWA:

• Winner in the government category, Dr Buyiswa Hlangothi (Nelson Mandela University): “This award has helped me to realise that I have the potential to influence other women who think they are not good enough to make it further in their careers. “Sometimes all it takes is to use your own journey to bring change to others and the BWA has helped me to operate in that space by opening up the platform to shine.”

• Winner in the corporate category, Roseann Shadrach (The SPAR Group): “Winning couldn’t have come at a better time. As a family, we had suffered a great tragedy and I was in a very emotional state. “As a nominee, the process encouraged me to search deep and find Rose again. “I learnt through self-reflection that I was indeed an achiever. I also had the privilege to meet some amazing businesswomen.”

• Winner in the professional category, Sam Streak (PE Montessori School): “The competition has given me the opportunity to reflect on 25 years of work and absorb the acknowledgment of my community. It has encouraged me to strive for greater levels of professionalism, and to serve as a role model for others. “Through the BWA, I have had the opportunity to interact with many unbelievable and inspiring women – something I would not have done, had I not had the opportunity to participate in the whole process.”

• Winner in the entrepreneur category, Noleen Acton (Kowie Toyota/Total Port Alfred): “Being part of the competition has taught me that every participant had faced some obstacles and hurdles, even fallen, yet stood up and persevered in reaching their goals. “I met the most incredible women, was inspired by everyone’s journey and have been able to better myself by applying what I learnt to my own career and personal life.”

• Winner in the social entrepreneur category, Linda van Oudheusden (Missionvale Care Centre): “The competition is a great celebration of women and our unique strengths.“The awards process was challenging, but also a great learning curve and an experience I will never forget.”

• Winner in the emerging entrepreneur category, Melissa Palmer (B&E Conference Centre): “Since winning, I have approached my day-to-day business in a whole new light and focused more on working on my business and less of working in my business.”

Nominations for the awards are open until February 28, with the awards divided into six categories: emerging entrepreneur, entrepreneur, social entrepreneur, corporate, professional and government.

Entrants must be nominated, but they do not have to be BWA members.

Three finalists will be chosen in each category by an independent panel of judges, after which the winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Boardwalk Hotel and Convention Centre on June 20.

Click here for nomination forms.