The 10
th Metropolitan Oliver Empowerment Awards (the
Olivers), the mark of BEE distinction for transformation leaders, were bestowed by guest of honour and keynote speaker, Thembelani Nxesi (Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform) at the Sandton Convention Centre before an elite audience of political and business leaders and media personalities.
Big winner on a big night for empowerment was Netcare Limited, which took the overall title as
Top Empowerment Business of the Year after first scooping the
Top Empowered Big Business Award and taking category honours for businesses in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector.
Netcare CEO, Dr Richard Friedland, pointed out: “For Netcare, black economic empowerment is far, far more than a business imperative. For us it is about playing our part in normalising our society and restoring dignity and respect to everyone in our nation. We are a strong believer in service leadership, serving not just patients but the broader community. We are humbled by this award but recognise that we still have so much to do. I want to salute everyone involved in this effort. Tapping the creativity and energy of every South African is critical to the success of our nation.”
The
Olivers are hosted every year by Impumelelo, a pioneering publication dedicated to black business success, and organised by Topco Media in partnership with headline sponsor Metropolitan, the leading life assurer and investment solutions provider.
The 10
th anniversary event celebrated business success in style, bringing glamour and sophistication to a segment of the economy normally associated with hard work and unstinting effort.
The occasion also provided an ideal showcase for a lifetime achievement award to Vusi Khanyile, founder MD and chairman of Thebe Investments, South Africa’s first black empowerment company which was received by Thulani Khanyile, CEO of Afro Energy and son of Vusi Khanyile.
Among those applauding the award were special guests Futhi Mtoba (president of Business Unity South Africa and chairman of the Public Investment Corporation) and Lazarus Zim (former African Business Leader of the Year, chairman of Telkom and a former CEO of Anglo American Corporation).
The audience then celebrated the latest wave of empowerment heroes, including Ronald Abvajee (of My Personal Trainer Wellness), who took the coveted individual award for Top Black Male Entrepreneur, and the Top Black Female Entrepreneur title was claimed by Pria Hassan (of WOA Fuels & Oils).
On another outstanding success for the Olivers, Zelphinia Mvula, BEE Manager at Metropolitan, commented: “The partnership between Topco Media and Metropolitan has contributed to consistently higher standards within this groundbreaking awards programme. Passion for transformation drives Metropolitan and that same passion characterises these awards and the strength of commitment shown by the winners.”
Topco chairman, Richard Fletcher, congratulated all finalists and noted: “This awards night celebrates your successes over the past year, but the real impact will be felt in future as a new wave of BEE champions draws inspiration from your example.”
Top Black Female Entrepreneur Pria Hassan emphasised the wider significance of the awards: “By putting the spotlight on Black entrepreneurs in such spectacular style, the Olivers celebrate empowerment and personal achievement in a way that uplifts and energises everyone at the event and everyone who dreams of making a breakthrough into the world of business.
“Every step forward by today’s entrepreneurs takes huge personal commitment. This award says ‘It can be done; don’t give up.’ That is the message I wish to share with all the entrepreneurs who start from a zero base yet still rise up.”
South Africa’s future prosperity was dependent on the creation of a cadre of inventive, energetic black entrepreneurs, said Top Black Male Entrepreneur, Ronald Abvajee.
He added: “Entrepreneurs not only create wealth, they create jobs and drive economic growth. This is especially true of start-ups and small business. Build an enterprise culture and you build a nation. These awards contribute to this vision and the organisers should be congratulated for creating such a dazzling showcase in which tomorrow’s entrepreneurs can shine.”
The event’s glitzy and ritzy positioning was supported by world-class entertainment from multi-talented master musician Jimi Gomez and the stylish ‘fab four’ from Barcode. They wowed an audience of South Africa’s good and great. MC, Xolani Gwala, usually associated with drive-time on SAfm, ensured a fine time for all.
Awards recognition:Top Black Businessman: Kamugelo Mmutlana (of Fleet Africa);
Top Black Businesswoman: Ashantha Armogam (of Grid Worldwide Branding & Design);
Top Black Public Sector Executive: Mike Kgobe (of Denel Aviation);
Top Empowered Corporate Award: Maponya Incorporated;
Top Empowered SMME: Zanusi Brand Solutions.
Top Empowered Government Agency: the South African National Roads Agency;
Top Empowered Parastatal: the South African Post Office.
Category winners:
Resources: Total SA;
Basic and general industrials: Eqstra Holdings;
Food and beverages: Tongaat Hulett;
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals: Netcare;
Retail: Voltex;
Travel, leisure and entertainment: Southern Sun Hotels;
Media: Grid Worldwide Branding & Design;
Support services: KPMG;
Transport: Fleet Africa;
Financial services: Absa Group;
ICT: Bytes Technology Group SA;
Education: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.