Gillitts women honoured at BWA Awards

“To get ahead in today’s globalised and rapidly evolving world, the competitive advantage of a country lies not in the finite reserves of natural resources, but in the infinite flow of ideas and the ability to grow its people,” said Business Women’s Association of South Africa (BWASA) KZN chairperson, Farzanah Mall, speaking at the 10th annual Regional Business Achiever Awards.

Mall congratulated the winners adding: “being a finalist is a wonderful achievement and whilst we may have only one winner in each category, each of you have impressed us with your passion, knowledge and skills. Your focus and perseverance to achieve success despite the various challenges you may have faced is to be lauded.”

The Highway area was wonderfully represented by Nomagugu Manci (pictured above), founder of NSM Designs, who took the honours in the Professional Category, and Merewyn De Heer, founder of Hellooow Handmade, who won in the Social Entrepreneur category.

“Hosting an awards evening of this nature allows us the opportunity to recognise businesswomen who have ‘out-imagined’ and ‘out-created’ their competition,” Mall said. “Women who are role models for the younger generations, who have achieved their dreams through hard work, determination and commitment.”

Guests of honour at the 2011 event included the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Ms Nomusa Dube, the President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce, Ms Thato Tsuatse and the guest speaker, the Chief Executive Director of B&D Solutions, Dr Namane Magau.

The Awards actively seek to identify, acknowledge, cultivate and recognise small businesses, professional practices, corporates and established entrepreneurs who have achieved in their respective fields, many from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

“As a country we have achieved political emancipation. The next phase of the struggle is economic empowerment and the fight against poverty. We have seen the powerful impact of social and economic change brought about when women have the opportunity to participate and contribute to society,” Mall added.

“As an association, we are extremely proud of the contribution we have made and continue to make to socio-economic growth. To give a person food, may fill his tummy for a day, to give a person knowledge, skills, opportunity and inspiration is priceless. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have provided your time, money and resources to help empower, teach, grow and recognise others.”

Funds raised from the Gala Dinner go towards supporting the BWA bursary programme, which has already awarded in excess of 76 bursaries to South African women wishing to pursue advanced business degrees.