MIW Regional Digital Magazine 2018

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n our eighteenth year, Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government is stronger than ever. Our vision is, and always has been, to bring into the limelight those women who are fearless, dedicated and act as agents of change in their communities. These women voraciously pursue their goals and are inspiring examples to others wishing to achieve the same success. It is our privilege to recognise the achievements of women from across the African Continent that are building and transforming their sectors and contributing to the economy.

We are excited about building the future alongside our readers, our finalists, winners and partners. We hope that the platform of excellence, on which the MIW programme is based, will inspire more young women to use their talents and abilities to serve others and to do so excellently.

Our continued growth is in large part due to the consistent support received from our partners. By partnering with us they have not only invested in our vision but also in those individuals that the MIW initiative recognises and commends. We are grateful for your partnership and could not have come this far without you.

Yours sincerely Annelize Wepener Chief Executive: CEO Global

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Recipe for Success

When you read through the Biographies of all the amazing women on the following pages, it becomes very clear, when times get tough, these tough women keep going! In fact, it’s the very same mantra followed by successful entrepreneurs. Most of them discovered the most profound opportunities during times of hardship or failure. Yes, they may have struggled and perhaps they even had a few thoughts about quitting, but something inside of them encouraged them to keep pressing onwards. What is this something? Why does one person feel this spark while another feels that spark subside? It’s a difficult question to answer.

Many of the following women have said that it is something within you. It’s an internal drive that somehow just seems to be there when you need it most. Often times desperation can be the driving factor, but if you lack motivation the chances are good that you will give up irrespective of your needs. You cannot say that one person is lucky while another is unlucky or has bad genes. Trying to identify what makes one a success and another a failure is no easy feat. But these women are right – it is something within you that drives you to achieve for success irrespective of the obstacles. You are determined, persistent and won’t accept no for an answer. These women are evidence of what it takes to succeed in life, which inevitably filters down into your career. We salute you for being the examples so desperately needed by others who are so close to quitting.

We encourage you to share your wisdom and to reach out to others who need to be uplifted and guided.

Everyone needs a bit of inspiration every so often, and for all you know, you could be the inspiration needed by others to achieve their dreams too.

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AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

2018/2019

Finding a

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Publisher CEO Global (Pty) Ltd Tel: 0861 CEO MAG Fax: (012) 667 6624 Tel: 012 667 6623 info@ceomag.co.za www.ceomag.co.za

Chief Executive Annelize Wepener annelizew@ceomag.co.za

Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive Betty Yengo bettyy@ceomag.co.za

Director: Strategic Development & Editor in Chief Valdi Pereira valdip@ceomag.co.za Director: Corporate & Financial Services Carl Wepener carlw@ceomag.co.za Business Development Manager Amesh Bisram ameshb@ceomag.co.za

General Manager: Global Services George Wepener georgew@ceomag.co.za

General Manager: Global Media Services/ Head of Production Channette Raath channetter@ceomag.co.za Editor Charmain Pieterse charmainp@ceomag.co.za Editorial Team Abigail Moyo abigialm@ceomag.co.za Lakhe Thwala lakhet@ceomag.co.za

Motion Graphic Designer Senku Segoapa senkus@ceomag.co.za CEO Class Administrator Nyahsa Rugara nyashar@ceomag.co.za Letlotlo Rampete letlotlor@ceomag.co.za

Tawanda Mandizvidza tawandam@ceomag.co.za

Manager: Corporate Support Raymond Mauelele raymondm@ceomag.co.za

* No article or part of an article may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher. The information provided and opinions expressed in this publication are provided in good faith but do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, neither the publisher nor the editor can be held legally liable in any way for damages of any kind whatsoever arising directly or indirectly from any facts or information provided or omitted in these pages, or from any statements made in or withheld by this publication.

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“The exceptional pragmatic approach applied by Gerhard are a unique skill to be experienced. In looking back at the impact his coaching has had on the business, it is one of the most crucial programmes we embarked on.”

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CONTE TheLEADING edge Cover Stories

10

case inpoint Pacinamix – Communication Extraordinaire

Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa - Boldly Moving Forward Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) -Turning Dreams into Reality Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) -Women Crafting Future in Business Thebe Investment Corporation – Making a lasting difference Thebe Investment Corporation – Media growth and development Thebe Investment Corporation – Focused on Travel & Tourism African Aurora Business Network (AABN) – Rewriting the Entrepreneurship story: AABN’s Journey to success

92 174 202 204 220 222 224 118

X &Y FACTOR Annelize Wepener 6 Reflecting on Africa’s Most Influential Women: Yvonne Finch 8 Patron – Developing Women in Africa 9

SUSTAIN ABILITY Forsaking your privacy for ‘free’ social media apps 72 Why AI won’t replace direct marketing 80 Employee Wellness: keeping women’s health top of mind 164 Effective cash management in uncertain times 178

SKILLS TRANSFER 3 Steps to satellite network success Women need to take control of their careers from an earlier age

153 248

EMPOWERED LEADERSHIP Understanding the African Millennial 62 Innovation and technology: buzzwords that have lasting impact 67 Principle-based Leadership™ 138 A woman in business who knows no limits 146 Psyched Up to Succeed 201

ENTS CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Ethics & Leadership in the African Context Digital Disruption forces ICT companies to up their game Plastic Debris: a Threat to ocean species

38 44 52

LIFESTYLE Reduce stress 108 Pros and cons of home schooling 183 Take a turn to the ‘Outskirts’ of Ghana 242 BMW X2 Unmistakenly Sporty 250

Country& Regional Awards Lifetime Achievement 26 Agencies & Regulatory Authorities 40 Agriculture 46 Arts & Culture 54 Automotive & Components 64 Aviation 68 Building and Construction 74 Business/Professional Services 82 Chemicals, Pharmaceutical and Petrochemical 96 Education & training: Academic 100 Education & Training: Private 110 Financial Services 120 Government Employed Official 132 ICT 140 Logistics and shipping 148 Manufacturing and Engineering 154 Media 160 Medical and Veterinary 166 Mining 176 Public Enterprises 180 Small Medium Enterprise (SME) 184 Sport 206 Tourism and Leisure 210 Welfare and Civil Society Organisations 226 Wholesale and Retail 238

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AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

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ncovering Africa’s Potential

Africa, now is the time to stand up and be counted. It’s time to let your light shine and make it visible to the rest of the world. You need to stand your ground and not allow anyone to take advantage of you and what you have to offer the continent.

Africa needs confidence in its ability to produce products and services that are innovative and unique and driven by technology – all crucial elements when looking to achieve success in the world of business today. This is exciting times for the African continent. It is busy evolving into a powerhouse and Brand Africa will be a significant one in the not so distant future. Throughout all of this rapid change and growth, CEO Global is there to play a paramount role through our programmes that recognises your fellow peers.

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ut it goes beyond recognition, it introduces so many people to other relevant parties and opens the door to opportunity for everyone. Your peers deserve their spot in the limelight as they have worked tirelessly to achieve all their goals, never seeking acclaim.

They are inspiring examples of what can be achieved, and we should look to them when reflecting on our own personal dreams and desires. These African individuals are transforming the continent and turning it into something new – a place where opportunities are available in abundance and where dreams come true. African energy is in the air and now is the time to embrace it.

Ofcourse, there are numerous challenges faced by businesses, especially SME’s, with many complaining about the fact that they do not get paid. The recent FinFind Access to Finance survey reported that late payment of invoices and terms longer than 30 days are a small business killer. Business sits on an estimated R350bn in payables. If just the overdue portion of that was injected into the economy, it would have an enormous effect on the cash flow of small business owners, who would be able to invest, grow their businesses and create jobs.

On a final note, we should never forget the crucial role that social agents play in building communities. They are actively involved with numerous projects within their communities, often providing jobs, skills and food. They literally build a community from the ground up and for that we should never overlook their pivotal role in society.

The future for Africa looks bright, much is happening and a lot of change is taking place, but without the vision, determination and passion of these women on the following pages, everything will come to a standstill. These powerful women have a voice and they ensure it is heard.

They look forward to a better tomorrow because they are in the process of creating one. CEO Global is proud to play a role in highlighting these amazing women - your future lies with CEO Global.

AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

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Leading the way to

xcellence Women in their formative leadership years are consistently faced with the dilemma, “be loveable and liked or strong and not popular”

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AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

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owever, studies have shown that a significant key to having influence is when people project warmth.

Research by Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman shows that leaders who are rated low on likability have about one in 2 000 chances of being regarded as effective.

Only after they’ve achieved likability should they focus on displaying competence, an equally critical characteristic.

Those that project strength first, risk creating a fear based working community surrounding them. It should not be confused though, a strong woman can still emit warmth and likeability, it simply depends on how she carries herself and thus communicates with those around her.

The women on the continent that are making their mark as one of Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government have walked the hard roads that pave the way to success, but all share the sincerity and warmth so necessary to maintain credibility in today’s fast paved and ever changing business world. They all recognise that the route to sustainable success is through co-operation, and they view the many benefits that will arrive objectively not competitively.

Award winning is important in any sector, but these awards allow for the influential women on the continent to be recognised for the significant work they are doing. Receiving any award is a sign of excellence – an acknowledgement that peers agree that this individual excels in what they do. Our winners this year are proving that in this digital world they are making a significant difference to their sector and their communities.

Yvonne is an expert in human capital development and plays a pivotal role in developing mentorship programmes internationally. She is also passionate about seeing people reach their potential and attain their dreams.

Developing

W

omen

in Africa

Most businesses on the continent are neither women owned nor women dominated.

This is because the micro-formal sector is largely dominated by women but as you formalize upwards to small and medium enterprises, the numbers decline.

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or this very reason we need to find a way of growing these micro-informal businesses so that they mature into small and medium enterprises. SMEs in the informal sector are key drivers of enterprise on the continent, delivering what corporates within other countries would have.

As such, the greatest challenge this year in our recognition will be how to connect the women in these winning positions, finalists and even those who have entered, so that they can find a way of creating business models that allow them to link up with the informal micro sector. I don’t think we have crafted models of this nature before; business models that build small and medium sized enterprises into corporates. The pathway is very clear; we need to uplift the massive scale of women owned, micro-owned businesses on the continent.

We also need to look at the direct support available to these micro-sized businesses for them to thrive and ultimately grow on their own and find their way to the

supply chains of larger companies. Finally we need to address the isolation of women in corporates because once you reach these high levels an almost dismasting of talent occurs. As such these women don’t get a chance to make the contribution they should have. One gets the sense that there aren’t existing models on how to represent these women in boardrooms, or at senior and executive leadership levels.

Let’s also recognise the diverse nature of the commercial and non-commercial business structures of the continent. We need conversation on using the commercial sector through social capital business models to bring in civil society organisations so that we have access to funding.

As we look at these key issues, it’s important to remember that MIW provides a platform for women to highlight what they have achieved, irrespective of the challenges they faced. We congratulate the following women for excelling within their fields and inspiring others to do the same.

AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

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Skies

Reaching for the Poppy Gugulethu Khoza, CEO of the South African Civil Aviation Authority

Poppy Gugulethu Khoza is the CEO of the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

She is the first woman to occupy such a position both in South Africa and according to information at hand, in Africa too. She started as a customer service agent and today she is CEO.

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AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

by Charmain Pieterse

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hoza has numerous qualifications which include a Certificate in Travel and Tourism, a Certificate in Women Leadership Programme, Aviation Security Qualifications, a Degree in Business Management, a Diploma in Marketing Management and an Executive Management Development Programme from Wits and London Business School. She proudly lists her achievements such as Chairman of the International Civil Aviation Organisation – Aviation Security Panel, she attended on invitation the International Leadership Programme in the US, she established the Aviation Security Managers Forum and she Chaired SACAA Tender Board for five years, to name a few.

Talent Development

security point of view. Through her leadership SACAA is a recipient of the Auditor General’s Award for a CLEAN AUDIT for 2012/13 financial year. SACAA is rated amongst the top performing Regulators in the world. Lastly, she championed a recognition agreement between SA and USA where the air cargo security regimes of each country are recognised.

Her immediate successor in the position she holds is a woman. She also co-started an Aviation Security Division at SACAA which originally had three women and to date it boasts a total of about 19 women both in technical and management positions.

“I promoted from within, employees who demonstrate growth potential,” Khoza emphasises. “I delegate responsibility to my Team for exposure e.g.

Social Responsibility attending high level conferences, General Managers in “I define social responsibility as me being an agent the organisation are given an opportunity to act in my of change where I influence the advancement of the position when I am away, I consult with them regularly welfare of the society,” Khoza says. “This is done for decisions that need to be made; and I coach and bearing in mind that a little effort makes a difference mentor them. I task them to give presentations on to someone both in an economic or material sense. my behalf preparing them to operate at a higher level.

My goal is to get as many disadvantaged people into I believe that when I leave the organisation there is the aviation sector as possible. I have established capacity to step in my shoes. I trust my direct reports a bursary scheme which was launched by the then and they are part of my succession plan list.”

Minister of Transport on 4 March 2014. This will contribute to the aviation industry as scarce skills will Khoza recentlt started a Bursary Scheme which be developed and a pipeline created across all sectors is aimed at developing rural women to become pilots of society to contribute to the economic development and aircraft engineers. The reason for this scheme of the country.” is based on statistics which prove that aviation is a male dominated industry and Khoza saw an opportunity to identify and develop talent for the benefit of the aviation industry. “My key drivers in “I love to develop those with a drive to talent development are identification of persons succeed and who want to make a difference with potential, dedication and commitment,” she continues. “I love to develop those with a drive coupled with a positive attitude.” to succeed and who want to make a difference coupled with a positive attitude.”

This allows for the building of talent and to get those who did not have an opportunity to choose aviation as a Sector Leadership career to do so. Aviation training is quite expensive and As a leader, Khoza is highly active within the not all young aspirants will have adequate funding to industry. She is represented in many influential pursue their dream. The bursary scheme aims to provide structures as mentioned above. She also chairs an funding, support and confidence to all who want to Industry Liaison Forum which draws industry players pursue their dreams and indeed they can do so through to deliberate on aviation matters. She drives issues corporate social initiatives. of regulatory compliance, regulations development, “I am spearheading the donation of a computer lab and she influences policy change through various at a rural school called Moiletsane School,” adds Khoza. structures and provides overall direction in terms of “These children have never worked on a computer regulatory matters. before and by giving them this resource it adds to their “Industry leadership should be defined within the skills and competency levels and prepares them for the parameters of good governance and drive to deliver,” real world of advanced technology at schooling phase Khoza highlights. “Leadership should be defined in three so that by the time they make it to tertiary level they have aspects of HHH, i.e. Head (vision), Hand (Hands on learnt the basics of computers. Lastly, in my personal leadership) and Heart (Compassion). Every leader must capacity I have partnered with Joint Aviation Awareness have an agenda to make a difference, to deliver and Programme (JAAP) organisers to give Aviation accomplish the task with limited resources at their disposal.

Awareness to the PDI group in Ivory Park in 2010 and to In terms of the role I played through my leadership – I my hometown in Dundee in 2011.” revived the forums that were no longer functioning. I These are just a few of the several social share our strategy with the industry so that they have an responsibility programmes Khoza is involved with. She is appreciation of what we do. I have brought back order and an inspiring woman who has made it her goal to make a stability in the organisation which translated in improved positive difference in the lives of others and to advance performance in regulating the industry.” the needs of the Aviation industry in South Africa. Others Khoza adds that she has motivated her team to can most certainly look up to her and follow her example be committed and this saw the Authority performing to achieve similar success. very well in the international audits from a safety and

AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

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Aviation

The

12

uthoritative voice in

by Charmain Pieterse

AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

Paule Assoumou Koki, Director General, Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority

Paule Assoumou Koki started a promising career at 23 years old. This was just the beginning of a bright future which saw her climb the rankings quickly till she obtained the position of CCAA Director General in December 2015. Her career continues to inspire others who want to achieve similar success; however it is only through hard work and dedication that you can come close to obtaining similar accomplishments.

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in 2016, she was also elected vice-president of the Technical Commission.

In addition to these positions, Ms. Koki followed several courses in the field of aeronautics (USA, France, the Netherlands, etc.) and played an important role in regional cooperation initiatives in the field.

Both in her academic and professional career, Koki was the pioneer at the level of Cameroon: 1st woman Civil Aviation Engineer, 1st woman in charge of a technical department at ASECNA and 1st woman interim Representative of ASECNA, 1st woman Director of Aviation Safety and currently 1st woman Director General of a Civil Aviation Administration.

In this predominantly masculine and highly technical work environment, Koki has always earned the respect and trust of her peers and superiors through her multiple skills, exceptional ability to work on a daily basis, rigor and consistency in all her efforts as well as the pursuit of excellence and values that go back to her basic scientific training. But the academic values were not enough

oki is a Civil Aviation Engineer who graduated from the National Civil Aviation School (ENAC) of Toulouse, France, in 1988. While in France she also obtained her private pilot license. She began her career in Cameroon in 1989 within the Directorate of Civil Aviation and served successively as an engineer in the Service of navigation and air transport, thereafter Deputy Head of this Following a rewarding working experience Service between 1990 and 1994. with international organizations, she Koki joined ASECNA, the air navigation services provider in Cameroon, were she returned to Cameroon to develop the first occupied the position of Head of the air Approved Training School (ATO) in Cameroon navigation department for two years. Between in her capacity of Head of Training. In the 1996 and 2008, she worked with the United Nations in various locations and capacities. meantime she was trained as an aircraft Following a rewarding working experience operations inspector. with international organizations, she returned to Cameroon to develop the first Approved Training School (ATO) in Cameroon in her capacity of Head because she had to demonstrate human qualities of of Training. In the meantime she was trained as an aircraft listening, sharing and the desire to advance common operations inspector. causes. She has the testimony of having always helped to increase the influence of the administrations and In 2012, Koki joined the Cameroon Civil Aviation companies in which she worked and to have contributed Authority as Director of Aviation Safety. For four years to the professional development of her collaborators. she coordinated all safety oversight related activities in the aviation industry in Cameroon including oversight Aged 52, this mother of four young adults, wife of of airlines, air traffic services providers, aerodrome Prof Paul Koki Ndombo, Paediatrician, is very pious and service providers and maintenance organisations. She indicates her gratitude to the Most High who guided her was the key player in Cameroon reaching Abuja Targets in her life, through joys, sorrows, successes, failures and regarding the implementation of an effective safety hardships. That is why she encourages people to put oversight system (Cameroon achieved an effective their trust in God, because she knows that the power implementation of 60.2% at the end of 2015). From the and grace of God accompanies those who strive to position of Director of Aviation Safety, she was promoted live daily the values He has given to live properly on this as Director General in December 2015. earth: work, truth, justice, impartiality, search for peace, Koki worked in numerous technical groups within listening to others, etc. the framework of APIRG (Vice Chair of APIRG meetings Koki is a humble yet powerful woman who has proven in 2013 and 2014), ICAO’s Safety Management Panel, that all women have the ability to achieve their dreams if AFAC’s activities and the European Union project on they are determined to work hard, never give up and keep improvement of air transport in Central Africa (Project learning. No matter how distinguished your role may be, ATA-AC). At the 39th session of ICAO Assembly held you can never stop acquiring new knowledge.

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Maritime

by Charmain Pieterse

Dreams 14

Nancy Wakarima Karigithu, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Maritime and Affairs in the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development

Shipping AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

As Principal Secretary, State Department for Shipping and Maritime under the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Public Works and Urban Development Kenya, Nancy Wakarima Karigithu plays an incredibly important role in ensuring the smooth operations of the Department and concurrently promoting theMaritime Transport sector and working to change the perception of the maritime economics through sensitizing and informing a cross section of public and private sectors what the industry truly means to national socioeconomic development.

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he Department for Shipping and Maritime has the Mandate to formulate and implement policies geared towards the development of Kenya’s Blue Economy. “My responsibilities as the Principal Secretary include formulation and implementation of an enabling framework for the development of the maritime sector, capacity building, as well as wealth and job creation for our bulging youth population,” explains Karigithu. “It is an honor and privilege to have been appointed as the Principal Secretary of the first fully fledged State Department charged with the responsibility of championing what has been hitherto a very misunderstood sector which has from time immemorial been looked at as being synonymous with the Port Industry.”

In her previous engagement as the first substantive Director General of the industry regulator, Kenya Maritime Authority, Karigithu vigorously engaged both government and the Private Sector to introduce a higher level of service delivery and integrity, bringing the industry together to commit to a Community Service Charter. This process helped bring an appreciation of the impact of the sector on the national economy.

Under her guidance, the maritime sector in Kenya gained significant visibility. Under her watch at KMA, the first National Maritime Conference was held in February 2015 which one the outputs was a proposal to have matters related to the Blue Economy segregated into a dedicated administration unit, in order to encompass all the maritime and related issues under one umbrella so as to tap into to the great potential for positive impact on the country’s economy through increased GDP and creation of employment.

Career Overview Karigithu holds a Bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Nairobi and a master’s degree in International Maritime Law from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute, Malta.

“I have over 30 years of working experience in the maritime industry, starting at the Port, before moving into private practice where I spent 10 years with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) consulting and advising and being involved in the establishment of Independent Maritime Administrations in Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa,” Karigithu says. From 2013 – 2014 she served as a Maritime Transport Expert at the Africa Union. She has also consulted with the Economic Commission for Africa and East Africa Community in programs aimed at improving maritime safety and security and preservation of the marine environment.

In 2004 she took the mantle as DG of the then newly created KMA where she served for three terms of three years each. “In recognition of my contribution to the marine sector in Africa, I was elected as the Chair to the IMO Technical Cooperation Committee, one of the five Committees through

which the Organization delivers its mandate of ‘clean secret shipping on clean seas’; a position I held for three terms,” Karigithu explains.

She currently serves as a Board member at the World Maritime University based in Malmo, Sweden, and the International Maritime Law institute. She was recently elected to serve as Vice Chair (Africa), International Maritime Satellite Organization (IMSO), during the just concluded IMSO Assembly held in London UK.

Achievements Karigithu is invited regularly to speak at international conferences and seminars on topics dealing with maritime transport, safety and security as well as strengthening maritime administrations. She is also a passionate proponent of ethical public leadership, and in this regard teamed up with like minds to start Ethic East Africa, a not-for-profit organization geared towards inculcating capacity for ethical service in the public sector.

As a champion for gender equity, in 2007, Karigithu was involved in partnership with the IMO, in the setting up and launch of the Association of Women in the Maritime Sector in Eastern & Southern Africa (WOMESA) where she served two terms as Chairperson and now sits on the Governing Council. WOMESA is the first regional body to bring together women maritime professionals in 26 Eastern and Southern African countries.

Under her watch KMA spearheaded the first ever Heads of Maritime Administrations and Ship Registrars Conference that was held in Mombasa, Kenya in October 2013. From this initial meeting the Association of Maritime Administrations in Africa (AAMA) was born. AAMA brings together the CEOs of Maritime Authorities in Africa so as to forge a common approach to the continents maritime agenda.

“Before my present appointment, I was working as a Short-Term Legal Expert for the European Union (EU) project Critical Maritime Routes, aimed at enhancing maritime situational awareness in the Indian Ocean,” she adds.

Karigithu has travelled a fascinating journey as far as her career is concerned. She has also made it her mission to create opportunities for women and youth in the maritime sector. Women and youth are a key resource who can play a pivotal role in transforming this industry while also advancing its wealth creation potential.

The maritime industry needs more women like Karigithu who serves as an example of what can be achieved if one is driven and passionate about what they do. The future of the maritime industry is exciting and all eyes are on women like Karigithu who can play a key role in developing of the sector.

AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

15

Enhancing

by Charmain Pieterse

the lives of others 16

AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

Mabel Kiggundu, founder and Managing Consultant of Empowad Ltd

Mabel Kiggundu is the founder and Managing Consultant of Empowad Ltd, a management and training consultancy based in Kampala, Uganda. She is also is a Human Resource Specialist. Empowad Ltd is involved in the capacity building of MSMEs and SMEs with a focus on women entrepreneurs. Kiggundu is a certified trainer with Business Edge (training arm of IFC) and has a passion for sharing knowledge with other entrepreneurs and mentoring women in business. She has been in in the industry for over twenty years with other entrepreneurial endeavors and interests including couriering, distribution and transportation, real estate, and retail and farming.

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iggundu is an ambassador for Uganda for UnitedSucces Worldwide Network, which brings together businesswomen across the globe to share experiences and learn from one another. She also belongs to several networks, which include the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association, East Africa women Entrepreneurs Exchange Network, the Association of Management consultants Uganda Ltd, the Haggai Institute of Management Alumni Association, the Institute of Corporate Governance and ESAMI MBA Alumni Association, among others.

What unique skills and attributes do you bring to the organisation to benefit its vision and mission?

I contribute a significant amount due to my background training and my experiences, as I am able to take what I have learnt and share it with others. I have a passion for sharing information and helping people become the best that they can be i.e. I have a passion for developing people. I want to see people thrive, grow and learn, and hopefully they take what they have learnt and share it with others.

Please outline you career progression from when you started to date.

After my training I was formally employed for a few years before getting married. When we decided to start a family I resigned to look after my children, and once they were older, I made a life changing decision to enter the business world and I can proudly state that I have never looked back. I have had several interests in different business ventures over the years and what I have learnt is invaluable.

In your opinion what does it mean to be successful within your chosen career?

Working in the private sector requires a lot of hard work and discipline. You have to build your image and that of the business. Honesty, integrity and knowing how to deal with people is key. You also have to have a positive attitude as you will most certainly face challenges along the way however, how you react to those challenges will either make or break you. Tough times are inevitable – it’s part of life to go through ups and downs. You need to embrace both the good and the bad that come your way and eventually you will overcome the obstacles to succeed in everything you set your mind to.

Why are women key in the success of businesses?

What makes them unique to their male counterparts?

Women have been gifted by God to be multitaskers. They are capable of handling several things at the same time. They are home builders and will work hard to ensure success so that they can improve their family’s lifestyle. They are also more conscious about the security and wellbeing of their family. Women fight for what they believe in and for what they deem as important. It’s this fighting spirit that provide women with the courage to pursue the impossible.

Much has been written on the topic of innovation and technology. What is your opinion on implementing these to the benefit of the company?

Innovation and technology is the future – we all have to embrace it and take advantage of it otherwise you will be left behind whilst everyone else is moving forward. The world is becoming more competitive and those who don’t innovate will unfortunately not get very far. Innovation requires creativity and as such we need to change the way we think and focus on using technology in order to realise our creations.

Have you experienced any challenges within your career and how did you overcome these?

Challenges are part of life and business; it cannot be avoided. I face challenges with a positive attitude. I always believe that there is a solution for everything. If one plan doesn’t work, you have to think about another way of doing it. If one solution doesn’t work out, try not to force it. Turn to other solutions that will comfortably resolve whatever is troubling you. I have found prayer very helpful. I commit everything I do to God to help me.

What message of advice would you give young women hoping to achieve the same amount of success you have?

Be steady, work hard and work smart. Have a positive attitude about what you want to achieve in life, focus on it and believe in yourself. Also seek knowledge, always do things the right way and be compliant with the law. Pray and trust God and don’t forget to give back.

What legacy would you like to leave behind?

That I lived a fulfilled life because through training and other numerous interaction and networking with people I had an opportunity to impact many through sharing knowledge, skills and other resources by the grace of God.

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by Abigail Moyo Her Excellency Usha Dwarka-Canabady, Secretary for Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mauritius

Elevating

African

Ministry

Exceptional is the word that best qualifies Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of, Mauritius. She is a strong and remarkable woman who has dedicated most of her life to serving her country and her people through her diplomatic functions

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he Ambassador’s acknowledged dedication and hard workover the years both domestically and in international fora have undoubtedly contributed in lifting the profile of African women and deservingly made her a standing ovation in the Continent. The Most Influential Women in Business and Government, Continental Winner (2017/2018) believes that education in which life long skills transfer takes place is the ticket for Africa’s advancement.

She deems that women are the core engravers of humanity. According to Her Excellency Mrs Dwarka-

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Canabady, there will always be obstacles, high mountains to climb and difficult times to overcome but all we need to keep in mind is that Africa is abundantly blessed with strong, intelligent and extraordinary women. “There are many women who are far better than I am across the Continent and we need to come together to share and to facilitate changes. Until recently, I had never paid much attention to the gender issue but the work undertaken by the Mauritius Institute of Directors, observations from the men and women I work with or befriend across the globe, women like

Zainab Badawi, have brought to the fore invisible elements of prejudice against women that persist. It compels you to think anew.” highlights Her Excellency Mrs Dwarka-Canabady.

Sector influence The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has evolved from classic diplomacy to a more pronounced economic diplomacy. She affirms that whilst economic objectives have always been a core of diplomacy, it was important to ensure that these objectives are rooted in the reality of operators who conduct businesses. Initially, in 2013, she took the initiative to co-ordinate stakeholders from the public and private sectors for sharing information from the perspective policy makers and operators, thus trying to establish a forum for evolving a concerted approach to developing business and political strategies at regional and international levels. “Our diplomats and technical staff, trade and integration analysts work hard to open up market space and to negotiate agreements that bring greater opportunities for our entrepreneurs and investors. However taking advantage of these opportunities is a more complex exercise.” she explains.

The posting of Economic Counsellors in our Missions overseas and the agreement between the Ministry and the Economic Development Board of Mauritius to jointly oversee the work of these Counsellors with a view to ensuring that their efforts uphold the advancement of national priorities and strategies reflects the transformation slowly taking place in diplomacy. The change is also viisble through the evaluation exercise conducted yearly with directorates and divisions to evaluate the achievements of the year and the objectives for the coming year.

She highlights however that no change can take place and no progress can be made unless all staff put in the necessary efforts and salutes the fact that when all is said and done, the majority of those serving at the Ministry and overseas remain committed to their country and doing their best by it.

One area to which the Secretary Foreign Affairs has devoted considerable energy is capital projects, namely ensuring that diplomatic representations overseas secure sufficient funds for refurbishment and construction as necessary. With the secondment of a project manager to the Ministry and with the support of diplomats overseas, several projects are underway whilst carefully abiding by public procurement procedures. She points towards the completion of the Chancery Building in Addis Abeba, the securing of a plot of land in Madagascar for the building of diplomatic premises, and the construction of a new Chancery in

Pretoria as signs of the dynamism in this area. She has also initiated procedures to secure land for the establishment of a stand alone building for the Ministry and a diplomatic enclave that would regroup regional and international representations hosted in Mauritius and foreign Embassies.

Sustainability The Secretary believes that the future of diplomacy including how Mauritius advances its international trade and regional integration will rest very much on the vision that the younger generation must develop as to the role of Mauritius in the international arena and particularly, in contributing to the upliftment of the Continent She recalls that the new generation was born largely without frontiers, the internet having allowed them access to a broader world and a wide array of perspectives and the evolution of thinking. Her wish is the coalescing of thoughts across geography towards the notion of working for One World. Sustainability can only be pursued in such a context. Thus, she is of the view that the future of diplomacy should lie in the active acknowledgement of “Vasudev Kutumbhakam”, the World is One Family. She is confident that the dynamic and enthusiastic nature of the younger generation of diplomats and other technical staff at the Ministry, guided by several able seniors, will bring an even stronger foreign service including trade and integration.

Giving back When questioned about involving the community to achieve social responsibility, her Excellency DwarkaCanabady highlights the need to develop a stakeholder responsibility attitude in all officials so that they become committed to advancing issues of interest to the country in the international arena. She regrets not being able to pursue social work in the manner that her parents or grandparents or other members of her family have always done but tries to make up for this by ensuring to the extent possible that when assistance is sought by students and other Mauritian nationals facing difficulties overseas, in the context of her work, the requests do not remain unattended to.

This inspiring woman is a true example to others when it comes to work ethic, setting goals, and raising the visibility of her country overseas. She is the recipient of the prestigious Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini award, has participated in and chaired WTO Dispute Settlement Panels and chaired many Ambassadorial groupings overseas. She is an incredibly hard worker with big dreams for her country and for the Continent.

Her guiding light remains the Gandhi Talisman and the philosophy of Ubuntu.

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Hidden beauty

by Charmain Pieterse

transformed Rania K. Rafie and Yara Yassin are both Co-Founders of Up-fuse, with Rania serving as Managing Director and Yara as Design Director. Up-fuse is a lifestyle brand and social enterprise based in Cairo that promotes a sustainable and eco-conscious lifestyle by designing and producing environmentally and socially responsible bags and products that support local communities in Egypt.

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ania holds a Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, and believes she can use her knowledge to make the world a better place. She is an inspiring young entrepreneur exuding positive energy and a natural business gene and she brings ‘order to chaos’. She loves a happy and relaxed atmosphere so it’s best not to spread negativity around her. “Every product we produce is handmade with unique colours and patterns, carrying stories that connect our customers to our producers,” Rania highlights. “In cooperation with “Roh El Shabab” NGO in Cairo, we value transparency in production and working conditions while promoting the skills and talents of local artisans.”

Ever since Yara enrolled in the International Organization for Migration to empower women on the borders through product design, Yara has found her passion for sustainability.

In fact, Yara has enough passion, energy and ideas for multiple entrepreneurs! She is very eager to get things done. So, if you want to make her happy, always reply to her quickly (or in German, which she speaks “fluently”). Being the public speaker that she is, one of Yara’s favourite memories is speaking at the “Women Now” conference at the World Bank in Washington.

Brief history As already noted, Up-fuse produces bags and luggage from up-cycled plastic bags. They collect the plastic bags and turn them into sheets which they later turn into everyday wear bags. The concept was started in 2015 and was Rania and Yara’s pre-masters project during their semester abroad focused on Product Design in Berlin. When they returned with their project they felt the urge for spreading social and environmental awareness in Egypt, while giving back to their own communities.

“We now produce our bags in our own workshop to always monitor our product quality and we up-cycle the plastic bags in an NGO in the Garbage city in Cairo,” explains Yara. “There, we have 16 women who work as full-time upcyclers for Up-fuse. The team consists of 32 people. We have helped up-cycle more than 60 thousand plastic bags and help created more than 20 job opportunities; 16 of them are for the women from the Garbage city community.”

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Rania explains that up-cycling is another form of recycling that upgrades the quality of the material and is usually done in low tech techniques, while recycling downgrades the quality of the material. The small bags upcycle 10-15 plastic bags and the big bags upcycle 30-40.

“The bags are comprised of 30-40 upcycled plastic bags in addition to cotton straps, cotton lining and metal accessories,” explains Rania. “They are socially responsible and eco-friendly. I can say that we are still not 100% eco-friendly because we don’t use organic cotton anymore, but we are 100% socially responsible as we help create job opportunities and also support our labour with a co-education system for whoever is interested in finishing their co-education. We also empower women by being an 80% women-based company.”

Environmental Impact According to Yara they love and respect Earth. They strongly believe that small actions make a big difference. With plastic bags taking 1 000 years to decompose, we are facing a significant environmental challenge around the globe; especially in Egypt, where daily pollution is hitting an all-time high. It’s time for everyone to stand up and make a change.

One way to reduce waste is to reuse existing waste. Following that logic, Up-fuse has developed techniques to produce fashionable bags and accessories. One item produced hinders 15-30 plastic bags from being thrown away. “For our production process we collect used bags from ‘Garbage City’ as already noted,” says Yara. “The collection process is followed by the recycling or up-cycling process, where after the bags are cleaned, and we create a reusable, sustainable material - our uniquely coloured material, “Sabi”. “The up-cycled “Sabi” is then used to make our numerous products, from backpacks to waist bags to laptop cases, and more.”

The remarkable products that Rania, Yara and their team manufacture are testimony to what can be achieved if you believe in yourself and more importantly, in your product. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but irrespective of the challenges, Rania and Yara never quit, no matter how daunting their future prospects were.

They keep pressing forward, and as a result they have a successful business with beautiful products that are in high demand. Rania and Yara’s vibrant spirit is a true example to others.

Rania K. Rafie and Yara Yassin are both Co-Founders of Up-fuse, with Rania serving as Managing Director and Yara as Design Director

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A Resilient Approach

by Valdi Pereira

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Peace Muregi-Pundu, owner and founder of Golden Knot Group AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

The road to entrepreneurial success is not an easy one. In fact, many of today’s well known entrepreneurs have not ventured very far from their original business formula or ideas. They have taken a single concept and refined it repeatedly to ensure on-going success.

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here is of course also an entirely different breed of After some brainstorming of concepts with her entrepreneur, those that continuously generate new husband she decided to start the Golden Knot Legal Aid opportunities in diverse fields. These entrepreneurs Society, which has since expanded to include a number possess the ability to quickly assimilate new knowledge of different entities which includes private schooling. or to take experiential learning from a variety of different Today she employs some 170 people and her business fields and apply it successfully in a new business arena. is well diversified in a number of fields that were previously not seen as attractive opportunities in Zimbabwe.

One such serial entrepreneur is Peace Muregi-Pundu, who managed to transition from the catering environment “Not everything has been smooth sailing. There into the leadership of a diversified business. In fact there were a number of false starts. I experienced these is little doubt she will go on to challenge entrepreneurial types of ‘failures’ from a very early age of 19 years boundaries in a number of other areas in the future. when I first ventured into business. You need to accept that entrepreneurial failures do occur.

Peace notes that she has always had strong entrepreneurial instincts, even from a very early age when she would take There is of course also an entirely different breed of the opportunity to sell sweets to her entrepreneur, those that continuously generate new schoolmates. She does acknowledge that not all of her entrepreneurial success opportunities in diverse fields. These entrepreneurs was pre-planned. “I was running a possess the ability to quickly assimilate new secretarial service for students with a knowledge or to take experiential learning from a friend, when the smell of the lunch we were preparing for ourselves attracted variety of different fields and apply it successfully in a some students, who were on the lookout new business arena. for meals as the dining hall services had been discontinued.

“It is important to be alert to problems and keep “I had never thought about catering abreast of what is happening in your business so you as an opportunity but it suddenly dawned on me as can make the most of opportunities and challenges. we started selling food to the students, that this was Importantly, you need to realise when failures happen, so something I could scale.” you can to learn from the mistakes you made and work Later on she moved into an environment where she towards avoiding these same mistakes in the future.” was providing meals to conferences her employer at the time was hosting. Conscious of the conflict of interest this Looking towards the future, Peace says that one of was creating she moved and established a company that the important keys to business success is a continuous would at its high point be supplying 1700 meals per day drive towards innovation, she believes that if businesses with demand constantly growing. do not look to innovate they will not be successful in the But, the enterprise would eventually run into problems long-term. She further states that if you are just looking as its cash flow cycle became too long to carry, when to do what others are doing, you will never be able to many of her big clients were slow to pay her. differentiate yourself and your business will not be able Upon reflection peace observes that, “Sometimes to stand out from its competitors. passion alone can be the biggest driver in starting and “Passion, drive and strong commitment are all very sustaining a business.” However, reality always brings one important ingredients that are needed for entrepreneurial down to earth and if your cash flow is not sufficient, you success. This is especially true for women who often face a are bound to run into trouble. number gender based challenges they need to overcome.

The important lesson Peace learned from this setback “If you keep your approach novel and strive to deliver was that business fundamentals always need to be kept at excellence in your products and services, success will the forefront of any entrepreneurial endeavour. If you lose follow,” she concludes. sight of these, the reality is that your business will quickly Sources: The Standard www.thestandard.co.zw start to take strain, even if it is not immediately apparent.

The Herald www.herald.co.zw

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men and women who have undergone training at her hands at Winglow Fashion Academy and who are training others to manage their own dressmaking businesses.

The life of an entrepreneur Winglow Clothes and Textiles started as a small outfit sewing for individuals and later for such big organizations as the Police, Military, private companies and some corporate institutions.

With time she ventured into production on large scale and exporting finished goods to the US, Europe and some other parts of Africa. Today the company designs its own materials with the Ghanaian symbols which make them unique and attractive to the export market.

Awurabena’s venture into entrepreneurship has paid off well. She has won many local and international awards to her credit. In 2001 she won the International Award for her Quality and Commitment from Business Initiative Directives. This was followed closely in 2002 by another award for Technology and Quality from Trade Leaders Club International. The awards she has picked up locally include the Mensah Sarbah Hall Alumni Celebrity Personality in 2003, the Ministry of Trade and Industry Bronze Award in 2004 for Entrepreneurship in Fashion and Export in 2005 from Accra Girls Secondary School.

Inspired to achieve MORE

by Charmain Pieterse

Awurabena Okrah, Chief Executive Officer/Principal, Winglow Clothes and Textiles, Winglow Fashion Academy.

Awurabena Okrah is a true success story and an inspiration to many. Her entrepreneurial abilities are clear examples of what can be achieved, and proves that you don’t need to start out big to achieve success.

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graduate of the University of Ghana and a postgraduate certificate holder from the University of Cape Coast, Awurabena left classroom teaching in the early eighties to pursue a past time which she had nurtured from childhood.

Irrespective of the risks involved she forged on and successfully combined her talent in stitching and a family trait in entrepreneurship (which she picked up from her mother) to create a full blown clothes and textile industry known today as Winglow at East Legon, Accra.

With a humble beginning of one sewing machine in her spare bedroom, and a determination to do something to supplement her family’s budget during those hardship days of the early 1980’s, Winglow Clothes and Textiles has expanded to the extent that it has several industrial sewing machines among several other machinery needed in the textile industry.

Awurabena has given lifetime occupations to many young

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Awurabena has bettered herself by attending many international and local training courses both at home and abroad. Through these training sessions, she has been tutored in management and finance, entrepreneurship, small and medium enterprise, export, and machine embroidery.

The example of Winglow Clothes and Textiles is a case of celebration for the simple reason that it has changed the face of textile manufacturing in Ghana and contributed to the training of our young ones to be the masters of their own businesses while providing employment to many others.

Companies like Winglow Clothes and Textiles are busy in the design and production of quality clothing and embroidered fabrics. These fabrics are exclusive, of excellent quality and are elegant by all standards manufactured specifically for both the local and exports markets. That has been the achievement of a resourceful Ghanaian woman, Awurabena Okrah.

Dr Juliette Modupe Tuakli, MD, MPH, has a fascinating career history spanning several years and boasts a long list of distinguished accomplishments.

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he has been a leader in women’s, children’s and public health for over three decades. For the past 10 years, at the helm of CHILDAccra Medical Group, (developed for West African families), where she serves as CEO, she has managed the organisation’s expansion from a small paediatric clinic into a recognised regional medical conglomerate providing medical care, public health research and policy development and medical training for workers, students and researchers in Africa, England and the USA. CHILDAccra just started a Toy Library Programme. Her work has ranged from covering the health of women, children and families to tackling neglected tropical diseases.

At Children’s Hospital of Boston, Dr Tuakli’s research led to a new department devoted to the health needs of urban children. She also established a Public Health unit to care for the health of African refugees within the Massachussets Dept of Public Health. As the first female Rotary President of the premier Anglophone club in Africa, Dr Tuakli promoted legislation to protect the disabled, orphans and vulnerable children. Her work was hailed by the African Union in 2016, and she was elected to the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative.

Support & Leadership Dr Tuakli highlights that her medical platform is used with NGO’s, the media and communities of need to manage important medical issues, developmental concerns, family nutrition and charitable interventions for the needy. For example,

Extending

by Charmain Pieterse

the

Lifeline

she was involved in the extension of Ship’s surgical services to include vesico-vaginal fistula repair for child brides and other abandoned women. She also provided technical advice for Nestlé (W.A)’s popular consumer based programme in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin and Nigeria.

“This success had led to another consumer based media programme for pre-schooler lunch box nutrition,” she says.

“I am proud of expanding Philanthropy/volunteerism in Africa and elsewhere.”

“Leading by example and teaching with passion and clear vision, I have mentored countless young women professionally and personally,” Dr Tuakli states. “Speaking extensively on TV and social media whilst remaining true to high professional standards I have used personal experiences of forced early marriage and GBV to teach, develop legislation and counsel with humility and strength. I have raised and educated in many cultures, in many countries

Dr Juliette Modupe Tuakli, CEO of CHILDAccra and Medical Director of Family, CHILD & Associates

and in many families, many, many girls (not least my own), professional continental Diaspora women and opened doors for many professionals to achieve their true potential and give back meaningfully to their own communities. Ghana’s President awarded me Honorary Ghanaian Citizenship in recognition of my work in 2017.

She was also the first African woman to become Senior Harvard Medical School Faculty. I have raised two successful young women (Author Ghana Must Go and a Harvard trained Sports Physician) i.e. I have practised what I preach!”

Dr Tuakli is a truly remarkable woman with a powerful voice – a voice that changes lives and impacts others in a positive manner. It’s impossible to capture the very essence of what makes Dr Tuakli such a success as the list will be endless, but what is evident is that she is making a powerful difference in the lives of others.

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SECTOR

Foreword Leading by example Lifetime Achievement It takes determination, passion, commitment and an indomitable spirit to provide a legacy that these women have built. Few have it within them and even fewer experience the satisfaction that comes with offering all to make a difference. These women have what it takes to stand up and say, “I want to make a difference. I can make a difference. I will make a difference. I have made a difference.”

This prestigious award covers all sectors across all African countries, proving once again that the desire to make positive and lasting changes is not confined by colour or borders. These women present a united front of what achievement is possible. We can all learn from them and undoubtedly be inspired by them and their stories.

We wholeheartedly congratulates these amazing women. They have been recognised for what they do, who they are, what they aspire to accomplish and what they have achieved over several years and even decades. They serve as leaders within their unique sector, and as leaders, they continue to transfer their skills and knowledge to others, be it through mentoring or simply inspiring others who look up to them. It is not an easy job serving as a leader, with eyes constantly focused on every move you make. You may feel like you cannot make any mistakes. However, it is through your mistakes that you truly motivate others. An ethical and moral leader will not shy away from learning from errors, and teaching others not to follow the same path. In addition, a true leader offers a unique strength that is not often found in others, and this strength is evident in the women on the following pages.

Women are so unique in that they are willing and eager to share their knowledge with other women, never feeling threatened by their competitors. In fact, most will tell you that they learnt the most from their competitors, and during times of challenge and hardship. Achievement is celebrated by all, made even more magnificent when produced in mercurial conditions that many had to contend with.

The road to excellence is a bumpy one and not for the faint hearted. These Lifetime Achievers know this, and while it may appear that they just coincidentally experience fame and glory, most would tell you the key to their success is hard work and nothing happens ‘overnight’. There is no way around it. Unfortunately, many lack the insight to realise this reality, always seeking the easy way out of everything. Take note of these women. They worked hard for everything they have achieved. It’s often a lonely road to success too, something many aren’t even aware of.

Yet these women have given their all, fought the good fight, overcame obstacles, travelled the road alone and still arise as Lifetime Achievers.

May you be the examples so desperately needed in a world where everyone seeks fame, but nobody wants to do the work to achieve it.

It’s time the youth look up to achievers such as yourselves. You couldn’t be better examples to anyone on this continent! The Heart and Stroke Foundation, South Africa congratulates all the Lifetime Achievers.

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LIFETIME

Achievement

Edith Venter

Maureen Erekua Odoi

Chief Executive Officer

Executive Director

south africa The South African-born and bred businesswoman, Edith Venter is the CEO at Edith Venter Promotions.

Venter has long supported many charity organisations in the country. She supports the Red Cross, Reach for a Dream, Cotlands Baby Sanctuary and Joburg Child Welfare, to name a few. After losing her beloved father to Cancer, she became one of the dedicated patrons of the Cancer Association of South Africa. Utilising her fundraising abilities on behalf of the Cancer Association, she was proud to be able to hand over a 2 million rand cheque for use in several sectors of the fight against Cancer, as well as the Children’s Care Ward of the Pretoria Academic Hospital. Because of her 30 years of work with cancer patients, she was awarded The Mariette Loots Friends for Life Achievement Award. Venter also sits on the Board of Reach for Recovery, an organisation that deals with breast cancer.

Ghana Maureen is the Founder/Executive Director of African Aurora Business Network (AABN) Foundation which focuses on two key operations nationwide; the AABN Innovation Centre (AIC) and AABN Incubator Services. They provide educational and business advisory services to those in Enterprise Development value chains. Maureen is an Accredited Master Trainer and holds a Master of Philosophy in Agribusiness Management, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agribusiness Management, a Post Graduate Certificate in Organisation and Management of SMEs and a Diploma in Computer Science. Maureen has served as Head of the ICT Training Department, Assistant Manager IT/Programme Officer, SME Director/ Associate Consultant/Trainer, Private Sector Dev. and Advisor/Trainer.

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LIFETIME

Achievement

Awurabena Okrah

Kate Kibarah

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Ghana Okrah is the CEO/Principal of Winglow Clothes and Textiles and Winglow Fashion Academy.

She has served as an executive member of the Association of Ghana Industries for more than 10-years. One of the many reasons she established Winglow Fashion Academy is to share her 30-years experience in sewing and fashion technology with the next generation. Okrah is an educated woman with a B.A Arts from the University of Ghana and a Post Graduate Degree from the University of Cape Cost. She has been rewarded on several occasions for her hard work. She was nominated for Marketing Woman of the Year in 2001, and also received an International award for Quality and Commitment Business Initiatives Directives, to name a few. Winglow has changed the face of textile manufacturing in Ghana.

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kENYA Kibarah is an educated woman who holds several qualifications such as a degree in Clinical Nutrition, a Diploma in Clinical Nutrition, a Diploma in Diet and Nutrition, a certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and at present she is pursuing Naturopathy and Alternative Medicine. She is a founder and Head at My Healthy Living Club, founder of Organik, an Organic Action Network in Kenya and she is Chief Executive Officer of Kate’s Organics Limited & Rejuvenate Your Health. Kibarah is also a board member for several organisations such as FK Youth Mentoring Network, Cancer Awareness & Support Centre and Organic Consumer Alliance. She is a Vice Chair for International Year of Family Farming and Treasurer for Ecological Organic Agriculture.

LIFETIME

Achievement

Linda Olga Nghatsane

Angelique Du Toit

Executive Director and Country Manager

Director/Co- owner

SOUTH AFRICA This dynamic woman hails from Tzaneen in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Linda Olga Nghatsane is a public health activist and the founder and owner of De Hoop Farm (Abundant Life Skills Project) in Crocodile River Mountain near Nelspruit. She believes in hard work and never gives up. Sound financial ¬planning; good farming practices and a lot of sweat and tears have paid off for this former nurse. When she bought the small farm in February 2004, there was no access road, no electricity, and no borehole; in short, no developments whatsoever – only bush. Two and a half years later, Linda was selected the Female Farmer of the Year in a countrywide competition.

She refers to problems as challenges and notes that too many people quit too soon simply because something might look like hard word. She is a vibrant, full of life woman who serves as a powerful example to others, showing what can be achieved if you try your best and never give in to challenges.

SOUTH AFRICA Du Toit aims to empower people and create life changing opportunities through the effective usage of Direct Selling of Health and Beauty Products. The South Africa entrepreneur is a Founder of Women Arise and Director/Co-owner of Annique Health and Beauty. In addition, Du Toit is also a Professional Speaker, Seminar Facilitator, Board Member of MarketPlace Selling International and a recipient of the Outstanding Presentation Award at Dale Carnegie Institute. Due to her hard work, eNCA opted to do a documentary on her and radio stations such as SA FM have ensured that they run with her inspiring story. She has taken her business Annique Health and Beauty Business from R90 million to R230 million turnover and a growth in profitability from R2 million to R28 million in a six year period.

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LIFETIME

Achievement

Linda Blackbeard

Grace Loumo

Chief Executive Officer

Executive Director

south africa Holding a Bachelor of Arts Commutations degree and a Diploma in Oral Hygiene, Linda Blackbeard is the Chief Executive Officer at Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She is an honorable member of the Institute of Marketing Management, and Chairlady of the South African Chambers National Forum, among others. Linda has a wealth of knowledge on the sales and marketing industry. Since the 70s she has held numerous positions as a Sales and Marketing Executive for well known brands such as Protea Hotel, Holiday Inn and DHL International Limited, to name a few. Linda is also the owner of Blackbeard Hospitality Designs, which has been successfully competing against other designing organisations for the past thirty years.

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Uganda Grace Loumo is the Executive Director of AWAREUganda (Action for Women and Awakening in Rural Environment). AWARE-Uganda was founded in 1989 by a group of five devoted women of Kaabong in Karamoja. It was all initiated by Loumo when she was married and taken by her husband to visit this area, which was his home region. She initiated the NGO because the women there had a very low status, as well as contending with a harsh climate, mass poverty, high rates of illiteracy, domestic violence and other human and women's rights abuses. These promoted Loumo to initiate AWARE. AWARE-Uganda functions in the North East part of Uganda. Loumo is proud of having successfully empowered the grassroots women in Karamoja to know their rights and utilise them.

LIFETIME

Achievement

Dr Bridgette Gasa

Dorothy Chapeyama

Founder and Managing Director

Chartered Insurer

south africa As founder and Managing Director of The Elilox Group, Dr Bridgette Gasa has a strong attitude when it comes to her career and she firmly believes in honesty, humility, hard-work and discipline. She is driven by making a difference in the lives of others. She was appointed as a National Planning Commissioner in 2010 and serves on a number of boards. She is a recipient of prestigious awards which include a Department of Science and Technology Award for a Leading Woman Scientist in Industry and an award for being Africa’s Most Influential Woman in Business. Dr Gasa also holds a PhD in Construction Management with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and is the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) PastPresident for the Africa region.

Uganda Dorothy Chapeyama, a Chartered Insurer, is the Chief Executive Officer of Reunion Insurance Company Limited, a reputable and fast growing indigenous insurance company in Malawi, which she co-founded in 2005. After graduating from University, she joined an insurance company which she religiously served for twenty years before it was disposed off through an acquisition, rendering her jobless for a while. An opportunity arose for Dorothy and a colleague to start a new insurance firm which was incorporated on 3rd may 2005 with a staff-roll of 10 employees in two offices. The company has now grown under her leadership to a staff compliment of over 50 employees, operating from eleven offices spread throughout the country, and boasting of an annual turnover of about MK1.5 billion.

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LIFETIME

Achievement

Neema Namadamu

Nancy Wakarima Karigithu

Founder and President

Principal Secretary

DRC Neema Namadamu is the founder and President of SAFECO – Synergy of Congolese Women’s Associations. SAFECO is an association of womenled grassroots associations that work together toward women’s empowerment and community development. The women’s associations support one another, strengthen individual capacities, and together work a development agenda that prioritizes human rights for all citizens, especially women, the disabled, the indigenous people, their lands and communities. Being only the second woman from her tribe - the first woman with disabilities - to graduate from college, Namadamu was often participating in leadership conferences in the Great Lakes Region of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. In 2012 she started a Women’s Media Training Centre in a room she rented in a Cyber café for three hours each afternoon, getting educated Congolese women online and connected to the world. The women named themselves the Maman Shujaa (Hero Women) of Congo.

kENYA The Department of Maritime and Shipping Affairs has the Mandate to formulate and implement policies geared towards the development of Kenya’s Blue Economy. Karigithu’s responsibilities as the Principal Secretary include formulation and implementation of an enabling framework for the Maritime Sector, capacity building, and creation of wealth and jobs for a bulging youth population. She has been the consummate champion of the little understood Maritime Sector which has from time immemorial been confused with the Port Industry. Karigithu vigorously engaged both government and the Private Sector to introduce integrity and a higher level of service delivery in the sector, bringing the industry together to commit to a Community Service Charter, thus bringing understanding of the impact of the sector on the economy. A proposed Blue Economy Ministry, which she is spearheading, seeks to encompass all the maritime and related issues under one umbrella. If implemented, it will have a great positive impact on the Country’s economy through increased GDP and creation of employment.

LIFETIME

Achievement

Epiphanie Mukashyaka

Norina Sookmoulla

Founder

Managing Director

RWANDA Epiphanie Mukashyaka is the first woman in Rwanda to produce specialty coffee. She is the founder of Buf Coffee which she manages with her sons, Samuel and Aloys. The title 'Buf' derives from 'Bufundu', the former name of the region in which its washing stations are located. She started Buf Café in 2003, when she established Remera washing station with a loan from the Rwandan Development Bank and the assistance of the USAID-financed PEARL project. She mentors and provides trainings to small farmers’ women in her rural community on how to adopt good agriculture practice and she does business planning for them to increase coffee yield, quality, and profitability. As a result of the trainings, the quantity and quality of coffee they produce have increased significantly. Due to increased revenue, these women have increased coffee production, raised livestock, and increased food crops production which has reduced their household expenditure on food, and improved food security.

mAURITIUS Sookmoulla is a licensed pharmacist and social entrepreneur with sixteen years of experience in diverse areas of the pharmaceutical sector ranging from Government, Retail and Wholesale divisions. She has a structured and pragmatic approach combining strategic planning, customer care, and a passion for enhancing and improving the quality of healthcare of every member of the community. The latter is crystallized in the mission and vision of Norina Co Ltd as ‘Votre Santé Notre Priorité (i.e. Your Health Our Priority’). Sookmoulla has an extensive knowledge in licensing and regulatory compliance, holds a successful track record of building strong relationship with patients /public, various members of health profession, suppliers, pharmaceutical stakeholders and government bodies.

AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

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LIFETIME

Achievement

Dr Thanika Devi Juwaheer

Dr Juliette Modupe Tuakli

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Resources)

Chief Executive Officer, Chief Medical Officer

mAURITIUS Dr Juwaheer has a B.Com (First Class), MBA ( Marketing-First Class ) and PhD in service quality and customer care and serves as the Pro ViceChancellor (Planning and Resources) of the University of Mauritius and Associate Professor of the Department of Management, Faculty of Law and Management. As part of her portfolio she oversees the Consultancy, Finance, Marketing and Human Resources Unit of the University of Mauritius. As an Academic, I Dr Juwaheer has several years of experience in marketing, tourism and hospitality in Mauritius and the Indian Ocean Islands and extensive teaching, industrial and consulting experience in the marketing, hospitality and tourism field. Her additional research interests include green marketing, ecotourism, service quality, customer satisfaction, CRM and health care management.

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AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

GHANA Trained in Zambia, Kenya, London and California, Dr Tuakli has cared and advocated for women and children’s health and empowerment and tackled neglected tropical diseases with WHO and other international bodies for over 35 years with awards from the African Union (2016), UN and Community groups worldwide. Appointed the first female African Harvard Medical School Professor, and a Children's Hospital of Boston director, she created a Child Advocacy department for poor, urban black children. After developing and directing successful national HIV programs in Kenya, Ghana and Rwanda, Dr Tuakli built CHILDAccra, for West African families providing quality medical care, public health training and policy development, curricula in Child Health in Africa and HIV for African and American medical students. She authored seminal publications on African Child Development, Gender, Nutrition, HIV and Malaria. Dr Tuakli has advocated for women leadership and empowerment programs for many years. She is the first African to Chair the Governance Council of United Way Worldwide, she also developed United Way in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa.

LIFETIME

Achievement

Roseanne Mbaya

Daniella Payet-Alis

Founder/Executive Director

Managing Director

KENYA SLEC International is a NGO founded in 2011 with a leadership philosophy where the servant leader puts the needs of others first. Mbaya’s primary call is to raise women leaders and entrepreneurs. These women have birthed small-scale businesses such as Early Childhood Development Schools, Community Tailoring Schools, Poultry Projects, Crop Farming and establishment of Table-Banking Groups. This has recorded great success in providing solutions to the needs in their communities. These needs include but not limited to three nutritious meals a day, child education, good healthcare, shelter and clean water. In addition, Mbaya has initiated and completed community water projects, constructed primary schools, health clinics, churches, developed tea farms, offered several scholarships nationally and internationally to needy students and provided national emergency and disaster relief services.

SEYCHELLES Payet-Alis has been involved in the tourism business since the age of 13 when she used to help her father who was a pioneer in the beginning of the tourism industry on Praslin. She left the Seychelles for France where at a young age she founded her Travel Agencies in Lorient (Brittany) in 1986 whereafter she started promoting the Seychelles island in a unique brochure on the French market. At that time the Tour Operators were only selling large properties in Seychelles. Payet-Alis came up with the idea of promoting the many small hotels and guest houses.

The French market reacted quickly to her products, and they reached number one for Seychelles on the French market, which included Switzerland and Belgium. In 1996 she was approached by Air Austral who wanted to purchase shares in her company Austral Voyages. She accepted and sold them 33% as she saw them as a strategic partner and still kept the majority shares until 2000, when Air Austral decided on a different strategy for the company.

At the same time she decided to start a free online central reservation dedicated to the Seychelles.

LIFETIME

Achievement

Mavis M Mataranyika General Manager

ZIMBABWE Mavis Mataranyika is the General Manager of Nyaradzo Life Assurance Company. Mataranyika’s career spans over 25 years, of which 12 years was within the laboratory technicican practise and the last 13 years as executive management level at NLA company, a company she cofounded with her husband Philip in 2001. This company operates through two strategic business units; Nyaradzo Life Assurance (NLA) and Nyaradzo Funeral Services (NFS), NFA markets and sells funeral assurance products.

NFS provides professional personalised quality funeral services to policyholders and walk-in clients through provision of a wide range of quality coffins/caskets and a fleet of hearses, buses that transport mourners throughout Zimbabwe. Mataranyika holds a Masters in Business Administration from the Nottingham Trent University (UK), an Executive Development Programme Certificate (UZ) and a Certificate in Science Laboratory Technician (City and Guilds, London). Mataranyika started her Doctorate in Business Administration with Nottingham Trent University in 2013.

We celebrate

LIFE

Providing high quality holistic care since 1970, Avril Elizabeth Home is a leader in the field of caring for the intellectually challenged. www.avril.org.za 011 822 22 33 aehome@mweb.co.za

QVC/2013/AEH/01

ETHICS

& Leadership

by Gerda Potgieter

in the

African context

The focus of this article is on ethics. As an African, born and bred in this beautiful, but complex continent a few decades ago, I regard myself as experienced enough to write in my personal capacity about ethical leadership within the African context.

T

o set the tone for this article - in simplistic terms ethics refers to social behaviour, whereas morals define personal character. This is also relevant to political leadership. In creating a functional society, ethical leadership is of a high priority because it changes the landscape of the political debate by bringing moral standards into the equation. As such, it breaks the vicious cycle of dictatorship, violence, crime, self-interest and injustice – to name but a few.

History teaches us valuable lessons when it comes to ideal leadership models. We should learn from the mistakes made by other countries. Africa is a complex continent with a whole lot of dynamics. Africa has unique complexities which is only relevant to the continent.

With its diverse landscapes, tribal divisiveness, wealth inequalities, abject poverty, war, famine, massive unemployment, entitlement mentality and in many cases, autocratic dictatorship and corrupt leadership, we are looking at a situation ready to implode.

Sadly, the general perception of Africa is one of a Totalitarian continent ruled by autocratic men who pay

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only lip service to the wishes of the people who elected them into power. The majority of people think of Africa as primitive, uneducated, and not as advanced as the rest of the world.

Autocratic African leaders have clearly revealed over decades what transpires when a leader with no moral standards is put at the helm of leading a country. No wonder Google has compiled a list of the “Top Ten Evil African leaders”. The list includes leaders of Nigeria, Central African Republic, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Sudan, Liberia, Democratic Public of Congo, Uganda, and of course Zimbabwe.

I can still (with nostalgia) remember a time, in my early teens, when Zimbabwe was called Rhodesia. We then saw the country flourishing on many levels and providing food to other African countries! What this country (and especially its people) is going through today is a direct impact of unethical leadership in its worst form! But, alas, some of our own political leaders still honour Mugabe and his work as president of this once-flourishing nation. This should be a red flag!

This refreshing breath of ethical behaviour (and this is not the first time he displayed ethical behaviour) gives one hope that all is not lost in our country! I think that it is safe to say that the majority of people in our country would know instinctively right from wrong. Whether we look to the Bible for direction (as Kenneth Meshoe does) or to legislative laws and policies, most of the time in general life we would know what is wrong and what can be regarded as appropriate behaviour. Ethical leadership is a leadership style that is based on one’s values and respect for others despite religious, cultural, educational, race or any other differences.

So, what does ethical leadership entail? The answer is quite simple: As a historic figure Jesus was the personification of ethical leadership. No one can refute His leadership. Thousands of years after His death, He is still the role model of ethical behaviour for millions of followers in our country and across the globe; and the numbers are increasing by the minute. The Leadership model He demonstrated in His time is still relevant to modern times – even more so with the many challenges that we The leadership style that we need in have to deal with today. this country, now more than ever, is a Following this example, in a nutshell, the leadership style that we need in this country, leadership style of Servanthood, and now more than ever, is a leadership style of not position, entitlement or status. We Servanthood, and not position, entitlement need a leader who will put his personal or status. We need a leader who will put his personal needs aside for the greater good of needs aside for the greater good of the the country and those he swore to serve. country and those he swore to serve.

Unfortunately the unethical behaviour of African leaders in general tends to lead to corruption, fraud, mismanagement of taxpayers’ funds, mismanagement of resources in general, Xenophobia, senseless killings of and their foreign counterparts, that was not the case innocent people, greed and destruction in general. South for ACDP leader Kenneth Meshoe”. (ACDP stands for Africa is also currently paying dearly for our wrong choices African Christian Democratic Party). Business Day then when it comes to choosing our leaders - and we can no mentioned the four “gifts” he received which were all gifts longer afford to allow unethical leaders to rule the country from his wife and children. The other political leaders, and take us further down the road of destruction. which included the president of the country, declared It is no secret that our political leaders, over a wide a whole list of gifts worth thousands of Rands, and the spectrum, have disappointed those of us who still value EFF leader, not surprisingly, declared no gifts received at ethics and who would want to see the country change all. This is probably a good example to highlight when for the better. But it is not all loom and gloom. Thumbs demonstrating ethical leadership, or the lack thereof in up for a political leader like Dr Meshoe who has raised most of the above cases. our hopes and has demonstrated through his ethical When a leader feels obliged to declare gifts from behaviour that all is not lost for South Africa. family members to the public, then there is no doubt in my mind that such a leader has high moral principles and demonstrates an ethical leadership style. Whilst Dr Gerda Potgieter has almost thirty years’ experience in local Meshoe’s high moral values prompted him to declare government and is the Managing Editor of a not-for-profit personal gifts from close family members openly, his Christian lifestyle magazine, which is a ministry. She has a ethical leadership style makes provision for him also to Master’s Degree and a passion for communications and ensure that those people he serve (and do not know outreach and was a finalist in Africa’s Most Influential Women in personally) are not impacted by his actions.

Business and Government Award in 2012.

South African citizens should do everything in their power to avoid our country from being added to this list of evil leaders.

Good governance is most probably gaining ground in Africa as a whole, and definitely in South Africa, but, at too slow a pace. Ethical leadership can speed up the process.

Let’s take a look at a practical example to demonstrate current ethical behaviour within the South African political arena. Government officials, including members of parliament, are expected to declare gifts that they have received for a certain period. This is an effort to monitor the presence of corruption and fraud in governance, amongst others. Declaring gifts is merely an action based on moral principles of the declarer. It may seem like a small thing, but indeed it is not.

On June 6 Business Day newspaper reported: “While MPs were showered with expensive gifts from companies

AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

39

SECTOR

Foreword Monitoring performance

Agencies & Regulatory Authorities There are some phenomenal women who play a significant role within agencies and regulatory authorities.

They are the ones that keep a keen eye on functionalities within this sector to ensure that it runs smoothly but at the same time grows, develops and transforms beyond expectation. These women are all leaders who aspire to make a difference while serving as watchdogs over government agencies and regulatory authorities.

Each of the women on the following pages has one thing in common; they desire to implement change and are driven by a passion for what they do. Many seek to produce transformational leaders that can take the reins and lead these agencies and regulatory authorities forward and into the future. For this reason they have an innate desire to teach those around them while continuing to learn themselves.

A good example of an agency or regulatory authority is AISA, the Africa Institute of South Africa. It was first established in 1960 as a non-profit organization. Today it is a statutory body following the Africa Institute of South Africa Act (no 68 of 2001). Although the institute has been in existence for more than 51 years, this saw it being brought into the fold of science councils in South Africa and given the full support of the Department of Science and Technology.

South Africa and Africa have undergone fundamental changes in the past decade and AISA has been at the forefront of research and training on African Affairs. AISA has also been able to produce some of the finest research on contemporary African Affairs by having its dedicated and highly qualified researchers conduct field research every year throughout the African continent. This means that all research output is based on first hand empirical evidence. One can imagine that there is a list of female leaders within this institute who have played a key role in AISA’s success, but also monitored the institute and ensured it functioned according to its vision and mission.

Other examples of agencies and regulatory authorities include South Africa’s Financial Services Board (FSB), the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), and Ghana: Food and Drugs Board, to name a few. The leaders at the forefront of this industry should never forget that they are in the process of teaching other employees, whether they realise it or not. They look up to you as examples and as individuals who can help them develop their own careers. Make it your priority to transfer your skills to those who desperately want to grab hold of opportunities within this sector. Embrace the opportunity to mentor employees and in turn watch them develop at a rapid rate. All sectors require more mentorship programmes, yet few actually implement it. This is a pity, given the impact you could have on the professional lives of others.

CEO Global congratulates the women in this sector who continue to uphold their specific agency or regulatory authorities’ reputation, and seek opportunities to mentor others while concurrently transferring skills.

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regional

Winners

Paule Avomo Assoumou Koki

Boitumela Maseko

Director General

Executive Manager Compliance

cameroon Koki is a long-serving aviation professional of almost 30 years in various capacities who holds a Master in Aeronautics, from the National Civil Aviation School (ENAC) of Toulouse, France, in 1988. While in France, she also obtained her private pilot license. Koki began her career in Cameroon in 1989 within the Directorate of Civil Aviation and she served successively as an engineer in the service of navigation and air transport followed by the position of Deputy Head between 1990 and 1994.

In 1994, Koki joined ASECNA, the air navigation services provider in Cameroon, were she occupied the position of Head of the air navigation department for two years. She has worked as a Director of Aviation Safety, Director General, Head of Training and is a Founder and Director of Société InfoPlus.

botswana As the Executive Manager Compliance for Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) Group of companies, Dr Mogome-Maseko’s role centres around trade facilitation for the farmers’ cattle, meat and meat products to the different markets.

Her overall role involves ensuring that BMC complies to regulatory, certification and customer standards. Mogome-Maseko has a Veterinary Medicine degree, Master of Science in Meat Science and Technology degree plus numerous short courses in management, which has resulted in her analytical thinking abilities, independency, problem solving- and problem finding skills. To give back, she is part of the Counselling team at Christian Revival Church Gaborone branch and volunteers in several community outreach programmes for BVA, to name a few.

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regional

Winners

Dr Evelyn Namubiru Mwaura Vice President and Chief Executive Officer

Uganda Dr. Evelyn Namubiru-Mwaura is a current Vice President of the African Association of Agricultural Economists and the founder and CEO of an organisation called Policy Innovation. She has over twenty years of experience in international and agricultural development focused on gender, land tenure and natural resource management. Mwaura also holds several qualifications to her name such as a Diploma of Environmental Management and Development, B.SC in Forestry, a Master of Environmental Management and Development and joint P.HD in Public Policy.Evelyn has mentored and nurtured several young men and women in Africa and has supervised both masters and undergraduate students at Makerere University.

With her skills and experience, she possesses a decorated work history. She has served as a Natural Resource and Governance Consultant, Lecturer and Researcher, Climate Change and Natural Resource Governance Consultant, Senior Manager and Land Tenure Specialist, to name few.

COUntry

Winners

SOUTH AFRICA

Susannah Farr Central Director

The visionary social entrepreneur, pioneer and leader, Susannah Farr believes that “education and enterprise are key for sustainable development in Africa-a continent with significant unlocked potential.” In 2004, the Cumlaude, Masters Degree in Philosophy holder established the gold Youth Development Agency. The gold model uses the methodology of peer education in encouraging the youth to make informed choices and develop healthenhancing and purpose driven social norms. Since, the beginning of her career in the 90s, her hardwork and ambitions has deservingly made her a top achiever.

Susannah was recognised as the First Commonwealth Education Best Practice Winner, Regional Business Woman’s Association of South Africa Award Winner, and Nominated as one of only four finalists in the 2017 Global Citizen award, in recognition of innovation, action and impact in the alleviation of poverty.

zambia

Miriam Musindi Akayombokwa Chiyaba Director and Chief Executive Officer

Chiyaba is a Chartered Accountant, Administrator and Arbitrator currently employed as Director and Chief Executive Officer responsible for the day to day functioning of the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA). She manages all ZAQA operations and ensures governance for the implementation of a national qualifications framework in Zambia. In her career, she has managed to acquire headship roles. She has served at Zambia Development Agency as Director Finance and Administration and as Director Corporate Services/ Board Secretary. Chiyaba has also worked as Director Finance and Administration at the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA). She has put in place a gratuity funding mechanism for contractual staff to ensure availability of funding.

The funding attracts interest at 23% per annum and has grown from nothing to US$100,000.

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d i g i ta l disruption forces ICT

companies to their game Technology companies are being forced to reinvent themselves in the digital era to keep their customers and live up to expectations to their ever demanding clients.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) firms are ironically among the most affected by digital disruption. To stay relevant, technology companies must move up the value chain and provide a new set of services to stay relevant.

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H

ead of Demand Management at T-Systems South Africa Mpumi Nhlapho, stated that they are trying by all means to stay relevant in the business market and adapt to latest expertise so that they can carry on providing what their clients are in need of.

“As a technology company, we spend a vast amount of our energy on advising our client in various sectors on the ways that they can smartly adopt to new technologies, business models and mindsets in order to survive the onslaught of digital disruption.” Says Nhlapho.

It seems that almost every industry is in a state of flux, pushed in a new direction by the like of artificial intelligence, high-speed connectivity, scalable Clouds, smart devices, data analytics, distributed ledgers and so forth. These technologies are no longer buzzwords or innovative philosophies. They are having a direct impact on business continuously.

In a recent survey by Russell Raynolds Associates, it placed technology and telecoms as two of the industries under the biggest threat of disruption, joining financial services, media and retail in the top five.

There is no doubt that digital disruption has put many enterprises on a panicking mode and it has also threatened the existence of these enterprises. Digital disruption also provides positivity for these businesses because it can play a major role in ensuring that new opportunities are being opened up for higher level of customer engagement. The businesses that step up can take advantage of the swiftly variable digital sands, to deliver first-rate familiarities that will boost customer loyalty and maintenance rates.

Cloud commoditise almost everything ICT companies are being asked to reinvent themselves as a number of different forces converge, whipping away some of their most stable revenue streams, particularly in the realms of ICT services and desktop support. Believably, the biggest factor is the commoditization of IT services, driven by hyper scale datacenter players, which leverage massive Clods to provide a vast range of enterprise tech services across the globe.

Nhlapho went on to say local-based technology firms must try to settle in with the latest developments rather than challenging them.

“Local technology firms must adapt with quickness to migrate complex enterprise applications into these new cloud environments. After that has been done, the value lies in orchestrating services from various Cloud platforms, giving clients a single point of contact to manage all their Clouds while guiding them on all the compliance, legal and data security considerations,” adds Nhlapho.

When this is combined with rapid advances in industrial grade connectivity, local businesses are suddenly able to access new applications platforms and infrastructure literally at the click of a button. Another way to ride the wave of Cloud disruption is to extend and customize Cloud services to suit specific local market needs. With this kind of deep specialization into specific verticals and regions across the continent, ICT firms can effectively move up the value chain and become true strategic partners to their clients.

Exponential technology Tomorrow’s winning ICT players will be those that apply exponential technologies to local markets, changing their clients’ businesses for the better.” Our work with other technology partners at a large client demonstrated the possibilities when we combined big data with high-speed connectivity, Cloud platforms, modern ERP solutions and connected devices,” highlights Nhlapho. “The client now boasts an optimised operational environment with everything managed by a central control centre and exciting new innovations such as drone and centre technology ushering in an entirely new era.”

Further to above, it’s not about the technology itself.

The resourcing models for ICT firms are also shifted as they dive further into the digital future. Instead of stacking teams with predominantly permanent staff often deployed to client sites for extended periods of time, the new model will harness the flexibility of the so called gig economy.

Forbes predicts that by 2020, 50% of the US workforce will be freelancers in different capacities.

The instant gig economy is moving more towards independent professionals that are using mobile platforms and technology to create eco systems of the work that they enjoy; this is according to Forbes.

The technology enterprises will have to strike a balance of connecting between organisation and its outside limits.

“For technology firms, the trick will be to harness the pool of talent both within the organisation and outside its boundaries, matching key skills for specific projects and needs, composing rotating and dissolving these ever-changing virtual teams to best serve the client’s needs,” emphasises Nhlapho.

Disrupting technologies are affecting every business, including technology player’s themselves. It is only by embarking on ambitious and well considered transformation strategies that a tech firm can expect to stay relevant over the coming years.

Source: https://searchcio.techtarget.com

AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

45

SECTOR

Foreword Harvesting sucess

Agriculture This sector is usually dominated by men, which is why it is so unique to find women in leadership positions. Providing economic opportunity, food security and a safe environment requires leadership on all levels. To transform Africa’s agriculture, women will have to be on equal footing to men. And they will require support in order to achieve their goals for the agriculture sector.

Africa has large spaces of arable land and that is where you will most likely find women on the ground, serving as small-scale farmers across all agricultural sectors. In fact, women farmers produce more than half of all the food that is grown in the world, rising to 80% in Africa – a phenomenal percentage indeed. However, they lack a lot of resources, and should they acquire the same amount as men, they could increase production on their farms by 20 to 30%.

These women on the ground busy farming need guidance, and they can only get this through active leadership.

Women in leadership roles should make it their mission to educate these rural female farmers as they play a critical role in the farming industry. This is an opportunity for them to make a difference, however small. Yes, change takes time, but eventually, this time accumulates and results in enormous success. Women in Agriculture have this rare opportunity to make a difference in the lives of rural female farmers. They need you, and in turn, you need them.

Africa has enormous opportunities when it comes to farming. However, it’s our rural female farmers we need to be supporting and teaching. Taking it one step further, women such as those in the pages that follow can reach out to rural farmers and lead them on the right path to follow. Use your position and leadership skills to help those who need help the most – our female rural farmers.

Another important aspect to agriculture is the education of our female youth regarding the opportunities available to them within this sector. Scholars in high school are hardly ever introduced to agriculture as a possible career choice. Instead they are exposed to specific careers which they inevitably choose and follow at University level. If women are to take the agriculture sector and grow it by taking advantage of unique opportunities, we need more female youth to embrace this sector as a future career.

We require leaders within the agriculture sector to go to schools and speak to the youth; introducing and educating them on this field and why they are needed to ensure the sustainability of this sector. Women offer unique attributes that men cannot relate to, and it’s these attributes that make women in agriculture a success.

They become the leaders of tomorrow.

We encourage the women showcased on the following pages to make it a priority to start educating our female youth at school level, before they have made a final career choice. They need to know that they can make a difference, just as you have.

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regional

Winners

Tracey Davies

Patricia Safo

Chief Executive Officer

Managing Director

south africa Tracey Davies started her career in the technical arena after receiving a B.Sc Degree and Chemistry Honours Cumlaude from the University of Natal. She is the Chief Executive Officer at Halls Fresh Produce. With over 127 years of leadership in the fresh produce industry, Halls is active across the complete fresh produce value chain. During her 21-year working career, she has had the opportunity of working at some major South African companies, like Bestfoods, Unilever SA etc. gaining experience in the food ingredients and processing industries, food retail, foodservice and fast food markets. Tracey currently has 265 permanent employees in South Africa reporting to her, as well as 61 in the UK and Europe.

ghana Patricia is the Managing Director and Founder of JCS Investment Ltd. The company was founded in 2004, committed to the agenda of inclusive businesses and promoting financial Inclusion, as well as off-grid solutions. Patricia’s previous experience includes being a founding partner of two pioneering and award winning agriculturally-focused, ‘value add’ businesses in Ghana; Blue Skies Ghana Ltd. and Crystal Lake Fish Ltd. She was a Founding Partner of Blue Skies Products (UK) and Blue Skies Ghana Ltd in 1999, now a successful fruit processing company employing thousands of staff. She is a pioneer of commercial Aquaculture in Ghana, and the Managing Director of the first company (Crystal Lake Fish Ltd) to be given a permit for aquaculture on the Volta Lake. She has led Crystal Lake Fish Ltd. to twice win the National Best fingerlings award, and indirectly helped create over 100 000 employment opportunities within the newly emerging aquaculture sector.

AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

47

regional

Winners

Yvonne Jane Chelegat

Teija Marika Lublinkhof

Business Development & Marketing Manager

Managing Director

kenya Yvonne as excelled within her position at Sian Roses Kenya, having opened up new markets for Sian Roses in many global regions, among them emerging markets is Eastern Europe (primarily Russia). She also spearheaded the shift from auction markets to direct markets and moved direct sales from 45 million stems annual to 130 million stems annual turnover. These are just a few of her vast achievements. She has over 15 years’ experience in the floriculture industry with successful sales and marketing experience and the proven ability to develop new business, build repeat business and establish long-term positive customer relationships at all levels, based on product knowledge and efficient sales and marketing service. She is also well-travelled with the ability to establish long lasting relationships with customers around the globe.

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zambia Lublinkho has trained as a coffee quality specialist initially at Munali Coffee and started her own business in 2007. She has also worked with World Coffee Events as a representative and head judge. The 43-year-old is a Vice Chair of Zambia Coffee Growers Association and Treasury of African Fine Coffee Association where she is also a Chair for the Taste of Harvest Competition Committee and does head judging duties for Taste of Harvest Competition. Lublinkhof recently Head Judged the regional AFCA Taste of Harvest competition and she is also involved in developing coffee training in Africa through AFCA programmes.

Looking back, she has much to be proud of. She was a head judge in the World Barista Championship (2016 Dublin WBC) semi-finals and sensory judge in finals.

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Winners

Clare Kabakyenga

Preline Swart

Owner

Co-owner

UGANDA Clare Kabakyenga previously worked in the civil service as a Secretary for Social Services. Back then in the 90s, it never crossed her mind that one day she would trade the comfort of her office for the open fields. About a decade ago, however, the need to ensure food security for her family, increasing her income and becoming her own boss forced her to venture into agribusiness.

Kabakyenga started out as an Irish potato farmer and today she grows and exports Irish potatoes, maize and beans within the East African Community and to the Democratic Republic of Congo. She is also the Chairperson of Manyakabi Area Cooperative Enterprise. Kabakyenga plans to venture into making potato crisps out of Irish potatoes as she believes that this will increase the potatoes’ shelf-life and boost her income.

South Africa Together with her husband and 2 sons, they are the owners of the Ralph Swart Boerdery CC. A year ago, Swart was elected as the Vice-Chair, the first woman of colour to serve on the board of Grain SA. There is no doubt, Swart is a hard working woman who has also received quite a number of awards such as Top Achiever for Farmer Development Programme in 2015, New Entrant to Commercial Farming, National Award in 2014 (Agricultural Writers), National Minister’s Special Award for the Youth section in 2013 and Runner-up Top Commercial Female Entrepreneur in the Western Cape 2013, to name a few. She says, "I am honoured & believe that I can make a difference. I’m thrilled and truly blessed to be part of Grain SA’s winning team. Being the only woman on the board between the ±40 men motivates."

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Kathleen Mary Hurly Corporate Executive

South Africa Hurly is an amazing employer who always tries to get the best out her employers by supporting and encouraging them to ask questions and to state their opinions whenever they feel like they need to do so. To prove that Hurly is a lady for the big occasion, she was appointed Chair of the of the Local Organising Committee for the International Society of Sugar Technologists Conference, in 2007. Her focus is on collaborating across commodities to enhance sustainable development through inclusivity especially in rural areas by understanding what is needed and what can be achieved. In her view her organisation's NPC Foundation, "is beginning to knit the fundamentals together building on our successful delivery of social benefits to farm workers."

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south africa

Thato Moagi

Thato Moagi is a nationally awarded young female Agripreneur and Managing Director of Legae La Banareng Farms. Having had studied a B.Sc Agriculture (Plant Science) from the University of South Africa, Thato has been able to incorporate her scientific knowledge and experience into her technical and technological capabilities. She has presented and participated at several conferences, summits and events, where she shared her research and insights on youth and women in agriculture.

Thato has attended many conferences and done presentations throughout the continent and overseas too. In 2015, she was recognised as Young Farmer of the Year in her district and provincially, she was also awarded Female Farmer of the Year as well as Ministrial Award for Youth in Agriculture.

Managing Director

botswana

Tumelo Mpengula

Tumelo has had extensive experience within the agriculture sector throughout her career, and also completed a BSc in agriculture in 2004. She then went on to accept a position as Agricultural Scientific Officer II working as instructor/trainer.

She then went on to serve as Principal Agricultural Officer I i.e. Agronomy Officer whereafter she accepted a position as Head of Department, Principal Agricultural Scientific Officer I. In 2015 she took on the position of Sales Agronomist at Seedco (Pty) Ltd in Botswana. It has been her passion to make a difference within the agricultural sector in Botswana, and she has taken great leaps in ensuring the advancement of the company’s goals and objectives.

Sales Agronomist

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Plastic debris: a THREAT to ocean species

by Abigail Moyo

Pollution of all kinds has become a major global problem, posing a serious threat to humans, animals, plants and the ecosystem. “If only our species would realise that the consequences of our pollution affects all life on earth, perhaps we had change our behavior. Continuing to use single-use plastics is like burying our heads in the sand and hoping that the plastic will not find its way into our rivers or oceans. Instead, take charge and build a future to be proud of,” states Ian Dommisse, founder of Ecobrick Exchange.

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he issue of plastics in the oceans is briskly getting out of hand. Experts say, “Over 150 million tons of plastic are estimated to be present in the sea currently, and if the trends continue like this, the weight of the plastic will by 2050 be 700 million tons, exceeding the total weight of fish in the sea.”

Sadly, for our oceans things are changing. Plastic debris injures and kills fish, seabirds as well as marine mammals. Oceanic plastic pollution has impacted about 267 species worldwide, together with sea turtles, seabirds, whales, fish, coral reefs and marine mammals breed. The impacts include fatalities as a result of ingestion, starvation, suffocation, infection, drowning and entanglement.

The main problem with plastic is: it is cheap, strong and durable and takes a lot of years to decompose.

So what can we do?

We can start by decreasing our use of single-use plastics. Single-use plastics include: plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups etc. Hence by reducing these types of items less plastic will end up in our oceans. This is why we have to take the initiative of recycling. After using single-use (and other) plastics, always be sure to recycle them as it reduces plastic pollution.

Help remove plastics from the ocean and prevent them from getting there in the first place by participating in or organising a clean-up for your local beach or waterway. This is one of the most direct and rewarding ways to fight ocean plastic pollution.

Furthermore, you can show your viable support to organisations addressing plastic pollution like the Sustainable Seas Trust, Plastics SA etc. And do not forget to spread the word by staying informed on issues related to plastic pollution. Helping others to be aware of the problem will help reduce plastics in the oceans.

Afterall, it’s up to us as consumers to become more conscious of our plastic footprint. By reducing micro plastics and microfibers entering terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments, we will be better able to maintain resources that humans all over the globe depend on.

Sources; www.cleanwater.org; www.abc.net.au; www.oceanicsociety.org; www.aquarium.co.za; www. discover-sedgefield-south-africa.com; www.sapeople. com; theconversation.co.za

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SECTOR

Foreword A colourful palette Arts & Culture This sector is filled with creativity, resulting in beautiful end products that have the tendency to inspire and motivate others. These end products are most often created by women, which is why it is so crucial to invest in arts and culture and protect it at the same time. Female leaders are in a position to ensure the sustainability of this segment, while understanding the need to enhance the development of the arts and culture division.

Women in a position of power have the ability to yield influence and make a difference in a sector that is globally recognised. Africa is well known for its magnificent artistic expression, with women often at the forefront of becoming entrepreneurs and creating their own businesses from their own craftwork. As such they have promoted and expanded their businesses to the point that this sector has infiltrated into the tourism and leisure sector.

In addition, these artworks are no longer an aesthetic beauty; they have resulted in a fully functional sector. This is why the women on the following pages should be lauded for their daily efforts to drive the arts and culture sector forward into a future that will benefit Africa and all the women who work tirelessly to create a better tomorrow.

These leaders are examples of the determination and passion it takes to develop a sector and to ensure everyone involved benefits from this drive too. These women are helping to develop entrepreneurs; the very people we need to help build Africa but also encourage others to aim for the very same thing.

Entrepreneurship is a hot topic at the moment, and rightly so. We need the youth and women to embrace the opportunity to develop their own products and in turn their own businesses, big or small. African women should inspire us – they have managed to become entrepreneurs by creating their own artwork and selling it to everyone, but more specifically tourists, who have a deep appreciation for African artwork and the culture these women form part of. Tourists play a big role in encouraging women to create more, do more, grow more and eventually, maintain their own little businesses. As their artwork attracts tourists, it will inevitably affect the tourism sector in a very positive manner.

These women have created a culture of entrepreneurship, and inspire other women to do the same. As women are the nurturers and usually maintain the household and the children, it is them who are beyond driven to earn a living by creating something new. The culture of art is all about creativity and entrepreneurship. We need forward thinkers, and the arts and culture sector is filled to the brim with these individuals.

The future looks exciting!

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Winners

Lorraine Maisel

Constance Swaniker

Owner

Chief Executive Office

south africa Maisel is a founder and director of Styling Concepts and director of Press Room – two PR agencies specialising in fashion and lifestyle brand communications. With a forward thinking approach, she elevates brands by increasing visibility through both editorial product placement and strategic PR communications plans.

Additionally, the South Africa entrepreneur connects brands to the right people, building relationships in the right places and curates conversation. The South African possesses over 27 years experience, after having worked as a stylist within the fields of fashion, advertising and media. She is also responsible for starting the first press office system at Busby House, which is still used by the company today. Maisel aims to think out of the box and go above and beyond in everything she does and add value to her clients by producing excellence in results.

ghana The expert in strategic planning and implementation, Constance Swaniker is the Chief Executive Officer at Accents and Art Limited, established is 1999. The leader of almost 100 individuals holds a BA Sculpture.

Constance is involved in a number of affiliations and organisations. She is the Vice President of Stanford Seed Transformation Network, a member of Women in Arts in Africa and Africa Leadership Network, to name a few. Constance has also been acknowledged at greater stature both nationally and internationally. She won The Network Journal Africa 40-under Forty Achievement Award and Ghana Entrepreneur Awards and Best SME Innovation Award amongst others. Constance is also a Principal at the Design and Technology Institute.

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Joy Mboya

Clare Whitehead Mateke

Executive Director

Southern Province Branch Secretary

kenya Joy Mboya is the Founder and Executive Director of The GoDown Arts Centre. As the Founder and Director her main role is to lead a common vision for growth, with the organisation’s staff and board, as well as to read the reality of the cultural space in Kenya and East Africa. Joy is a creative and dynamic young art lover who is also an expert in business. She has successfully implemented and steered the organisation’s sustainability through institutional development, programmatic offer or brand, and financial balance. Joy’s arts centre has several flagship programs in the likes of Manjano (a visual arts prize and exhibition) Nai Ni Who (a festival celebrating heritage and identities); The Creative Entrepreneurship Certificate Course and The East Africa Arts Summit, a platform for regional arts leaders to exchange and network.

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zambia As a part time visual artist, Mateke has been involved with the Zambia National Visual Arts Council (VAC) for nearly ten years. This organisation helps support artists in Zambia by creating networks, helping find market, sharing ideas and generally promoting art in the country. In 2013, she was elected as Secretary for the Southern Province Branch. Since then, she has played a greater role in the organisation.

Mateke tries to work with others and she believes team work is important in order to get a pool of ideas and skills.At the time she was elected onto the VAC Committee she helped co-ordinate meetings and played a key role in getting the gallery up and running. She helped create a website for the gallery, designed and produced a brochure and helped co-ordinate artists to bring their works to the galley.

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Hope Azeda

Erica Elk

Managing Director

Executive Director

Rwanda Hope Azeda was honored as a 2018@McNultyPrize Laureate 2018 for bringing together performers from Rwanda and around the world to explore the trauma of conflict and depth of human experiences. Hope is the Founding Member, Artistic Director, and script writer at Mashirika Creative and Performing Arts Group. She holds a Diploma in Music, Dance and Drama, with professional specialisation in Theatre Education and has done a Radio Journalism course at BBC World Service. Hope has been featured in a number of international tours in USA, Sweden, Uganda, and Germany, to name a few. “Arts and Civic Dialogue” workshop at Harvard University is one of the well-known workshops that Hope has attended and has helped her in her objectives.

South Africa Elk is an educated woman who possesses a decorated work history. She has served as a Programmes Manager and Writer, Director, Media and Resources Officer, Studio Assistant and she was a President for National Union of South African Students in 1990. The 54-year-old holds several qualifications to her name such as a Post Graduate Diploma in Fine Art, BA Fine Arts (Honours) and a Teacher’s Diploma in Speech & Drama. She has been also involved in several organisations. She is Board member of WC Chapter of Visual Arts Network SA and a Member at Creative Cape Town Reference Group, to name a few.

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south africa Ntuli’s role is owner and currently sole director of the Ndlela Music Company. She works mainly with outsourced service providers as well as musicians who are her band members. To give back, Ntuli has a young student who she mentors through open communication and exposing her to the work she does. To ensure that she remains competitive and relevant, she is driven by ownership and a passion for entrepreneurship.

Ntuli loves making music but she also has always desired to make a difference. Ntuli’s skills as a musician and composer were honed through childhood, university and in her professional performance career.

Thandi Ntuli Owner/ Managing Director

Nigeria

Oluwatosin Ayoyinka Latre Lawson Chief Executive Officer

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Lawson is a candidate for Master of Business Administration and BEng Honours in Product design and manufacture. She opted to change from taking instructions to giving orders when she established her company, African Things of whom she is a Founder and Creative Director. The transition from being an employee to an employer is not easy but at least the Nigerian entrepreneur has been able to pull opportunities together.

She has served as a Design Executive, cashier and administrative officer and as a Youth service Corper. To put her mind at ease, she opts to read novels, travel and to watch movies. Lawson is a Member of the Chartered Society of Designers and she also holds a certificate in kick boxing.

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egypt

Hend Riad Hela Co-Founder and Chief Designer

The Egyptian born entrepreneur holds a bachelors degree in Applied Sciences and Arts.

She has successfully transformed her theoretical knowledge into the corporate business world.

Her field of expertise includes graphic, industrial, furniture, exhibition, packaging and public design, to name a few. The-28-year-old versatile designer has won many awards due to her remarkable work with designing. She received the Cartier Women’s Initiatives award in 2014, representing North Africa & Middle east, A Design Award in 2014, Silver Award for sustainable products and green design, and First Golden Award at Design+Industry competition in FURNEX 2012. Designing has been her path from the word go. She has worked as a furnisher designer, art teacher and she is currently the Co-Founder and Chief Designer for Reform Studio.

mauritius

Aadilah Budullah

Aadilah holds a diploma in international montessori, general psychology and interior decoration. Budullah also has several certificates to her name. She has a certificate in entrepreneurship, first aid and she is also a certified yoga teacher. Drama has always been one of her preferred paths, she went to Helen O’Grady Drama Academy. She has proven to be versatile, holding quite a number of certificates in various fields. She also went to Sadhana Yoga School in 2015. During her career, she managed to acquire leadership positions. Aadilah has worked as a volunteer teacher & administrator, owner and a principal, member, sales & marketing and at present, she is the secretary general for Cancer Association of Mauritius and Managing Director for Embrace Uniqueness Ltd.

Director

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egypt The 28-year-old Egyptian is a beauty with brains who holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences & Arts and she also got a scholarship study trip program for furniture design course in Germany. In 2013 she opted to do a furniture design modelling course, to name a few. Hazem has worked as a junior teacher assistant and at present she is a Co Founder/Designer at Re form Design Studio. Her hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. She received several awards such as Two Golden Awards at Design+Industry competition in FURNEX, SaloneSatellite 2nd prize Award, Silver A Design Award and Cartier Women’s Initative Award, to name a few.

Mariam Hazem Sherif Co-Founder and Chief Designer

zimbabwe

Ammara Brown Chief Executive Officer

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Ammara is a multi-award winning Zimbabwean singer, instrumentalist, dancer, songwriter, producer, actress, brand ambassador, and philanthropist. With her star rising, she has fast become a household name, and the bold and energetic voice of a new generation. Born to Zimbabwean music icon Andy Brown and Soraya Khan - a real estate agent, Ammara was already on stage by the age of four doing theatre. By the age of 12 Ammara, with the support of her mother, recorded her first demo in the United States of America. With her soulful, eclectic and socially charged music and live performances, Ammara is sending a message that African women can embrace tradition and modern society; own their sexuality and have the freedom to fully express themselves as they define what the African woman should to be in society, without compromise.

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Tanzania Rebecca has had a thriving career to date, with many of her skills embedded in creative abilities. It therefore comes as no surprise that she currently works as Managing and Artistic Director at Nafasi Art Space. She serves as Director of a cultural centre and creative hub for visual and performing arts in Dar es Salaam overseeing an artist collective of 32 individual and group members, with 60+ artists working daily on the premises. Nafasi is a working ground for the arts as well as a place for learning and showing artistic work to the public. She has and continues to make a lasting impact on the Arts and Culture industry in Tanzania.

Rebbecca Corey Managing and Artistic Director

UGANDA

Patricia Otoa Ayo

Ayo is a fashion designer and entrepreneur having founded the business OP Events and fashion, a brand that focuses on African clothing while embracing the urbanisation trend currently sweeping most African countries. She opened this business with both minimal financial and human resources. Her individual participation and the existence of a highly competent team to support her, has been essential to ensuring the efficiency that delivers quality, brand recognition and subsequently growth and profit. Otoa Ayo is both a creative and administrative head of the company. Giving back to the community is very important to her.

Chief Executive Officer

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fr ca illennial

Millennials have been under the microscope for a number of years now, with many organisations carrying out extensive research about this generation, their needs and how businesses can meet their demands.

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his has led to various stereotypes about the characteristics and behaviours of a group of millions of people born over a 20 year period. But as the largest consumer group in the world today, it is impossible to ignore the impact this generation has already had – and will continue to have for decades to come as they settle into their prime spending years.

Their impact will be particularly keenly felt in Africa, where millennials have overtaken their predecessors – the Baby Boomers – as the largest demographic. South Africa alone has over 14 million millennials, for instance, making up approximately 27 percent of the population. What makes this so important is the fact that Africa’s youth are driven by different concerns and realities than their global counterparts.

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“This makes it critical for businesses operating in Africa to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the continent’s millennial customers, and their buying behaviour in order to be able to build meaningful relationships with them and give them the level of service they demand,” says Mike Higley, Vice President Operations, FedEx Express Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Based on our own experience and expertise gained from working across Africa and creating deep and long-standing relationships , we have identified the five key insights you should bear in mind as a small business owner who aims to attract millennial consumers,” Higley adds.

1. African millennials are tech savvy and are increasingly choosing to shop online – and with a mobile-first approach Improved access to the internet, greater mobile penetration and increasingly easy-to-use and navigate online experiences make consumers, especially African millennials, more likely to shop online.

According to the PayPal and Ipsos third annual crossborder commerce report, South Africa’s online spend is forecasted to grow to over R53 billion in 2018. In 2016, 43% of adults in South Africa shopped crossborder. The US is the most popular cross-border online shopping destination for South African online shoppers, followed by China and the UK. Within that landscape, mobile is playing an increasingly critical role across the whole continent. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly a tenth of the current global mobile subscriber base and is forecast to grow faster than every other region over the next five years . Businesses that want to remain competitive will therefore need to invest in their online – and mobile – commerce offerings in order to attract (and keep) millennial customers.

2. African millennials communicate with brands mainly through social media Social media has completely changed how young Africans interact with companies. Immediate access to information and brands has changed the relationship between businesses and customers, as well as the way customers approach buying products. The continued growth of social media – with 191 million active social media users across the continent (172 million of whom access social media through their mobile) – has meant that peer reviews and referrals online carry more weight than traditional advertising; peer-written content is millennials’ most trusted source of information. Because millennials have more information available at their fingertips than ever before, they demand the highest levels of service from companies they support, so brands big and small.

3. African millennials expect a personalised customer experience In fact, they demand it and if they are not getting it, they will move their business elsewhere. With the wealth of information that they make available

about themselves, their values and preferences online and through social media, they expect brands and businesses to not only know what they want, but to provide it. And the results of a bespoke approach speak for themselves: brands that create personalised experiences see revenue increase by six to 10 percent.

Small businesses have an advantage in this area, as there is more opportunity to get to know and build more meaningful relationships with customers than, where the same can be difficult in big businesses.

Clever small business owners leverage this knowledge to provide customers with a personalised experience that makes them feel that they are more than just another customer.

4. African millennials want to co-create bespoke products to meet their unique needs In the same way that they want to feel personally important to the business they are supporting, African millennials prefer to buy from brands that emphasise unique offerings that allow them to express themselves over mass-market alternatives. Cocreation is more than just a buzzword; 40 percent of millennials want to have a say or play an active role in co-creating the products that they spend their money on. By involving them in the process businesses can drive both customer satisfaction and loyalty.

5. African millennials are loyal – but you have to earn it Research by Accenture indicates that millennials differ significantly from other generations when it comes to the concept of loyalty – and South African and other African customers differ even further. For instance, 88 percent of South Africans are loyal to brands that protect their private information, 67 percent are loyal to those that give them personalised discounts or special offers, and 52 percent are loyal to brands that support a cause that they value.

If small businesses are able to capture the trust of their millennial customers, they will most likely remain loyal, an important trait to this generation. Companies that are able, for instance, to provide a one-stop shop for their needs will reap the rewards.

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SECTOR

Foreword moving ahead Automotive & Components 2018 will see manufacturers and import brands experience an interesting year, however, the industry has to be innovative in their strategic approach, especially when faced with tough market conditions. The biggest coping mechanism for automotive players will be the consolidation of product ranges, marketing efforts and perhaps even smaller, underperforming dealerships.

There will also be a bigger focus on exports to ensure positive capital flow and keep local manufacturing plants busy. To stay at the forefront of this playing field, brands need to invest time and resources, as well as implement new technologies into the car of the future.

With the above in mind, it’s clear that this is by no means an easy sector to play a pivotal role in. What could be considered a male dominant industry, the following women have proven that they are taking the lead and implementing lasting change. They are proud leaders within their specific roles and place much emphasis on training those who work for them. Their goals are to implement the development of skills in a sector that is by no means simple.

As noted above, innovation and technology are key to the development of the manufacturing sector from this year going forward - crucial elements that require the investment of time, knowledge, resources and discipline. Women are playing significant roles in this area and it is with great excitement that we discover in greater detail what each of the women on the following pages are dedicating their time to. It’s not just a job to them, it’s part of who they are on a daily basis.

There are few people who can say they are dedicated to their career, as most people simply have a job which they go to from nine to five each day and go home and that’s the end of their job as far as work goes.

But those dedicated to their careers make it part of their lives, as noted above. They study, they seek out mentors, they acquire new skills daily, and they are dedicated to be the best they can be. Their end goal is growth, to keep developing and move beyond where they are currently at.

It is inspiring to learn more about these women on the following pages. They are strong, powerful and unique, attributes that continue to help them climb the corporate ladder. Or perhaps they are at the top of the ladder already. Irrespective of their position, they have made it their mission to succeed at life, and this involves succeeding in their careers.

These women also embrace the advancement of technology and find ways or opportunities of implementing it into the automotive and components sector. They understand what is needed to advance this sector by staying abreast of the latest trends and industry demands. We congratulate all these women for being examples to others, and for using their positions for the better good of the automotive and components industry.

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Amanda Karen Alexander

Yomna Gomaa Farahat

Business Manager

Human Resources Consultant

ghana Alexander is a confident and experienced professional with over 21 years working experience in Business Management, Sales and Marketing Management, Profile Management, Office Management, Executive PA, Finance, Human Resources & Training Management and Facilities Management, to name a few. She has proven to be no victim to stage freight and she has also been able to bag quite a number of leadership roles in her career. Alexander had the privilege to work with very high profile clients (Heads of States, Presidents, and Celebrities worldwide) and also secured world recognised events in the likes of Miss World 2008, FIFA 2010 and IPL. With her hard work and persistency, she has received several awards such as Best Employee Attitude in 2011, Siyakhanya Ambassador of the Year in 2010, the Extra Mile in 2004 and she has won the Most Outstanding Female in Ghana for 2018.

egypt Faharat holds a BSc of Arts in English and she opted to attend several training programmes that have led her to attain quite a number of certifications. She attended Porsche Academy, Change Management Training, AB & Associates, Middle Management Training, The American Chamber of Commerce, Project Management Workshop, Regional IT Training Institute (RITI), HR Diploma and GROW IT Consultancy, and a Problem Solving Techniques course. With her skills she obtained during the make or break phase in her career, she was also able to land several top positions. She has worked as a Business Excellence Manager, HR Recruitment Supervisor, HR Senior Specialist, HR Specialist and HR Coordinator and she is currently a freelance organisational development and Human Resources Consultant.

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uganda

Pauline Korukundo Vehicle Integration Manager

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Korukundo is an enthusiastic applications developer for vehicle electronic control units with four years experience using Mathworks MotoHAWK/Simulink, Raptor and LabVIEW. She possesses requirements specification and design analysis skills, requisite in supporting initiation and development stages of projects. Over the past six years, she has exercised independent thought as well as dynamic team work, communication and valued interpersonal skills relevant in identifying and meeting client expectations, and a tested ability to meet deadlines. Korukundo is an educated woman who holds a Master of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Honours Degree and Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Engineering. She has worked in various companies in a variety of research and development roles.

Innovation & Technology: buzzwords that have lasting impact

by Charmain Pieterse

If you page through this publication, chances are you are going to come across the words innovation and technology several times, and although they currently come across as hot topics, they actually explain some very important factors that contribute to the growth of the economy.

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ll sectors within the economy need to embrace innovation and technological advancements if they want to develop and grow while also staying one step ahead of their competition. This is the ideal opportunity for all businesses to delve into their creativity and bring these ideas to the fore. Everyone has the unique ability to create something new, something nobody else even thought of.

This idea may require several drafts before it is ready, and several hours of investing into a product or project etc. Therefore you will require a lot of patience; and if this isn’t a natural trait you possess, it would do you well to practise some calming techniques before undertaking such a mammoth task.

Entrepreneurs are great examples of how innovation and technology can transform a business and help them achieve success. Entrepreneurs have a vision unlike any other employee. An entrepreneur seeks opportunity when others don’t even know it exists.

They are prepared to take risks and they continue pressing forward, even when faced with a great deal of obstacles. But they too realise the need to be innovative in terms of their service- and product offerings, without which they won’t move forward, they won’t even remain where they are, in fact, they will start moving backwards.

Just as vital as innovation is, let’s not forget about technology. We live in world where almost every single day some new technological advancements are being launched, and no doubt, these products will be a success.

Take the iPhone; when it is revealed that the latest model is ready to purchase, literally thousands of people slept outside the shops to ensure that they get their hands on this - and what they believe greatest - phone.

But when innovation and technology is combined - that is when the magic happens. Companies need to incorporate innovation into their businesses by turning to technology as the solution for their creativity.

Here are a few tips: 1. Read as much as you can to find inspiration that will spark some kind of creative thoughts.

2. Put everything on paper and write down your ideas before they escape you the following day.

3. There is no right or wrong idea; as long as you are innovative you can achieve success.

4. It should be noted that true success is achieved on a much larger scale when combining innovation with technology.

5. Reward yourself after your first success, however, don’t ever quit, you have to keep pressing forward.

It’s important to note that you have to stay abreast of what is happening around you. Study people and places around you and find your inspiration and translate it into a product or service. Staying ahead of the competition is what will ensure your business continues to remain profitable, and in the end, it will benefit the economy, which in turn will benefit the citizens of a country.

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SECTOR

Foreword Taking to the skies Aviation There is something truly magical about the aviation sector. As an end user, those few seconds or minutes to take off conjures up feelings of excitement as you leave behind all you know and travel towards what you want to know more of. However, few take cognisance of the hard work that goes into turning these dreams into a reality. Moreover, travellers hardly realise what impact air travelling could have on the respective economy.

Africa is going through an economic boom, with tourism growing by 9% in 2017. Irrespective of these figures, Africa’s aviation industry is faced with several challenges and is taking strain. There are serval reasons for this, some being the lack of domestic flights, high ticket prices, intra-region visa restrictions etc. Another reason why African countries seem unable to attract a large number of foreign investments is that there is no direct airline connection to reach them. As a result business travel and costs of doing business becomes prohibitive. Nonetheless, figures show that the aviation sector in Africa has evolved significantly.

Unlike 30 or 40 years ago when most of the traffic from the continent to other areas of the planet was Europe and the Unites States, to date there is a lot of traffic between Africa, Asia and the Middle East, as well as between Africa and the rest of the world. For airports in Africa, this has meant that hubs serving all these destinations have grown and improved considerably due to increases in footfall and therefore income.

Aviation impacts all our lives, as several products that form part of our daily lives comes to us through air travel, such as food, electronics and medicines. As intra-African trade has increased and visa restrictions decreased, travel within the continent will also continue to grow. It will also result in economic spillovers such as the creation of jobs in hospitality, tourism, logistics and other industries.

Women play a distinctive role in the aviation sector, and due to these spillovers, they can indirectly impact the aviation trade by serving in numerous related positions such as hospitality, tourism, and logistics, as noted above. Due to the opportunities that exist within Africa and how these boost the economy, it is an exciting industry for women to be part of, knowing they are making a lasting difference in the lives of Africans.

Women should go out there and work towards increasing intra-African trade, while focusing on creating national- and low-cost carriers, which results in air connectivity between major cities. Women can also play a key role in encouraging governments to gradually open their skies to other African countries, by making them realise that aviation can build the links and strengthen the bonds among African countries.

CEO Global is excited about what you as women have achieved within aviation, and we laude you for taking on several challenges and turning them into opportunities.

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Winners

Selamawit Muluken

Poppy Khoza

Chief Booking and Flight Control

Director of Civil Aviation

ethopia Maluken is an educated woman who holds several qualifications such as a Diploma in Secretarial Science and Office Management, Postgraduate Diploma in International Business Operation and Masters Degree in Masters of Commerce. The 41-year-old Ethiopian has a decorated employment history. She has served as Secretary/Accounting Clerk, Receptionists and Secretary, Flight Operations Coordinator and Chief Booking and Flight Control.

One of her career highlights was when she presented a proposal in 2015 to her company regarding new markets in Africa to contribute to in the aviation sector. Successfully within these years, their company has three contacts operating from three different bases in South Sudan. She is fully involved in this operation as a Project Manager.

Maluken has proven to be a beauty with brains.

SOUTH AFRICA From starting out as a humble customer service agent Poppy Khoza has risen to become Director of Civil Aviation of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and is the first woman to hold this position in South Africa and Africa. She was named South African Airways Employee of the Year in 2002 and was nominated for Best Manager of the Year in 2006. Poppy also co-started an aviation security division at SACAA which originally included three women and today has grown to boast no fewer than 18 women in technical and management positions.

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Amanda Kandawiren First Officer

SOUTH AFRICA The 28-year-old is a beauty with brains who has dedicated her entire life to aviation. Aviation has always been her preferred path and that’s why she opted to embark on her aviation journey from the word go. With her passion and experience, Kandawiren has been able to bag quite a number of roles such as the Junior First Officer at SA Express, Flight Operation Cadet at SAFTA, South African Women in Aviation (SAWIA) Committee member and Flight Operations Controller at Comair Ltd, to name a few. Kandawiren also holds a Commercial Pilots Licence and has a Grade iii Flight Instructor Rating.

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MAURITIUS Consistency and hard work has been one of her secrets to success. Mungur first joined Air Mauritius Ltd as a Trainee Support Engineer, she was promoted as Junior Support Engineer and at present, she is a Support Engineer in Cabin and Avionics Systems Engineering. The 31-year old is a versatile person as she holds a Master in Business Administration, BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering, certificates in aircraft maintenance as well as a Black Belt in Karate. She has served as as a Junior Engineer for two different companies. Engineering is her calling with no doubt!

Bhavna Mungur Support Engineer - Cabin & Avionics Systems

UGANDA

Isabella Tustanovska Managing Director

Tustanovska is an experienced and highly analytical user-centered designer with added competency in marketing, strategy and brand development. She has a proven track record of delivering effective and impactful user-centered results on a wide range of projects for private sector businesses. The 29-year-old can ably adapt design thinking and problem solving across several industries which makes her a critical part of teams responsible for solving complex brand and marketing challenges, developing products and solutions that last and driving change in user behaviour. She has been able to acquire ever demanding leadership roles in her career. She has served as a Marketing Director, Founder and Creative Director and Senior Designer.

Tustanovska is also an educated woman who holds a BA, Industrial and Fine Arts and a certificate in Product Development AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

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Forsaking YOUR

PRIVACY

for ‘free’ social media apps Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram… Chances are that most people are a user of at least one of these social media sites.

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H

owever, when signing up for a social media account, most users are more concerned about which profile picture to choose, than about reading the seemingly endless terms of service document. And what they fail to realise is that by accepting the terms of service, they are effectively forming a legal contract between themselves and the social network in question.

“It’s interesting how people are so concerned about their privacy, but are essentially giving it away for free,” says Robert Brown, CEO of DRS, a Cognosec AB company. “And once you are in the cycle of exchanging your privacy for ‘free’ services, there is no getting out. People need to realise that there is no free lunch.”

He says unless the user is a lawyer, or a privacy advocate, they will most likely just click the ‘agree’ button. “A few might give the terms a cursory scroll through, but almost no-one reads the fine print when they register for these sites.”

Originally privacy policies were aimed at protecting the users, but this is no longer the case. “These days, these policies, while not giving direct ownership of the user’s data to the social network, effectively give them a broad licence to use any of the data, be it posts or pictures.”

Take Instagram for example. Under the ‘Rights’ section of its terms of service, it states: “Instagram does not claim ownership of any Content that you post on or through the Service.

Instead, you hereby grant to Instagram a non-exclusive, fully paid and royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license to use the Content that you post on or through the Service, subject to the Service’s Privacy Policy, available here http://instagram. com/legal/privacy/, including but not limited to sections 3 (“Sharing of Your Information”), 4 (“How We Store Your Information”), and 5 (“Your Choices About Your Information”). You can choose who can view your Content and activities, including your photos, as described in the Privacy Policy.”

Similarly, Facebook’s terms of service clearly state: “We collect the content and other information you provide when you use our Services, including when you sign up for an

account, create or share, and message or communicate with others. This can include information in or about the content you provide, such as the location of a photo or the date a file was created. We also collect information about how you use our Services, such as the types of content you view or engage with or the frequency and duration of your activities.”

However, when signing up for a social media account, most users are more concerned about which profile picture to choose, than about reading the seemingly endless terms of service document.

All social media sites will have similar terms of service, essentially giving them the right to use all the users’ shared and posted content, with zero liability to the network. “The average person would be dismayed to discover that all these policies are the same in essence, and they are giving the full license to all the information you put into their service. You are effectively giving up ownership and control of your personal data, messages, posts and pictures, to a company that will use that data for their own benefit,” says Brown.

Moreover, he says social media networks continually use your data in order for advertisers to become more effective target users. “Have you ever wondered why an advert for something you were recently looking for online suddenly pops up in your Facebook ads?” questions Brown. “Wonder no more.

When you look at the permissions you granted Facebook when installing the mobile app, you might be astonished to see you have given them the right to collect data from all devices on which you have the application, and are allowing it to collect data on the location of your device, language, time zone and suchlike.”

Ultimately, he says people need to be far more circumspect about the permissions they give, the terms and services they accept, and most importantly, the information they share online. “These sites track your every move as a means to promote goods and services in a very targeted way, concludes Brown. “ So-called ‘free’ services can only exist by monetising their data, and selling advertising. They are not free. People are paying for these services with their personal data, and ultimately their privacy. Personal data has become the de facto product, and alongside it, the privacy itself.”

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SECTOR

Foreword A solid foundation Building & Construction The building and construction industry fulfils a major role in economic growth and infrastructure development. It is also an ongoing supplier of jobs which boosts the economy and encourages entrepreneurship, especially with the availability of institutions which provide loans for those who cannot acquire one through banks.

These institutions see women taking major leaps and creating their own businesses in this sector – an action which wasn’t always evident before. However, the rate of entrepreneurship, especially involving women, is still much too slow. Women should be encouraged to take a giant leap and make their construction dreams a reality. It can be done, and the women featured on the following pages bear testimony to this.

There are several fields that form part of this sector, which is why it is so often an economic success. You have engineering, architecture, building and various utilities. There are more than enough opportunities for women to dive in to one of these fields and get their hands and feet dirty. The notion that the sector is still dominated by men needs to be discarded. This is no reason for women to feel inadequate or threatened to pursue their goals.

When it comes to Africa, many opportunities exist, and all eyes remain on this continent regarding construction projects. Countries with stable economies and political stability will remain in the sights of infrastructure investors.

The building and construction sector is an exciting one to be part of. There are so many building projects taking place, both within South Africa and Africa. There are several sub-sectors to get involved with, meaning that there really is no reason not to get involved in this sphere. However, the lack of knowledge will most certainly discourage several women from entering this sector; think about the words building and construction – does it not bring to the fore images of men wearing hard hats? It also creates images of getting dirty and working with muddy concrete.

This may sound harshly uninformed by those in the know but remember that those who aren’t educated regarding this sector only think about the clichés. For this very reason it is critical that the youth, and more specifically the female youth, are taught more about this sector at high school level, before they make a final decision regarding their tertiary studies.

However, we should encourage women to dream about what they want to achieve and how they can make these dreams a reality. In addition, there are several exciting trends to keep an eye on, which include the improved use of technology and green building. These trends can be used to embrace entrepreneurship and offer the industry something unique.

CEO Global congratulates you for taking a stand, taking a chance and realising that nothing is impossible.

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Winners

Zeinab Hegazy

Melanie Wituka

Director, Strategic Communications Director

Chief Executive Officer

Egypt The 41-year-old Egyptian is a versatile woman who has perfect command of written & spoken English, Arabic and a good command of written & Spoken Spanish & French. Hegazy has attended quite a number of professional courses such as Designing Long-Term Incentives, Mind Mapping, Speed Reading & Leadership, Time Management & Communication Skills, Reward Management, Strategic Managerial Skills, Train the Trainer program and Facilitation Skills for Trainers, to name a few. Hegazy holds a Bachelor of Commerce from English Section Ain Shams University. Additionally, she has a decorated work history. She has served as a Strategic Communication & Public Affairs Director, Compensation & Development Director,Planning, Development & Compensation Manager, Internal Control Assessor,Financial Accountant and Auditor.

Kenya Melanie Wituka is the Chief Executive Officer at Suleco Company Limited, an award winning engineering company in Kenya. She has wealth of experience across a broad range of sectors from applying the latest Civil Engineering techniques to minimising the environmental impact of their work.

Melanie holds a degree in International Relations, Diploma in Project Planning and Management, a higher diploma in Chinese Language and a Business Etiquette and Public Relations Certificate.

Apart from being recognised as a brand, Melanie has also been honored for her outstanding work.

She won the Woman Contractor of the year by National Construction Authority, Special award for most philanthropic business woman by Timeless Women of Wonder, as well as Special Recognition, Women in Construction from the cement and concrete industry in South Africa.

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cameroon

Tim Immaculate Bih Chief Executive Officer

Tim Immaculate Bih is a civil engineer and social entrepreneur, a John Maxwell team member, a Global Good Fund fellow, a UN Women’s Empower Women Global Champion for Change, and VV Grow Alumni and a YALI Alumni. She is the founder/CEO of Immaculate ConstructionICON Co. Ltd and is passionate about reaching infrastructure challenges in Cameroon, and bridging the gender gap in engineering. She is also the CEO of Butterfly Housing Cameroon, a partnership between ICON and Butterfly Housing in the Netherlands, whose aim is to develop the Butterfly Housing real estate project in Cameroon to bridge the gap between demand and supply of quality affordable, sustainable green houses for the low-mid income earners. She is a prize award winner for Adansonia Online course on entrepreneurship organised by Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.

zimbabwe

Kudzai Manyande Business Development Director

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In her role as Business Development Director, Kudzai has been responsible for initiating TOVAKA business in Zimbabwe and establishing TOVAKA as a key player in the market. In setting up the business, she was responsible for identifying fiduciary, legal and regulatory requirements and ensuring the legal entity is set up in the most optimal way for TOVAKA’s success. Throughout the businesses evolution in Zimbabwe, she has been responsible for the leadership, direction, coordination and management of a Portfolio of key projects ranging in complexity levels. In addition, through effective relationship management, Kudzai has been successful in securing repeat business.

She is currently in a phase of ongoing business development as well as implementing processes, policies, systems and infrastructure to deliver projects on a sustainable basis.

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SOUTH AFRICA

Ipeleng Mkhari

The previous CEO Magazine Most Influential Women Finalist in the Business Services Sector, Ipeleng Mkhari is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Motseng Investment Holdings. Motseng is a diversified investment holding company with investment and operations in property through the property investment and services boutiques as well as diversified strategic investments.

Ipeleng has a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Durban and has attended an Executive Development Programme from WITS Business School. Ipeleng has previously won numerous awards throughout her career. She has won the Standard Bank/TOPCO Top Woman in Property Award, FORBES Woman Africa Award, to name a few.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

SOUTH AFRICA

Molebogeng Mashoto Leshabane Chief Executive Officer

Leshabane is a Civil Engineer with 14 years’ experience in the design of infrastructure services, project and programme management, and business management.

She is the former Deputy President of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), an organisation that promotes engineering disciplines to high school learners as well as mentorship to undergraduate tertiary students and new graduates. She has served as a Council Member of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), Board members of Spectrum Valuations and Asset Solutions and Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF). Addionally, the South African is currently Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of iX engineers (Pty) Ltd. During her tenure at SAA, she pioneered the restructuring of the infrastructure maintenance services to yield a saving of about R40 million per annum and also restructured the property portfolio by disposing of noncore assets, to yield R100 million income. Managing and creating value for a property portfolio worth R2.5 billion.

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UGANDA

Batul Sabunwala Director/Principal Architect

Sabunwala is an Architect and founder of Sol. ACE in Kampala. She studied at NMIMS University in Mumbai, India after which she worked for Larsen & Toubro Ltd. She successfully completed a commercial project of Sanofi Headquarters in Mumbai. Additionally, she further pursued her Masters in Architecture degree at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia in 2014 and worked in the United States for short duration before starting her own practice in East Africa. She opted to transform from being an employee to an employer in 2016 when she founded Sol.ACE in Kampala, Uganda. Her areas of interest and concerns include affordable housing, contemporary-vernacular architecture and environmental aspects to design.

Sabunwala has keen interest in art and has successful designed and displayed her installations in Kalaghoda Art Festival in Mumbai in 2011 & 2013 and she has also won the 'Most playful award' in 72 Hour Urban Action competition in Stuttgart, Germany.

GHANA Karen who is a Certified Architect with ten years professional practice and four years teaching experience. In academia, Evans Halm specialises in environmental issues, writing papers and teaching courses in Landscape Architecture, Interior Design and Architectural Design Studio. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Post-graduate Diploma in Architecture and Master of Science in Architecture. Evans Halm possesses a decorated employment history. She has worked as a Lecturer, Adjunct Lecturer, Academic Advisor for Level 200 students and General Secretary.

Karen Evans Halm Chief Operating Officer

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SOUTH AFRICA

Belinda Ellenore Collins Owner

Collins possesses over 20-years of working experience in the corporate field and has always taken up opportunities for higher learning and she completed her mini MBA in June 2013 through USB and the Louis Group. Collins has 50 certificates in her working career such as Business Writing, Emotional Intelligence, Managing Money course, Health and Safety, Effective Business Correspondence, Advanced Office Management, Industrial Relations, Responsibility of Floor Manager and Watches Training, to name a few. The 49-year-old versatile woman also has a decorated work history with her professional achievements. SEDA did a success story on her journey for the past three years and she got a Business Bridge Scholarship with the value of R15 000, to name a few.

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AI Why

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Won’t Replace Direct Marketing Leadify’s CEO, Grant Fleming unpacks what AI means in terms of marketing your business and explains why it’s not likely that it will ever replace direct marketing.

T

he application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a topic that is being vigorously focused on by a multitude of industries.

These range from financial services deploying AI based chatbots, to entertainment services like Netflix™, which use AI to predict and suggest what viewers may want to watch next. For marketers, the question arises: How will the rise of AI affect their industry?

Beyond machine learning helping marketers do their jobs more efficiently, the necessity of the human touch should not be diminished, as there are certain functions that are easy for people to perform but difficult for a machine to replicate.

As with all new technologies, AI is a topic that has fallen prey to being massively overhyped. That, however, does not make it any less useful or innovative.

In fact, often all the hype that accompanies an exciting technology allows for markets to be tested and for the most practical use cases to emerge.

Leadify’s CEO, Grant Fleming unpacks what AI means in terms of marketing your business and explains why it’s not likely that it will ever replace direct marketing.

should not be diminished, as there are certain functions that are easy for people to perform but difficult for a machine to replicate. A key example is a marketer’s ability to understand customers from an insights perspective. Furthermore, campaign managers and analysts can readily be at coal face of the campaign, in contact with customers, even as all the automation is done via the platform. In short, the value of human interaction can’t be replaced by a machine.

1. You must firstly ask yourself, is it the real deal?

3. Here to stay, but not to rule

It is essential to define what AI means in the direct marketing context and separate that from machine learning. In fact, we are nowhere near true AI; we have some automation and machine learning processes.

Thus, those who are punting AI in marketing automation don’t know what they are talking about and are just using buzzwords.

Even as true AI, and quantum computers that could solve humanity’s pressing problems in minutes, are still on the horizon, machine learning holds the more immediate promise to truly impact on marketing.

More particularly, according to a recent report by Forrester, all indications are that one of the more viable benefits of machine learning will be enabling marketers to improve on customer experiences and support.

Additionally, in the short-term, leveraging machine learning will enhance existing products and services, as well as streamline processes.

Already we are seeing this with chatbots, in which an artificial intelligence program leads customers up to a certain point when buying insurance for example. When the chatbot reaches the limit of what its algorithms can accommodate, customers are handed off to a real salesperson to complete the transaction.

In other words, it looks like machine learning is intended to handle the grunt work, rather than rendering their makers irrelevant. Additionally, people are generally more comfortable interacting with other people.

But what about the future? Should marketers be leery of AI replacing their current practices? I do not believe so. There is a practical consideration that makes it unlikely AI will overshadow direct marketing anytime soon – cost. The initial implementation of AI will likely not be cheap, at least not from the outset.

This then will likely compel organisations to balance cost versus utility when considering whether to use AI for mass market direct marketing automation.

Ultimately, the value of AI/machine learning will ultimately be measured against the bottom line. After all, if AI can improve response rates by 50% but also increases costs by 200%, its worth will quickly come into question.

All this bodes well for how AI, even as it becomes more sophisticated, will likely be employed. As marketer’s servants and assistants, not our overlords.

2. Rise of machine learning Such applications are available now. Leadify already integrates machine learning to assist with handling Exclusion criteria. This ensures that contacts that have already been marketed to in a previously defined period are not sent campaigns one after another.

Another important aspect is on our delivery failure prevention strategies, where the system works out the probability that a marketing message will be delivered to a particular contact, or not. If the probability is low, based on certain previous delivery criteria, then the message to that contact is not queued. This saves the wasted marketing cost.

Beyond machine learning helping marketers do their jobs more efficiently, the necessity of the human touch

Source: https://www.entrepreneurmag.co.za/advice/ marketing/direct-and-email-marketing/why-ai-wont-replacedirect-marketing/

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SECTOR

Foreword new opportunity Business/Professional Services Women play a very large role in the business/professional services environment. It is often a sector that most women are attracted to most, while at the same time achieving a great deal of success. When women embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and combine it with these services, they are able to create new jobs, add positively to the economy and change the lives of so many unemployed individuals.

Evidence contends that for Africa to sustain its growth amid a world that is increasingly driven by information and knowledge, it needs to harness science and technology in various sectors, transform its economies to face the fierce global competition and integrate into global markets. However, too often, the professional services sector is ignored, especially in terms of skills development, largely because it is not perceived to be a catalyst for mass job creation. It would appear that professional services tend to fall below the radar of policymakers when compared with labour intensive sectors.

Although professional services may not necessarily be mass employers, the amount of money spent by both the public and private sectors on professional services is significant. To create balance and sustainability within the professional services sector, more equitable distribution of high value complex projects is required, without compromising on quality and delivery.

Irrespective of these challenges, women still embrace this sector with great fervor, never doubting in their own ability to attract large projects and deliver beyond what is expected from them. They don’t back down to large corporations - focusing on what they can do rather on what they can’t do – and they don’t tolerate just being sub-contracted or selected for repetitive jobs only. They are very aware of the challenges that this sector holds, and yet that never scares them off.

These are the type of women that this sector needs, and already has, which is evident when looking at the women on the following pages. By becoming entrepreneurs within the business/professional services industry, women are able to achieve great things. Not only do they create jobs, but they enable others to watch and to listen to what it takes to achieve what they have, encouraging them to follow the same path.

It’s never easy to operate within a sector that so often overlooks what entrepreneurs on a smaller scale can achieve. Both the public and private sector should be educated on the value of professional service companies and the value they are able to offer them. It’s time for everyone to broaden their horizons just a little and look beyond what you know to what could be.

These women are not only living their dream, they are influencing the behavior of public and private sectors when it comes to awarding large scale projects. Pacinamix congratulates you for what you have achieved and will achieve going forward.

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Hilda Lunderstedt

Cynthia Quarcoo

Chief Executive Officer

Founder

South Africa Lunderstedt is one of a few female entrepreneurs who started, grew and sold a 9-figure turnover healthcare business (NutriLida Healthcare) and she is now dedicated as a global investor in highimpact organisations that promise to have a positive impact to the planet and its people. The 52-year-old entrepreneur holds a B.Sc Pharmacy from University of Stellenbosch. Lunderstedt is also a regular contributor to media and her articles have featured in many publications. In addition, she uses her skills for marketing and branding to create awareness for continual personal improvement. She has proven constantly that she’s a versatile woman, being able to bag several leadership roles in various companies. She has served as a Procurement Manager, Sales Representative, Pharmacist, Manager, Sales and Marketing Manager and at present, she is a Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Hilda Lunderstedt Group of Companies and NutriLida Healthcare .

ghana Cynthia is an international mobile, banking and finance lawyer, with experience in project finance, infrastructure, contract, EU Competition Law, EDF Rules and Procedures and legal drafting amongst others. She is currently the Founder and Managing Partner of CQ Legal and Consulting, a law firm based in Accra in Ghana. Until recently she was at Fasken Martineau LLP, an international law firm. She has significant global experience, having specialised in emerging markets, including Sub-Saharan Africa.

As a Thomas Moore Bursar of Lincoln’s Inn, Cynthia is an economics and business graduate who has since her early career at PricewaterhouseCoopers provided clients with commercially astute legal and business advice. She has been ranked as a leading lawyer by Chambers and Partners Global, Legal 500 and IFLR 1000, and has served as an experienced General Counsel to many emerging market and international companies.

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Maha Rashad

Christine Omulele

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Deputy Managing Partner

egypt Rashad has over 15 years of professional experience in public policy, development, and government strategies, with a focus on marketing strategies, innovation initiatives, strategic planning, and business model design.

Her hard work hasn’t been over looked, she received an award for being a Founding Member of the Egyptian e-Government initiative, Outstanding Contribution Award in ITIDA 2016 achievements, Certified e-Government specialist and an Award of Excellence in e-Government strategies KAD. She also led the team that presented Egypt’s award winning submission as the Outsourcing Destination of the Year, 2016 by the Global Sourcing Association. She has worked as a Program Officer, Unit Manager, and Communication Director and presently she is Acting CEO of the IT Industry Development Agency and Associate Minister of CIT for Marketing Strategies.

kenya Omulele participates in both transactional work and the management of MMC Africa Law and as the Deputy Managing Partner she is in charge of the human resource administration functions of the firm.

As a transactional lawyer, she heads the Commercial and Property Department which specialises in real estate and property law. Additionally, Omulele is an educated woman who holds numerous qualifications to her name such as Bachelor of Laws Degree, Diploma in Project Finance, Diploma in Law, Certified Public Secretary and Leadership in Law Firms from Harvard Law School. Due to her consistency and hard work, she has also received several awards. She was ranked by IFLR as a leading lawyer in real estate law for 2011, a leading lawyer in real estate law for 2012, a leading lawyer in the practice area of banking and finance for 2017 and a leading lawyer in the practice area of banking and finance for 2018, to name a few.

regional

Winners

Peace Muregi-Pundu

Mireille Ineza Karera

Managing Director

Chief Executive Officer

zimbabwe Peace founded Golden Knot Legal Aid Society, the flagship of the Group. It is a company that makes the services of a lawyer accessible for the generality of Zimbabweans; something that was previously preserved for the elite only. Today it’s the market leader with 13 branches across Zimbabwe with over 130 employees country wide. As a trustee of the company they are in the process of transforming it into a fully-fledged legal expenses insurance company. They are also set to extend its footprint into RSA where plans are already underway to establish Golden Knot Legal Protection through a partnership with Lexcorp.

Furthermore, there are future plans to move the Golden Knot Group head office to Dubai – plans which are already at an advanced stage.

rwanda Mireille is currently the Group CEO and sole shareholder of KORA in Rwanda and South Africa.

KORA Coaching Group, formerly known as KORA Associates, is a coaching and consulting company that originated in Dubai, U.A.E. It was initially set-up as a boutique company with two main shareholders who diversified into Africa. She is passionate about returning to Africa and Rwanda, specifically, to impart the global experience that she has enjoyed to her fellow colleagues on the continent. KORA recently launched its professional Coaching Academy; the very first Coaching Training Academy in the country, which certifies future Life Coaches, Leadership and Executive Coaches, as well as Professional Business Coaches. The academy intends to launch in South Africa and various other parts of Africa in 2019.

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Shirley Zinn

Nompumelelo Thembekile Madisa

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder

Executive Director

SOUTH AFRICA Professor Shirley Zinn is the former Human Resources Director of Standard Bank South Africa and Deputy Global Head of Human Resources for the Standard Bank Group and has since registered her own company, Shirley Zinn Consulting that provides consulting and advisory services in HR, Transformation, Leadership and Education. Prior to this, she was the Group Executive HR at Nedbank and she was also the General Manager for Human Resources at the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Zinn is also an Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria’s and is she is the Past President of the Institute for People Management, South Africa. Before her appointment at SARS, she filled the role of Regional Human Resources Director for Middle East and Africa for Reckitt Benckiser, a global company listed on the London Stock Exchange.

In addition to serving on the Monash South Africa Board, she is currently a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of AdvTech, Tuesday Consulting, MAC Consulting and the Starfish Greathearts Foundation.

SOUTH AFRICA Madisa is an educated woman who holds several qualifications to her name such as a BCom Honours in Economics, BSc Degree in Mathematics and Economics and she is currently studying towards a Master of Management in Finance and Investment.

With her knowledge she has served in many leadership roles in her career. She has worked as a Executive Director, Group Sales Director, Commercial Director, Client Relationship Manager, Chief Director Transformation and General Manager, just to name a few. At this present moment, she is an Executive Director at Bidvest LTD and Bidvest SA. Madisa beleives that she still has a contribution to make and that her leadership roles are not an destination but the start of a leadership growth journey.

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Winners

south africa Mikateko Chauke is the Director of PR, Communications, Activations and Digital at Pacinamix. With a career spanning almost 19 years, Mika has gained experience in advertising, PR, brand communications, corporate communications, mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment promotion, stakeholder relations, creative and digital, marketing and activations.

In her continuous journey of self-development, Mikateko is currently an MBA candidate at the Henley Business School where she is doing an elective module on Corporate Finance and research on Impact of Foreign Direct Investments on Economic Growth in South Africa.

Mikateko Chauke Director

SOUTH AFRICA

Natasha Parmanand Manager Legal Counsel, Legal and Regulatory Affairs

Parmanand is an admitted attorney and trade mark practitioner with 16 years’ experience in legal advisory across various industry sectors including Logistics. Healthcare, Consulting and Technology in South Africa and throughout Africa. The versatile Parmanand is also a beauty with brains who also possesses extensive experience in forensic, compliance and taxation issues for large multinational companies. She has been able to deliver constantly when she successfully led the B-BBEE strategy for FedEx Express from 2014 – 2017 and Grew the Legal & Compliance Services Department at KPMG Services by 150%. Parmanand has a decorated employment history. She has served as a Director, Legal & Compliance, Associate Director, Tax Manager and Candidate Attorney, to name a few. Without a doubt, she has been able to deliver in leadership roles constantly.

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south africa

Sonja de Klerk Head of Quality, Environment and Sustainability

As global Head for Quality, Environment and Sustainability. De Clerk leads a team of professionals in 11 cities on 3 continents, so frequent travel, video and teleconferencing are part of her life. To ensure that everyone working with her produces their A-game constantly, she allows her team to experiment and at times to fail, as fear of failure culls innovation but they always unpack what to do better next time and she also opts for in regular oneon-ones with individual team members to challenge them to “Think Big”, to look beyond obstacles, self-doubt and unconscious bias to reach their aspirations. Her hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

She was the 2015 winner of PDCA Women in Quality Outstanding Individual Achievement Award, Coauthored the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC)’s Guide to ISO 9001, name just one of many accolades.

south africa

Lauren Damant General Manager

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She is considered to be one of the most influential women in South African Digital Marketing. During her 25 years in the industry, predominantly in executive management roles, Lauren developed advanced skills in operations, account management, administration, HR, finance, and traffic, as well as a well-rounded understanding of the real-world intricacies of local and global business. Lauren spent10 years leading the smooth, efficient and profitable operations of one of SA’s largest new media and digital networks, WundermanSA, as first Ops Director, GM, Group GM, and finally COO. Lauren is also an educated woman who holds an Institute of Travel Management Diploma and she went to The AAA School of Advertising in Johannesburg. Damant has also served in various roles in her professional career.

COUntry

Winners

Nigeria

Funke Medun

Funke Medun is the Director at Leapworld Ltd with years of experience and practice spanning over business development, relationship management, human resources management, amongst others.

She holds a degree in Geology and a Masters in Business Administration. Prior to her current role, Funke has worked with some of the leading banks in Nigeria, like Zenith bank PLC and Guaranty Trust Bank PLC. Funke is an exceptional and remarkable woman in the business sector who sits on boards of several well established organisations. She is an associate member of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, an alumni of IESE business school, Spain and China Europe international business School (CEIBS).

Director

tanzania

Stella Ndikimi Managing Partner

Ndikimi specializes in banking, corporate and financial laws and has a special interest in laws regulating banking and financial institutions, financing, recovery, insurance, employment, and land law. Ndikimi is a lawyer who strives for fairness and equity and she has quite a number of achievements to her name such as Representing Nakumatt Holdings Limited in the acquisition of the business and assets of Shoprite Checkers Tanzania Pty Limited, representing UAP Group Limited in its acquisition of shares in Century Insurance Company Limited, acting as Tanzanian counsel advising one of the biggest cement producing companies, Establishment and restructuring of various Tanzania subsidiaries of Cokal Limited and advising the Government of Tanzania of the United Republic of Tanzania through the Parastatal Sector Reform Commission (PSRC) on the initial public offer (IPO) of the National Microfinance Bank Limited, to name a few.

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zambia

Pamela Mambwe Nakamba-Kabaso Executive Director

Pamela is the Executive Director of the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR).

She is in charge of the day-to-day management of the Institute with 32 full-time staff and on average 10 Interns and Data Collectors per year. She also co-ordinates and provides technical leadership for all research core programmes and business development activities involving the following thematic areas: Public Finance; Macroeconomics; Trade and Investment; Human Development; Transport and Infrastructure; and Emerging Themes.

In addition she cultivates and maintains relations with the Government, Donors, Civil Society, Private Sector, Academia and other Think Tanks (Regional and International) and co-ordinates preparation of work plans, budgets, annual reports and all institutional reports. She has published several papers and is a member of five foundations, associations or instritutes.

uganda

Annet Ahimbisibwe Managing Director

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Ahimbisiwe is a Pharmacist with a Masters of Science in Pharmacy and a quality controller and she is also highly committed to quality patient care best delivered through affordable and accessible pharmaceutical intervention. In her career, she has acquired massive knowledge and experience of delivering pharmaceutical services, procurement and inventory management. To escape from her day-to-day activities, she prefers Adventure and Travelling, Interacting with people and sharing experiences and Meditating on God’s word. The 67-year-old Ugandan possesses an astonishing work history. She has served as a Managing Director and was a Standing in Pharmacist at ICRS. Additionally, she is a Council member of PSU, Vice president of the PSU (Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda) presently, she is a Pharmacy Board member, to name a few.

COUntry

Winners

SOUTH AFRICA

Jennie Newman Chief Executive Officer

Jennie Newman has been in public relations for many years and her experience is exceptional.

After graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand with a BA in psychology and languages, she lived and worked overseas. On her return she joined a travel publishing company and was subsequently appointed managing director. Newman has worked both locally and internationally, particularly in New York and London and has excellent experience of working on global accounts such as South African Airways.

The 71-year-old is also one of the few females who opted to transform from an employee to an employer when she opted to set up her own consultancy, Jennie Newman Public Relations (Pty) Ltd (JNPR). In addition, The South African entrepreneur has excellent writing experience and has edited many magazines and newspapers and does freelance writing on a number of topics.

NAMIBIA

Charmain Davids Managing Director

Davids is a graduate from the University of South Africa with a Masters Degree in Business Leadership (MBL) and she also holds Honours in Industrial Psychology from the University of Western Cape and a Bachelors Degree in Economics.

Davids has 15 years strategic in HR Management experience both in the public and private sector, particularly in areas, but not limited to, retention, recruitment and selection, job profiling & evaluation to name a few. In addition, Davids possesses more than 14 years’ experience in HR and she is also a registered psychometrist. The versatile Davids has had exposure in a corporate environment to work with management at all levels on operational and strategic tiers. The Human Resources expertise that she possesses relates to issues such as Strategy Development, Performance and Job Description, to name a few.

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Communication

Extraordinaire

by Charmain Pieterse

Mikateko Chauke, Director of PR, Communications, Activations and Digital, Pacinamix

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Case in Point Pacinamix

Mikateko Chauke from Pacinamix is a dynamic woman with a passion for what she does. She is driven to excel each and every single day in everything that she does, and in doing so inspires those around her to aim for the same degree of success. She is of great value to the company and lives their vision and mission to ensure that her goals are always aligned with that of the organisation.

What is your role at Pacinamix and what does it entail?

I am the Director of PR, Communications, Activations and Digital. My role at Pacinamix mostly involves the management of the company’s business; I make most of the strategic and operational decisions.

I manage and oversee the PR, Communications, Activations, Digital and Creative teams to ensure we deliver quality campaigns on time, within budget and that service level agreements are met.

My responsibility includes generating new business opportunities and ensure that, together with the team, we develop and execute strategies that are intended to create and uphold a positive brand reputation and public image for our clients.

What are some PR and Communications and Marketing Strategies in a tough economic climate?

successes. I take pride in watching people grow not only in their abilities and skills but in their confidence.

I’m also a firm believer in loyalty. Some of the people under my leadership at this point in my career are people whom I have worked with in the past, therefore, loyalty plays a key aspect of my leadership. I don’t just focus on improving myself, I think about the needs of our company, Pacinamix. I pay attention to each individual team member I manage, their personality, their needs, their skills and potential as a professional. This extra effort often pays off down the line when these employees are more independent. I constantly strive to create a culture of belonging and companionship among the team.

What knowledge can you share with other women striving to achieve similar career success as you?

This is a woman’s world just as much as it’s a man’s world therefore, as women everything is available at our disposal. Nothing is stopping you as a woman to reach your full potential.

The Communications industry is forever evolving with new trends and methodologies being introduced continuously. I want to encourage women to be

During times of economic downturn, companies tend to follow the herd’s direction rather than looking at what strategies would best work for them. If they are cutting back, do the opposite. By cutting back on marketing and PR, you leave the door wide open providing opportunity for your competitors. Engage a great During times of economic downturn, companies PR and Digital consultancy that understands your business and tend to follow the herd’s direction rather than work with them on stories, angles, looking at what strategies would best work for them. articles and speaking topics – If they are cutting back, do the opposite. create great content that shows your expertise and puts you in front of key audiences. PR and digital strategies can achieve amazing results even when the dynamic and to continuously keep educating budget is quite limited. themselves and pushing themselves in terms of their My advice; get online; brush up on your digital own development. Never rest on your loreals, I’m strategy and use online public relations to increase currently an MBA student and by continuing to study, your online visibility and develop relationships with I’m empowering myself to not only stay relevant but your customers. to be an influencer in this industry and its possible for every woman to achieve this.

What is your leadership style? Why? I’m a firm believer that as leader you need to transform the people you work with and those who report to you. A leader is someone who challenges and builds by allowing people to be accountable for their

What are some of the challenges you have faced in your career and how did you overcome these?

The biggest challenge I have faced to date is garnering support from other women. My advice to women

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Tendai Mapuranga – Director: Human Capital and Development, Mikateko Chauke – Director: PR, Comms, Activations and Digital, Manzini Zungu – Chief Executive Officer, Zizipho Zungu – Finance Director, Xolisa Moerane – Director: Enterprise and Supplier Development, Lesego Ngobeni – Managing Director

worldwide is to support and empower each other, starting with our basic principles of who we are, our morals, values, integrity. We need to show togetherness, passion, excellence and enthusiasm toward laying the foundation for our progress through our work.

Another one of the challenges I see when I speak with my female colleagues is their confidence. I tell them they need to get comfortable knowing that people will always try to take you off of “your game” or dislike you for no apparent reason. But if you go in knowing this, if you are clear on your purpose and on what you are trying to achieve, then you will be successful in getting what you want.

It’s not enough to be in a role or to sit at the table. One must speak confidently, regardless of odds faced. Women leaders fear being ostracized or rejected; however, respect comes when one’s voice is heard. Women need to share their voice and perspective because it can help shape policy, the workforce and perspective. Make your presence known as a leader and collaborator for good; we need to position ourselves as experts in our field, and communicate with confidence.

Women everywhere are making auspicious moves in the workplace. They are taking more risks and preparing themselves to take on more challenging roles. That said, one of the greatest obstacles we face is making our way to the C-suite.

My advice is to take the bull by the horns: Know what you want and be relentless in your preparation.

Equivocation will always be your worst enemy.

Some women leaders shy away from speaking on their accomplishments for fear of being boastful or conceited. Women tend to think that it’s needed

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to shrink themselves to seem non-intimidating. As a woman, I have gained confidence knowing that if I am in the room, that means I deserve to be there.

Shrinking does nothing but delay my voice from being heard and taken seriously. I have not risen to my current title by accident. I trust and use my own voice!

What traits are unique to women that helps them achieve more success in business?

Agility, strength, emotional intelligence and self -awareness. Women are dynamic and detail oriented. Furthermore, women are tenacious, and these are important traits to have in this industry. As I’ve mentioned before, this industry is ever-changing and women have the dynamism to keep abreast of the changes. Also brand communications as a whole is heavily detailed oriented. You need to understand the clients you represent, what makes them happy or what makes them tick. As much as strategies live on documents, they are however, executed in reality.

There are also relationship elements that you need to pick up on. These can not be taught but as a Communications expert you need to have the acumen to know how to deal with clients

What makes a good leader?

When people are naturally motivated to go to the ends of the earth with you, and they continue to grow under you, then you are a good leader. Communications is not a nine-to-five job. This is a very demanding industry and people often lose their will to continue. As a leader you must ensure that those who follow you continuously remain motivated to do so even under the most pressure-filled moments.

Call Stuart Moerdyk on 021 434 4011 or stuart@searescue.org.za

www.searescue.org.za

SECTOR

Foreword change catalyst Chemicals, Pharmaceutical & Petrochemical The Chemicals, Pharmaceutical and Petrochemical trades share similar challenges and opportunities within Africa. There is a significant amount of potential in each of these sectors, and while many will focus on the glass half empty, it’s the people who view the glass half full that we really want to focus on.

The economic potential for the African chemical industry is clear enough, with low costs of labour and materials, a relatively young and rapidly growing population, and an expanding middles class and a rising demand for products. Investors might observe several challenges; however, they also see enormous opportunities in a continent with vast natural resources and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

For the chemical industry and its investors, opportunities in Africa centre on high growth, major oil and gas reserves and demand in certain markets such as agriculture, consumer products, infrastructure development and construction. As a sector responsible for both products and processes, it remains in high demand.

In turn, Africa’s pharmaceutical sector is making strides in the right direction in its manufacturing capacity and is poised to harness the opportunities. Some believe that for this sector to develop, it must create an enabling environment through easing access to capital for investment, envisaging effectively designed incentive measures, strengthening control of the regulations governing Africa’s markets and pharmaceutical industry, while simultaneously enabling African businesses to access expertise and technology.

A stronger and more reliable local pharmaceutical industry will contribute to economic development, job creation and development of human resources and of related industries. Moreover, Africa needs to equip its pharmaceutical industry with practical knowledge that will ensure its manufactured medicines are compliant with international standards and at competitive costs.

Africa’s petrochemical can be said to experience similar challenges and opportunities as the industries mentioned above. Africa is an ideal investor haven due to its natural resources, rapid transformation and significant opportunities for growth. These investments will in turn spill over into other industries, which results in job creation and further growth of the middle class.

It is exciting to witness how women have taken giant leaps within these industries. They have paved the way for younger generations to enter these industries by serving as mentors and inspiring examples. They also continue to embrace an industry which is primarily dominated by men and have shown others that they too can lead in senior positions.

The women on the following pages have proven that nothing is impossible, and that challenges can be turned into opportunities. CEO Global congratulates you.

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regional

Winners

Reema Mohindra

Jillian Usagi

Financial Director

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

kenya Mohindra is a pro-active and result oriented woman who possesses a 20 years experience in all aspects of finance, accounting, taxation and strategic management. Presently, she is a Board Member and Finance Director at Dawa Group of Companies.

Numbers has always been her preferred paths up to date. She has worked as a Finance Director for several companies. At present, she is serving as a Finance Director at Dawa Group Finance Director, Dawa Limited and Medisel (Kenya) limited. Additionally, she also has quite a number of accomplishments to her name. Mohindra is Part of the team that acquired and established DAWA LTD and developed it to be a leader in the pharmaceutical industry. Established a well-organised and functional group finance department that handles all matters finance for all the unit companies including statutory compliance and successfully led a business take over project of Kel Chemicals Limited in a record 5 months and ensured profitable operations in the first 2 years and she holds a Bachelor of Science Management.

kenya “As an entrepreneur my passion is to see my African nation venturing into trade markets beyond our continent,” says Jillian Usagi. Jillian is an exceptional and successful entrepreneur who is the Founder and the Chief Executive Officer at House of Chemicals Africa Ltd and C.E.O Solid Link International. The previous CEO Global’s Africa Most Influential Women in Business and Government Award Winner holds a Higher Diploma in Sales and Marketing and a certificate in Secretarial and Administration. Jillian has been featured on the national television and daily newspapers several times as a successful entrepreneur and role model. She is the current board advisor of the Organization of Women in International Trade, Member of Kenya Association of Women Business Owners and a Member of Kenya Private SectorAlliance, to name a few.

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tanzania

Shemina Peera-Somji Head of Production

After completing her degree in BPharm, Shemina went on to work as a pharmacist, whereafter her career skyrocketed, taking on various positions, such as taking charge of the Penicillin plant, then overall Plant Production Planning and Control, Quality Assurance Manager and Head of Production and Planning. She describes herself as an ambitious and adaptable science graduate, with the ability to work both independently and in a team. She has extensive experience working with a wide range of people, which has taught her the value of friendliness, open-mindedness and thinking on her feet. She also has a longstanding interest in the pharmaceutical industry, which has given her the confidence to pursue a career in this sector.

rwanda

Ines Buki Country Director

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With vast skills and practice in management of health systems implementations and strengthening projects within the Pharmaceutical structure, Ines Buki is the Country Director at Chemonics International. The Rwandese pharmaceutical professional holds a Degree in Pharmacy and an International master’s degree in health economics and Pharmacoeconomics. Ines believes that her enormous knowledge for the industry has successfully made her career thrive in all aspects.

“I have 13 years experiences in Pharmaceutical systems, 10 years experiences working as a Country Director and Management Sciences for Health (MSH) projects in Rwanda and Cameroon,” highlights Ines. Previously, Ines has managed projects funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), recently UNITAID ,and has worked in several countries like Benin, Burundi, Chad, Burkina Faso, Gabon and Senegal.

s peci al i si ng i n o n- l o c a ti o n c o r p o r at e p h o t o gr ap h y & v id e o gr a p h y

Over 17 years of professional photography experience working directly with clients, agencies and private individuals.

Our extensive portfolio includes portraits, events & conferences, brochure photography, food & product shots, board members, annual report images and conference videos.

Registered on the Central Supplier Database for the South African government and B-BBEE compliant.

monsoon P H O T O G R A P H Y

brenda 083 452 4530 brenda@monsoonphotography.co.za www.monsoonphotography.co.za Pretoria East | Gauteng

SECTOR

Foreword learning curve Education & Training: Academic Academic training and education usually refers to a higher level of education i.e. after completing school.

These can be in the form of higher level courses or degrees. There is a great demand in Africa for higher education training, so much so that these institutions struggle to keep up. While there are several challenges facing Africa’s academic world, it’s critical that everyone, including investors, focus on higher institutions’ positive offerings, and how it is making a difference in the lives of thousands of students.

It is impressive that so many young individuals seek education at higher institutions. Even though these institutions may take strain, it’s important to take note of what they can offer, as opposed to what they struggle to offer. Africa continues to transform at a rapid rate, which is why it makes sense that they cannot keep up with the demand. Higher institutions require a great deal of attention; they need investors who are willing to pave the way for more students to study, as knowledge empowers individuals and broadens their horizons.

An empowered student invests in their education and makes sound career choices which will impact their lives for the better. We need more students to also consider entering the fields of maths and science, and encourage more women to consider these fields as possible careers. Yes, you can do maths and science, if you had a solid school career, and are well informed about the education and training that is available to you.

Future career decisions are shaped in high school, and unfortunately it is an ongoing cycle; if you didn’t attend primary school or you remain illiterate due to several reasons, you will not be able to function in high school.

And if you don’t perform well in high school, you cannot pursue further education and training. Africa needs more children and women to focus on their education, what is available to them, and realizing what it will take to pursue a higher academic education. Knowledge and education here are key.

Further to above, higher education institutions need to embrace technology and innovation in order to better train their students and provide them with the necessary tools to pursue a flourishing career. Africa also needs teachers who make it their personal goal to see scholars succeed, while concurrently encouraging women to consider careers in maths and science.

Women in the academic training and education sector have played and continue to play a big role in advancing this industry, amidst all the challenges and obstacles. They focus on what is important; educating the youth and guiding their careers through higher education, and ensuring higher education and training facilities are able to offer the students what they need in order to pursue a viable career.

It’s time for everyone, including investors, to focus on the bright future academic training and education can offer students in Africa. Yes, the continent’s rapid growth places strain on these institutions, but there are strong women who are able to turn these obstacles around and inspire students and institutions to work together to obtain that one primary goal; a career that will change their lives and the lives of others.

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regional

Winners

Prof Elda Kocks-de Waal

Prof Isabella Akyinbah Quakyi

Research Professor – Education Law

Foundation Dean

south africa Professor Elda Kocks-de Waal is a research Professor (Education Law) at North-West University, holding a Ph.D Education Law, BA Honours Communication and HED Educational psychology.

She firstly joined North-West University back in 2001 were she started as a lecturer of all Education Law graduate and postgraduate courses.

Throughout her career she has been honored and recognised both nationally and internationally.

Prof. Elda previously served as the President of SAELA (South African Education Law Association), and has received recognition by being part of the international group of five researchers who presented papers on RSA and US perspectives as well as being invited to publish in memory of the late Prof Hans Visser (Mawdsley & de Waal, 2008) in the company of world-class scholars such as Jan de Groof, Ralph Mawdsley and Rassie Malherbe among others.

ghana With over three decades of professional and working experience in the health sector, Isabella Quakyi is the Foundation Dean at the University of Ghana. Throughout Isabella’s career her research and teaching mainly focused on malaria immunity. From June 1983 to 1990, she joined an international research team at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, to conduct malaria vaccine development research where her ground-breaking research at NIH led to the development of the first human malaria Sporozoite vaccine and the transmission blocking vaccines. She has a PhD in Immunoparasitology, M.Sc Immunology and B.Sc (Hons) Human Biology.

Isabella has made enormous contributions to the science sector through published books and journals from her research activities.

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regional

Winners

Josephine Mbuagbaw

Danavadee Thanacody Soborun

Professor of Internal Medicine

Managing Director

cameroon The day-today manager of more than 100 individuals, Professor Josephine Mbuagbaw is the Professor of Internal Medicine at the Catholic University of Cameroon. She holds a Bachelor Degree of Medicine and Surgery, Internal Medicine Specialist certificate in clinical sciences and a General Certificate of Education Examination.

Over the past years in the health industry she has attended numerous conferences, seminars, workshops and courses that have helped her prosper in some of the best features of the sector.

She was awarded Best Lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, honored by the Cameroon Medical Council for service to Humanity, recognised for dint of Hardwork, Resourcefulness and Achievement, among others. Prof. Josephine is also a member of the International Society of Dermatology as well as the National Order of Medicine of Cameroon, to name a few.

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mauritius Danavadee Soborum is the Managing Director at Mauritius Examinations Syndicate. As the managing director her core responsibilities are to manage the sole examination board of the country with over 350 permanent staffs and 16,000 resource persons, lead the assessment reform which is part of the government’s nine year continuous schooling reform, among others.

She holds a Master of Business Administration and a B.Sc Mathematics. Danavadee has vast experience which she has acquired through the years in the industry. With experience also comes extensive skills and practice of professionalism.

Some of the skills that Danavadee has ideally obtained are leadership, management, and presentation, performing risk assessments, implementing internal audit methodology, as well as training and inter personal communication.

regional

Winners

Milly Kiziili

Dr Laetitia Nyinawamwiza

Director

Principal College of Animal Science

kenya Milly Kiziili is the Director at the Railway Training Institute, Kenya. As the leader of more than fifty people at the Training Institute, she is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Institute operations including: interpretation and implementation of the Institute’s policies as formulated by the Board, developing and recommending to the board the long-term goals, strategies and annual operating budgets of the Institute to name a few. Milly believes that as a leader developing people should be a priority as it encourages people to do their best. “This helps track the progress on achievement of the objectives. It brings challenges that the employees may be encountering. It helps align the objectives to any changes in the business,” she says.

rwanda Dr. Laetitia Nyinawamwiza believes that the Agri-food sector has the potential to employ a larger percentage of the youth in Africa, hence being a member of most influential education and research fora and network, she has been able to initiate interdisciplinary partnerships to deliver youth capacity development, food and nutrition security and contribute in large to quality education. She is the Principal at the College of Agriculture Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Rwanda.

Dr. Laetitia is a role model, citizen and leader who has accomplished a number of things for her community, she organised a fish farm (Rwasave fish farm), which serves as field school for scientist and farmers as well as canteen for income generation for the University, among others.

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regional

Winners

Dr Christine Mushibwe

Prof Elizabeth M. Amukugo

Deputy Vice Chancellor and Dean of School of Education

Head: Educational Foundations & Management

Zambia “My passion is to see my fellow women excel.

I believe that women have a lot more to offer hence, I always go an extra mile to see women I have assessed having the potential to excel, and encourage them to do and be better,” says Dr. Christine Mushibwe. She is the Deputy ViceChancellor and Dean of School of Education at the University of Africa. In her position she has helped the company improve its profits despite countless competitors within the sector and introduced the direct debit transaction that helps students to pay their tuition fees with ease in the university. She also has her own personal support drive were she helps individuals by supporting them spiritually, emotionally and materially as well as another one called “Komboni Initiative” that targets the young women who are not in education.

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Namibia Prof Elizabeth M. Amukugo is an educated woman who has several qualifications such as a Diploma in the Swedish Language, Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Education, Master of Social Science and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The 64-yearold possesses a decorated work history in her professional career. She has worked as a Lecturer, Chief Multilateral Co-Operation, Head & Senior Lecturer, Founding Director of Research and at this present moment she is a Head & Associate Professor.

In addition, Prof Elizabeth has also been able to bag numerous leadership positions. She is a former member of Parliament, Founding Vice-President of the Forum of African Parliamentarians for Education, Member of the UNESCO Working Group on Education for All and Former Senior Representative for Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPAWomen) for the Africa Region, to name a few.

COUntry

Winners

south africa

Paballo Makupu

The South African born young, exceptional and innovative woman, Paballo Makupu is the Property Underwriter as well as the Innovation Consultant at Munich Reinsurance of Africa limited. Paballo is an intelligent hardworking expert in the science sector holding a Bachelor of Science and an Honours Degree in Actuarial Science from the University of the Free State. She is involved in several professional bodies. She is the Head of the Association of South African Black Actuarial Professionals (ASABA) mentorship and schools outreach committee, member of the Actuarial Women’s Committee, Vice President and Treasurer of some non-profit organisations. Paballo was also previously recognised as the Gauteng Youth Service and Excellence Award Winner.

Innovation Consultant

south africa

Prof Ruth Simbao National Research Foundation Chair

Prof. Simbao believes that as an educator her key focus and philosophy is to develop the skills of people in her circle. “I empower participants to think of themselves as ‘teachers’ as well as ‘learners’ (regardless of their level), for everyone plays a role in constructing knowledge in a reciprocal manner as we teach, learn from each other, and collaborate,” enthuses Prof Simbao. She has received recognition for her research, publishing and leadership in the arts and education industry numerous times. Prof Simbao was previously awarded the National Research Foundation Chair in Geopolitics and the Arts of Africa and has presented her research in a number of countries like South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, the USA, Canada, France, and New Zealand among others with her work being translated into four different languages.

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Winners

mauritius

Prof Manta Devi Nowbuth Dean

Professor Manta Devi Nowbuth is the Dean at the Faculty of Ocean Studies at the University of Mauritius. Prior to her current position she worked as an academic at the University in the field of Civil Engineering for twenty five years. Prof.

Manta is part of several initiatives both nationally and internationally in order to help and improve the quality of life in local communities. She is a board member of the SADC initiative, WaterNet and MESA SADC Flood Services as capacity building provider. Above all, she is also involved with INP-ECOLAB/ENSAT from Toulouse and with the International Atomic Energy Agency on the use of isotope tracers on water pollution.

These projects are focused on promoting water security and water safety for the socioeconomic welfare of citizens.

SOUTH AFRICA

Phuti Ragophala Principal

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Phuti Ragophala is the Executive head of more than a thousand learners at Pulamadibogo Primary School. Phuti believes that as a leader in a community where poverty, unemployment, child headed families and diseases are still rife, it is her duty to use education as a weapon to fight for a better future for her people. “I came up with an innovative way of redefining the role of the primary school community that serves as a nucleus to community development that yields benefits within and outside the learning environment,” highlights Phuti. The previous South African Hero (eTV), has over twenty-seven years of practise and experience in the education and training sector. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Further Diploma in Education and Management, Advanced Project Management and is currently enrolled for ACE in Information Technology.

COUntry

Winners

south africa

Dr Diane Belle Director

Dr Diane Bell possesses quite a number of qualifications to her name. She holds a Higher Education Diploma in Commerce, Further Education Diploma in Computer Studies, Certificate in Computyping, Post-Graduate Diploma in Management Studies and Master’s Degree in Business Administration. The 52-year-old has also attended several short courses to better her skills and knowledge. She also attended a Postgraduate Supervision and Training, Moderator Training, eMarketing course and Doctoral Research Training Programme, to name a few.

Dr Diane Bell has also been able to bag several leadership roles in her professional career. She has served as a Senior Teacher, Senior Head of Department, Lecturer and she is currently a Director at USB-Executive Development Ltd.

ZIMBABWE

Prof Maud Muchuweti Executive Dean

Prof. Maud Muchuweti is the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science at University of Zimbabwe.

Prof. Muchuweti believes that education is the primary need for young women to be recognised as better and valuable people in the society. “I reach out to communities and stress the need for the girl child to follow a career in science. I liaise with various NGOs to make funding available to young women who cannot afford to pay for university fees,” she explains. Prof. Muchuweti has numerous funded research projects like the United nations Universities Institute of Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) and CSSP UNICEF Small Research Grants; Analysis of the Food and Nutrition Security Situation for Children with Women’s University among others. She has also been cited in at least 60 scientific journals from around the world and has successfully supervised many acclaimed PhD students in her country.

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reduce Stress is a normal physiological response to ‘dangerous’ situations and therefore often beneficial. In fact, most people need a little bit of stress to keep their lives interesting!

But stress becomes unhealthy when it is excessive, chronic and managed poorly.

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stress S

tress is not only caused by negative situations or experiences, but by happy occasions too. As we experience the ups and downs of everyday life or whenever there is a major change in our lives, stress occurs. The key lies in cultivating a positive attitude towards stress and finding ways to recognise and manage it effectively.

How does stress affect you?

Everyone may experience stress differently, from physical symptoms such as a headache, clenched jaw, tight muscles to feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, irritability and impatience. Having trouble sleeping or lower energy levels is also a common sign of stress. It’s important to recognise how you respond to stress as this affects your health. Do you: • Eat more • Skip meals • Drink alcohol • Smoke • Sleep more, or less • Try do too many things at once • Procrastinate

How does it affect your risk for heart disease?

Stress alone seldom causes heart disease, but it is a well-known risk factor that contributes to the development of heart disease. It is considered a risk factor as much as cigarette smoking, diabetes, and hypertension for CVD onset, due to underlying biological and neurochemical mechanisms. Being stressed often leads to other unhealthy behaviours which are often major risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as: • skipping exercise • snacking on unhealthy foods • overeating • smoking or drinking alcohol excessively Not everybody has a negative reaction to stress.

Stress becomes unhealthy when there is too much for too long.

As we experience the ups and downs of everyday life or whenever there is a major change in our lives, stress occurs.

Tips to manage stress better While we cannot always escape stress, managing stress effectively is important for a healthy lifestyle, so here are some tips to help manage stress better and keep your health in check: • A good diet. It is a good stress coping mechanism because certain nutrients are used up more rapidly when one is under stress such as B vitamins which are essential to a healthy central nervous system as well as vitamin C and zinc which are essential to the immune system.

• Learn to say ‘no’. Practise saying ‘no’ when you are feeling over-burdened.

• Get organised. Use “to do” lists to help you prioritise and focus on most important tasks.

• Remember to laugh. It’s your body’s natural stress-release mechanism.

• Do something you enjoy. Set aside some time for relaxation or doing something that you enjoy.

• Get active. Physical activity is an excellent stress-reliever because it provides a distraction, the release of mood-enhancing endorphins and provides an outlet for frustration. It also increases long-term resilience to stress.

• Get enough sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Brush up on sleep hygiene if sleeping is a struggle.

• Cut the bad habits. Rather than turning to alcohol, smoking or caffeine to relieve your stress, exercise regularly and eat a healthy balanced diet; this will help you to feel energized and more able to tackle what life throws at you.

• Learn to accept the things that you cannot change. Focus your energy instead on the things that you have control over.

• Speak to someone. If you are having trouble handling stress then speak to someone, whether it’s a friend, family member or a professional such as a psychologist or social worker. http://www.heartfoundation.co.za/reduce-stress/ AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

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SECTOR

Foreword Building Blocks Education & Training: Private The rapid growth of the middle class in Africa is resulting in the growth of private universities and schools across the continent, as parents increasingly seek a good quality of education outside of the state offering.

Research about the middle class in Africa, conducted by the African Development bank, showed that by 2010, the middle class had surged by 60% than a decade before, and the numbers keeps growing.

The report highlighted that increasing prosperity led to a rise in investment in education, and that private education was increasingly seen as an attractive option for parents.

In addition to the rise of the middle class, the sharp rise in demand for education is fueled by the fact that the average age of Africa’s population is lower – meaning there is also growth in the younger population – as well as the fact that governments and the public sector simply can’t keep up with the demand for space in schools and public universities. As a result private schools and universities are popping up all over Africa as business tries to capitalise on the demand.

With the expectation that one in four young African students, or 60 million – will be enrolled in a private school by 2021, the potential for investment and impact in the sector has rarely been greater. Given these statistics, it is crucial that parents become informed about private institutions’ track record and credibility, ensuring they are able to provide quality education.

Private education affords women the opportunity to make a unique difference in the lives of youth. These young scholars are the future of tomorrow, and as such, their education needs to be nurtured. As women, by their very nature, they are viewed as the caring nurturers in the workplace and at home, it would make sense for them to enter this industry as they are more capable of providing a nurturing environment for students to study in.

This by no means implies that men are less able to educate students, nor does it mean that women are soft and unable to perform in other sectors. It also doesn’t imply that women are too soft to perform in senior positions. It simply means that women’s natural drive to nurture and take care of others comes through quite strongly in this environment.

It is inspiring to learn more about women who have made great strides in Africa in the private education sector. Not only do they teach their students, they care about their education and are passionate to see them succeed. As the middle class continues to grow in Africa, it will be interesting to see how this positively impacts private education in the future.

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regional

Winners

Emma Kakona

Rapelang Rabana

Executive Director

Chief Digital Officer

Namibia Emma Kakona is the Executive Director at Amazing Kids Private School and Academy.

With more than ten years of practice as a leader of almost 100 individuals, Emma believes that her vast rich experience in both Private and Government education enables her to be a positive influence to everyone in her sphere. “I am an educator, leader, trainer, motivational speaker and I think that we are all geniuses, we just need to claim it through our will power and cement it with dedication and diligence,” emphasises Emma. She has been acknowledged by the public, media, government, private entities as well as banks several times. She has also scooped countless national and international awards in Sciences, Sport, Academics and Debates.

botswana “I have always believed that there had to be better, simpler more effective ways to do things – and there is: technology” says Rapelang. The internationally lauded entrepreneur featured on the cover of Forbes Africa magazine before the age of 30, named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and Entrepreneur for the World by the World Entrepreneurship Forum. She is the Chief Digital Officer of Business Connexion (BCS). Obtaining a B. Business Science (Computer Science Honours) has helped Rapelang with technical and business background. She also serves as a member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, as well as on the Advisory Board of Project Literacy - a global campaign to address global illiteracy levels.

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Winners

Mwamini Matthilde Muhindo

Annie Babah-Alargi

President (MAMA JUHUDI)

Managing Consultant

DRC Mwamini Muhindo is the President of the "MAMA JUHUDI" consortium. She has three years of Cultural Social Training in France and two years of Professional Specialisation in Teaching. She is an active feminist in activities and organizations of civil society and is engaged in the associative movements of women in her society. Muhindo has been honored several times for her hard work in the society. The HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH previously honored her with the Human Rights Defenders Award twice, and she received Best of the Year Award (Women and Development) by the Union de la ZaĂŻie press (U.p.Z.), to name a few. She has also been part of the Travel and service missions, involved in training, advocacy, fundraising abroad Europe, USA, and Africa.

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ghana Annie Babah-Alargi is a managing consultant at Customer Matters Limited, with over 26 years of combined corporate and consultancy experience. She has to her name a PhD in Service Management, Master of Business Administration and a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, to name a few. Her consultancy services and training programs continue to support a number of organisations including banks, hotels, insurance, telecommunications, FMCGs and SME businesses.

Annie is a member of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana and the Chairman of the Education. As part of her corporate social responsibility and volunteer work, Annie mentors MBA students in CEIBS Shanghai, New York University, University of Ghana Business School and other students in Ghana.

regional

Winners

Gertrude Mwangala Akapelwa-Ehueni

Gail Cameron

Founder, Vice Chancellor and Board Chairperson

Managing Director

zambia Getrude founded the Victoria Falls University of Technology (VFU) in 2009, enrolling its first students on 11 January 2010 with 12 students. It now has 300 students and 46 staff including 35 academic staff. It offers diplomas, degrees and masters programmes in Information and Communications and Technology; Business and Finance Management; Tourism, Languages and Arts; and Education. At its first graduation ceremony on 22 March 2013, 21 were conferred with certificates and degrees. She is Board Member and Chairperson for the Board HR Committee of the Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO). Its core business is both corporate and retail banking, and is the number one bank in deposits, advances and loans, with the widest distribution network and is the third most profitable bank in the country. Its CSR is focused on financing a financial literacy programme for the youth and a football club.

SOUTH AFRICA Cameron is a founder and Managing Director of the Image Excellence Group with more than 25 years experience as a Leadership Coach and she also has a book called Voice Excellence which was published in 1994. She also played a huge role in helping Zitulele Combi in his final presentation to win the World Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In addition, Gail’s company was awarded a second place in the Randburg Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Medium Size Category in 2007. Her passion to develop African leaders has resulted in her forming a partnership in Nairobi where her programmes are now offered throughout the rest of Africa.

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regional

Winners

Jackee Budesta Batanda Senior Managing Partner

Uganda Jackee is the heart of a true writer, taking her professional experience and giving back to other aspiring writers. As Senior Managing Partner and co-founder of SuccessSpark Brand Ltd, she is responsible for the business development, training and growth of the company. She has trained over 70 writers in their one-day classes, writing retreats and one-on-one writing programs. Since 2015, we has had a phenomenal seven students publish books. They are currently producing three book projects of eminent Ugandans as a way of documenting and sharing their stories with the world. She has an abundance of knowledge and skills which she can share with aspiring writers, and it is exciting to see how her students are thriving after their experience at SuccessSpark Brand Ltd.

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COUntry

Winners

south africa

Mishjee Cooper Owner

Mishjee Cooper is the Owner of ZooZoo Land Educare. ZooZoo Land Nursery Schools was founded in 2009 as a home-based informal arrangement to help out parents who had to work and were looking for a secure educational haven in which they could leave their children. the Finalist in the 2016 Business partners of the year competition, Mishjee now operates from 3 premises with a consistent monthly turnover of R636 000, employing 60 staff and offering a recognized curriculum. Mishjee is a safety parent who looks after abused, abandoned and neglected babies’, assisting the Social Development department with the distribution of safety packs in her community. She also mentors other EDC owners and helps out with the starting and successful running of the centers.

SOUTH AFRICA

Genevieve Bridget Allen

The Master in Business Innovation, Business Administration and Diploma in Marketing holder, Genevieve Allen is the Managing Director of Sherpa Kids Master Franchisor. With a yearly turnover of more than 10 million, Sherpa Kids is a leading global childcare franchise which started in New Zealand and now operates in over 250 primary schools in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England, Ireland and Canada with over 9000 children a day using the childcare centres.

Genevieve is a woman of strong stature and is involved in quite a number of management and governance positions. She is a member of Group Executive Committee, IIE Senate and Teaching and Learning Committee as well as Group IT Steering Committee.

Managing Director

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Mauritius

Sameera Chattun Koyratty Chief Executive Officer

With around 13 years of experiences, the 38-yearold Mauritius entrepreneur successfully transformed from being an employee to an employer. She comes with extensive background in product development and has played a variety of roles including Project Management Specialist, Release Management Professional, Coaching, Mentoring, and Sales. Koyratty has a decorated work history.

She has served as an IT Manager cum Assistant Shop Manager, Assistant Showroom Manager, Manager & Information Technology Trainer and Managing Director in several companies. Hard work pays-off and that has been the case for the business-minded Koyratty. She won several awards such as Entrepreneur and Mentor & Coaching Women Entrepreneur, Outstanding Young Person, Women Super Achiever, Most Trusted Director for Providing Outstanding Business Services and Best Women Training, to name a few.

Botswana

Dr. Onalenna Kgokgwe Country Director

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Dr. Onalenna Kgokgwe is the Country Director at the Institute of Development Management. She holds a Diploma in Midwifery, Master of Science in Nursing, PhD-Public Health and Post Graduate Fellow-Global Health Leadership. As the Country Director she manages institutional resourcesfinance, human resources and administrates stakeholders and partnerships to optimise organisational performance, mentors professional staff, monitors and evaluates performance of the organisation. Dr. Kgokgwe has a number of publications in journals and well-known research activities. She has won the Meritorious Service Award - by the Ministry of Health and Nurses Association and the Outstanding Performance Award, to name a few.

COUntry

Winners

south africa

Helen Manakedi Ntlaleng

Helen taught at Tsako-Thabo in Mamelodi for 18 years. AT the age of 24 she was promoted to the Head of Department at the same school. She taught History and English and produced 100% results in English throughout her teaching career.

She was appointed Senior Deputy Rector at ThutoMatlhale Technical College and two years later she became Acting Rector. After the technical colleges were merged she became a Campus Manager for two years and was appointed Deputy CEO: Academic Affairs and Operations for three years at Tshwane North College. In 2008 she was appointed Principal and CEO of Ekurhuleni West TVET College. She introduced new programmes and new portfolios within the college to change the culture.

Principal and CEO

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Rewriting the

Entrepreneurship Story: AABN’S JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

by Maureen Erekua Odoi- Executive Director AABN

“Nothing good comes easy and for me if it hadn’t been what I had learnt under the Young Executive Business Programme at African Aurora Business Network (AABN), my business might have collapsed long ago during the challenging times”.

“I

had tried a lot of jobs as a loan officer with Bayport Financial Services, Dalex Finance and other jobs until I decided to take a bold decision to work for myself by enrolling in this wonderful programme” These are the exact testimonies of the CEO of King Wise Metal Fabrication and Construction Limited; Wise Vincent Tuo, a beneficiary of the programme since 2016.

He successfully went through about a year and a half of training under the Young Executive Business Growth Program (YEBGP); a Business Advisory Service of AABN Foundation, designed to serve young entrepreneurs.

The programme is organized in partnership with Young Inclusive Entrepreneurial Development Initiative for Employment (YIEDIE) Consortium managed by Global Communities and supported by the MasterCard Foundation. It primarily seeks to actualize the dreams of one thousand two hundred and twenty (1,220) young growth oriented entrepreneurs and startups in the construction value chain.

Just like some other successful beneficiaries, Vincent won a grant of about five thousand cedis (GHS 5000) awarded by the Youth in Construction Enterprise Fund (YCEF) to start his business after successfully completing the programme, and receiving coaching on how to apply for the grant. There are about twelve stages that one needs to go through before graduating.

Vincent’s journey began during one of the YIEDIE/ YEBGP outreach programs, which seeks to identify prospective candidates. Interested candidates are then taken through the Long Weekend Orientation and Business Dream Workshop. These activities pave way for: Training Session; Small and Medium Enterprise Training Session; Mentoring Session; Executive Coaching Session; Design Thinking Session; Business Plan

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Pitching; Business Certification ; Business Clinic Session and Graduation.

The core modules taken by beneficiaries at AABN are namely Business Planning and Pitching, Executive Coaching, Business Mentoring, Networking for success, Grooming Skills and Formalizing your business.

The overall objective of this five year programme is to support the youth and SME’s through a modular approach with over ninety percent success rate, targeting up to forty percent women and providing beneficiaries with access to local and global networks

and opportunities. Weekly online tools, programs and quarterly follow up events are also employed as part of continuous training and assessment to ensure that graduates achieve sustainability in their business operations. The YIEDIE/YEBGP Team is led by AABN’s Executive Director, Project Manager and a team of seasoned Certified Business and Technical advisors with decades of experience in SMEs, Youth and Women Enterprise Development.

The third phase of the programme has been officially launched following the successful graduation of over three hundred entrepreneurs under the module. AABN has Business Advisory Centre which has two (2) arms: Incubator Services and Research and Development Services respectively. The Incubator Services provides youth beneficiaries with three different Business Advisory Services: Online Business Clinic, Business Health Check and In-House Business Clinic.

Based on analysis made in third phase of the YIEDIE/ YEBGP, three hundred and twenty five (325) youth received incubator services. The grand total of repeated Incubator Services for youth gave one thousand and seven (1,007) representing eighty eight percent (88%).

This means on the average, each of the three hundred and twenty five (325) youth received three (3) different services under the incubator services.

Under the Research and Development, target achieved based on youth beneficiaries served indicates three hundred and twenty five (325) Business Plans, sixty two (62) Group Business Plans and fifty three (53) for Business Plans SMEs. All Business plans have been reviewed thrice (3) by Business Advisors and twice (2) by Certified Technical Advisors (CTA’s).

Overall results achieved under Business Advisory Centre implies that, individual clients had great opportunity to benefit from the services in a repeated manner five (5) times within the year.

Aabn’s contribution to National Development Youth unemployment is one challenge that past and current governments are still grappling with. The current Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta once said “The current state of youth unemployment phenomenon in Ghana is a threat to national security”. This is the reason AABN and its partners are certain that the YIEDIE/YEBGP if well executed could create more employment for the youth and also feed into the ‘Ghana beyond Aid Agenda’ mantra of the present government.

Since the program’s inception three years ago, AABN has successfully trained and graduated 625 youth. It has also trained some 145 SMEs and 24 women traditional caterers through the Executive Business Growth Program (EBGP). During these trainings, beneficiaries are taken through specially designed Business Development Service (BDS) Modules such as Customer Service,

Managing your Finance, Record Keeping for Small Businesses, Business Planning and Pitching, Executive Coaching and the like.

This is the passion of AABN, to play its role meaningfully in contributing to national development by complementing government’s effort in reducing unemployment among the youth.

Role of Certified Business and Technical Advisors The Role of our team of Certified Business and Technical Advisors cannot be overlooked in making this goal of AABN a reality. AABN has a wide global network of about 50 Certified Business and Technical Advisors, with a combined experience of more than 150 years in providing training and business advisory services for youths, SMEs and Women Enterprises.

In house Certified Business and Technical Advisors are tasked with a key role to provide training, mentoring as well as executive coaching sessions for beneficiaries.

Programme Expansion AABN was established by a team of economic development practitioners with the support of the seven (7) member Governing Advisory Council. Its vision is ‘to be the Hope for businesses in Africa’. The mission of AABN is to empower Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), Youth and Women Networks and its environment through strategic partnerships, capacity building, creative products and advisory services.

Currently, AABN and its partners are implementing the YIEDIE/YEGBP in 5 cities namely Accra, Tema, Ashaiman, Takoradi and Kumasi. The results have so far been tremendous but could still do more to address the challenge of youth unemployment by extending it to other cities within the ten regions of the country with support from government and other critical stakeholders. AABN is therefore using this platform to appeal to philanthropists and all interested persons to partner and support us in empowering and creating meaningful jobs for the unemployed youth of this country. We also would like to thank all current stakeholders and partners, especially the Mastercard Foundation and Global Communities for their support; as well as the Governing Council led by Reverend Emmanuel Asiedu Appiah, the Government of Ghana and beneficiaries of this programme over the last three years.

Partners and stakeholders are therefore invited to join hands to fight unemployment and expand educational opportunities for young artisans and SME’s in Africa and Global.

For more information and updates on our events and activities contact us on 0302225078/0244383293 or visit our website on www.aabn.org.gh and like our Facebook page at www. facebook.com/AABNinfo/

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SECTOR

Foreword expanded roles Financial Services Too often the considered career path of finances is perceived as complicated, difficult and too challenging to pursue. Based on this false perception, many scholars refrain from pursing financial services as a chosen career.

However, this perception is based on a lack of knowledge and poor education with regards to what this sector truly entails.

All too often, women are also excluded from this sector, primarily because it is still believed that men are better suited to the role. Unfortunately, men are still considered more intellectual when it comes to certain positions.

However, slowly but surely women are breaking through the so called office wall and making a massive dent in the world of finances.

Globally, the outlook for financial services is solid, but the rise of disrupters in the market, especially from unexpected places, has provoked the need for financial services entities to rethink their strategies. It also means that innovation and technology have moved a few notches up on their agendas. This is particularly true for Africa where the market is less mature or saturated, giving rise to opportunities for new entrants to challenge the status quo.

More and more of the population is becoming part of the financial system as a result of elements that are unique to the African market. However, a large portion of the African market still remains untapped and the race is on for financial services companies to find new and innovative ways to get customers onboard.

Key pointers to take note of are technology and innovation. These are by no means unique to the financial services sector only. All industries need to embrace technology and innovation to ensure they stay one step ahead of their competition. This places females in good stead to prove their ability and skill by finding new ways of doing things. To excel in the fast paced world we live in today, there is no alternative route to being creative in order to succeed. What worked yesterday doesn’t necessarily work today, and this is due to the rapid development of technology.

As such, innovation needs to be combined with technology. Women in the financial services sector should take comfort in knowing that should they embrace new technology and innovative ideas, they will be raising the bar and setting an example to everyone around them. Allow your creativity to guide you, and educate yourself on the latest technologies in your sector. This will be the foundation on which you build your future accomplishments.

It might be challenging, and you may face several obstacles, but the rule of thumb here is to never quit. There is no choice in the matter; this is where the world is taking all industries going forward. Your work in this sector – a tough sector to say the very least – doesn’t go unnoticed. Everyone is watching your every move, with the aim to learn from you and to discover what it takes to be a woman in the financial services sector and make a success of it.

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regional

Winners

Tryphosa Ramano

Stella Erhuvwu Okotete

Chief Financial Officer

Executive Director

South Africa Tryphosa Ramano is a qualified and registered Chartered Accountant (CA) with extensive experience in financial services and is currently the Chief Financial Officer at PPC. Tryphosa boasts a BCom Degree and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Cape Town.

As PPC CFO, she has played a critical role in the company’s expansion into the African continent, specifically in Zimbabwe, Botswana, DR Congo, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. Tryphosa has, prior to joining PPC, occupied senior executive positions in well established companies like the South African Airways and WIPHOLD. She is a Director at PPC and all of its subsidiaries in the continent and Chairman at the South African Airways.

nigeria Stella Erhuvwu Okotete is experienced working in fast-paced environments demanding strong organisational, technical and interpersonal skills and she also possess great skills of negotiation, as a team builder, strategic planner, administrator, and public advocate. She has received quite a number of awards such as Humanitarian of the Year, Entrepreneurs of the Year and she was the Young Ambassador for Peace MDGS Ambassadors of Peace in 2012. Stella has an astonishing employment record. She has served as a Chief Executive Officer, Special Assistant, Elected Councilor and Administrative Assistance.

At present, Stella is an Executive Director for Business Development, Nigeria Export –Import Bank (NEXIM), Abuja and Co Founder / National – Coordinator at the Erhuvwuoghene foundation.

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regional

Winners

Amani Hamed

Dina Sheriff

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

egypt Hamed has over 18 years of experience in the Egyptian Capital Market and she has been an active contributor to the development of the Egyptian Capital Market, in her role as founder and board member of the Egyptian Capital Market Association for 6 consecutive years.

Further to above, Hamed started her career as a teacher of Economics and Business Studies. She is a graduate of the German School DEO and holds a Bachelor’s degree (with high honors) and a Masters Degree in Economics from the American University in Cairo. At present, Hamed is a member of the advisory committee to the Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority and CEO of Okaz Stockbrokers and Investments. Here consistency and hard work has played a very big role in paving a way for Hamed.

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egypt Dina H. Sherif possesses nearly over twenty years of international and regional experience in various fields such as integrated community development, nonprofit management, corporate sustainability management and social entrepreneurship, to name few. She is an educated woman who holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Political Science – International Relations, Master of Arts, majoring in Economic Development Studies and a Masters in Public Administration and Management. Dina has served in various positions such as Monitoring and Evaluation Unit Manager, Program Coordinator, Technical Consultant and at present, she is a Chief Executive Officer at Ahead of the Curve.

regional

Winners

Gisele Mwepu

Marie Christine

CEO and Founder

Director

DRC Okapi Finance International is a Swedish Fintech company which has created a platform for financial inclusion. Gisele, its founder, is a computer science and computer engineering major and a serial IT entrepreneur with a passion to change the world. She believes that everyone should have access to banking services regardless of their status or where they live and that financial inclusion is a key to alleviate poverty and create empowerment. Gisele is committed to use her skills to bank the unbanked people of Africa. She is a very positive, generous and inquisitive leader who creates a constructive and productive working environment for everyone around. As such she is a truly inspiring person.

mauritius The 48-year-old Mauritian has proven to be a lady for the big occasion after she successfully held several leadership roles constantly in her career. She possesses a dynamic reference on her work history. She has served as a Head of Business Performance, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Acting Head of Retail, Head of Branch Banking, Retail Banking and Wealth Management. Last but not least, she is a Director for a Barclays Bank in Mauritius.

Education is the key to success and that has been the case for Christine who is a living proof of this. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing and that has paved her way to be where she is at present.

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regional

Winners

Abdoolakhan Shahannah Bibi

Andia Laura Chakava

Chief Executive Officer

Co-founder and Managing Director

mauritius Shahannah has over fourteen years’ experience in the banking and financial services sector in Mauritius and Guernsey and she is a Fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA). She holds an MBA from Oxford Brookes University, Islamic Finance Qualification and she was a member for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

She is a dynamic and enthusiastic financial professional with proven ability to provide relevant solutions to complex financial services needs of clients. Numbers has always been her preferred path. The 34-year-old has worked for leading international financial institutions both in Guernsey and Mauritius and the Mauritius Financial Services Commission. She has served as a Managing Director, Compliance Manager, Accountant and Senior office assistant, to name a few. Currently, she is Chief Executive Officer at Abler Consulting LTD.

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kenya Andia Laura Chakava is an investor, entrepreneur, wealth manager and she is the co-founder of Alpha Africa Asset Mangers which provides fund management, investment advisory, financial planning, investment research and product development services. She possesses a BA honours in Economics from York University in Canada and an MBA with merit from Cass Business School in UK. The Kenyan entrepreneur has a decorated work history after managing to bag several leadership roles. She has served as a Managing Director and Country Director. Through her hard work, she has also been able to get some recognition. In 2008, she was the youngest female managing director of a non-family owned business in Kenya and she was again voted into top 40 women under 40 by the East African Business Daily (2 years consecutively in 2008 and 2009).

regional

Winners

Agness Chankota

Karen Genovienne Nadasen

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

zambia Agnes Chankota is the Chief Executive Officer at Madison Life Insurance Company Zambia Limited. Madison Life Insurance Company Zambia Limited is a specialist Life Insurance Company under the Madison Group of companies. As the Chief Executive Officer, she is responsible for the overall strategic direction for the company, effective and efficient operations of the organisation as to advance its profitability and other objectives as set from time to time.

Since joining the company back in 1994, Agnes has held various positions in the finance division including Deputy General Manager prior to her current positions. Because of her passion for insurance, she spends a lot of time helping people with training to improve their knowledge, leading to community growth and development helping people to be financially independent.

south africa The 37 years old businesswoman Karen Nadasen is the Chief Executive Officer of PayU South Africa.

Regularly described as one of South Africa’s most inspiring women in tech and listed among 100 Most Influential Young South Africans 2017, she drives the strategy of PayU on a local level whilst liasing with EMEA and global counterparts to align on vision, targets and goals. Her resume includes a B.Sc (Computer Science, Information Systems), Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) – Information Systems to name a few. Under Karen’s leadership PayU South Africa significantly increased their market share after being in decline for several years prior. In 2007, she also had some work published under the Emerald Group Publishing Limited - Web Access for IT Staff: A Developing World Perspective on Web Abuse.

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Winners

Kalyani Pillay Chief Executive Officer

SOUTH AFRICA Kalyani Pillay is the daily executive of over fifty individuals and the Chief Executive Officer at South African Banking Risk Information Center (SABRIC).

SABRIC is a non profit company established by the four major banks in South Africa to assist the banking and sash in transit industries fight organised crime.

Kalyani holds a Bachelor of Arts and a LLB and has completed courses under project management.

Kalyani is a remarkable and exceptional woman who has achieved several firsts throughout her career. She is the First Woman State Attorney for the country and First female CEO for SABRIC. Kalyani is also a role model, inspiration to many women and is well known as the most influential woman in the Financial Services Sector in the country.

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Winners

ghana

Abiola Bawuah

Abiola Bawuah is the Regional CEO at the United Bank of Africa. She has over sixteen years’ experience as well as detailed knowledge of banking issues and policies and she holds a Law Degree and an Executive Master of Business Administration (Degree). Prior to her current role, she has worked for numerous well recognised organisations. She has worked for Standard Chartered Bank, Zenith Bank Ghana Limited and Cal Bank. Abiola has been recognised and honored for her hard work several times. Earlier this year she was recognised as the Banking and Finance CEO of the Year Award Winner, and Most Outstanding Female in Banking Award Winner by Feminine Achievers, to name a few.

Regional Chief Executive Officer

senegal

Elizabeth Rossiello Gregarek

Rossiello started BitPesa in Nairobi after seeing firsthand how companies in Africa were not being served with cross-border payment solutions. She is an expert in East African financial product development and establishing best practices in risk, governance and IT for local banks. Prior to her work in East Africa, she served as an Analyst at Credit Suisse in Zurich and a Robert Bosch Fellow in Frankfurt. She has a Masters in International Finance and a BA in political Science. In addition to Kenya, BitPesa operates in Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Nigeria, Senegal, UK, Luxembourg and Mozambique. It recently launched in Spain, and is about to open an office in Ghana. The company has grown as it now employs about 50 people and is present in 10 markets.

Chief Executive Officer

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kenya

Gladys Kakuri Principal Executive Director

Gladys Karuri is the Principal Executive Director at Britam Holdings. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Gladys has been in the senior managerial position several times and has over fifteen years of practical experience in the role. As the Principal Executive Director she is responsible for financial and business controls, covering financial cascading, and business reporting, budgeting, planning and forecasting, capital investments and aligning strategy development and execution for all the Britam entities across the regions while ensuring operational efficiency and excellence for all the business units. She has also worked with high profile clients like Barclays Bank of Kenya and British American Insurance Company, among others.

zimbabwe

Manyara Mercy Chigunduru Founder/Managing Partner

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Manyara is a Qualified Chartered Accountant (Zimbabwe) and a Registered Public Auditor and has over 17 years’ experience spanning across different sectors covering financial management, accounting, auditing, taxation and advisory. She is the Founder/Managing Partner of Marian Hill Chartered Accountants. She is a mentor to a number of business women in Zimbabwe as well as upcoming women-chartered accountants under the Women Chartered Accountants Network. Manyara is passionate about women empowerment as she works with different women organisations to empower women. She also serves on the board of the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank, an empowerment bank for women under the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development and she is the Chairperson of the Board Audit Committee and the ICT Governance Committee.

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SOUTH AFRICA

Hanlie Kroese Business Development Manager

Hanlie Kroese is the Business Development Manager at Santam Agriculture. Santam Agriculture is an insurance company that specialises in providing insurance products and risk management solutions in the agricultural industry. In her role at Santam the organisation is able to support the agricultural sector by creating opportunities through training and development of unskilled farmers. Hanlie is involved in the “Consumer Education” initiative of SANTAM where more than 800 emerging farmers were provided with training in the financial aspects of farming and business development. The training included: Budgeting, Business planning, Marketing, Strategy development and Entrepreneurship. Hanlie believes that to promote sustainable agriculture, participation from both the public and private sector is required and she strives to involve all role players in the process.

SWAZILAND

Lomakosetire Tshabalala Chief Compliance Officer

Lomakhosetive Tshabalala is the Chief Compliance Officer at the First National Bank of Swaziland and has almost fifteen years extensive knowledge and practice within the sector. She holds a Masters in Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce Degree and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Lomakhosetive is currently FNB Swaziland’s longest serving EXCO member and has held four EXCO positions during her eleven-year tenure from CFO, Head of Retail Banking, and Chief Risk Officer and now Chief Compliance Officer. She is a leader with strong qualities and ethics who holds several leadership roles. She is the Chairperson of the Compliance Industry forum, fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and earlier this year she was appointed as a moderator in a closed round table session with the Association of Certified Compliance Professionals in Africa.

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south africa

Ency Litsoane Chief Executive Officer

Ency Litsoane is the Achiever and Member of the Executive forum at the (Independent Field Advertiser) IFA and the Provincial Chairperson at the South African Women Entrepreneurs Network (SAWEN). “As a firm believer in life-long learning, I have endeavored to continually upgrading and expanding my skills,” says Ency. With over twelve years of in-depth knowledge and practice in the financial sector, Ency holds a Diploma in General Nursing, Bachelor First year Nursing Education and a Certificate PC Business Computing. Ency is remarkable leader who believes that information and education are the game changers in the business world. “I impact lives as a mentor, life coach and public presenter. My personal outreach extends to Churches, non–profit organisations, colleges and school partnerships addressing issues such as relationships, values, strategic life management and financial freedom,” enthuses Ency.

NAMIBIA

Elaine Dina Executive Manager

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The Namibian born finance services expert Elain Schlechter is the Executive Manager at NedNamibia Holdings Company Limited. The highly innovative, strategic and analytical thinker in business holds numerous qualifications in business and management and has studied at several well established institutions like the University of South Africa, International Academy of Retail Banking – London and Stellenbosch University Business School, among others. The previous CEO Global Finalist in Most Influential Woman in Business and Government Awards has been honoured and recognised for her hardwork numerous times. She was honored with the Nedbank Namibia Top Team Award, Welwitschia Nammic Insurance Brokers Chairman’s Trophy National Award Winner and was recognised at the Old Mutual Platinum Convention Argentina, to name a few.

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SECTOR

Foreword at the coal face Government Employed Official It cannot be easy to be in a government position where people look up to you and have a long list of expectations from you as a chosen leader. The nation would most likely have voted for you to serve in a particular position, and that is by no means a small feat. Yet you serve your country proudly, realising the requirements of your position. You are a leader, and that leadership can and has never been undermined.

Why? Because you believe in ethical leadership, where values and morals and integrity guide your every move.

You feel that responsibility to your nation, and you live it every single day. There is no escaping that massive duty.

However, you live your role as a government leader each day with a smile on your face. This is because you know you can make a significant difference to the lives of others, that you can bring hope and peace – aspects of your position you never downplay.

Well done on being selected as a leader by the people of your country, and congratulations on being selected as a Government Elected Official. No doubt it was a long, arduous road to get where you are today, but you have to set an example to other women. Your achievements are in many ways the people’s achievements – they watch your every move, learn from you, respect you, and may very well aspire to be in the same position as you.

It’s never an easy task to serve as leader, irrespective of your role. As people watch your every move, even one tiny error may be blown out of proportion, which most likely leaves you feeling betrayed, hurt and somewhat defeated. However, as a strong leader nothing will ever bring you down. You will overcome any and all challenges, no matter how strenuous and difficult. Government positions are never easy tasks. You have a tough job, tough superiors, and even tougher spectators. Yet you have shown that it can be done, and with poise.

Too often there is a negative view of government officials, but you have turned this view on its head and shown your country what can be achieved. Interestingly, when looking at Africa, government employees have set the pace when compared to South Africa. This is most likely due to the belief that government positions pay good salaries, with greater benefits and more opportunities. In Africa, these positions may offer more stability than positions in the private sector, or there may be more vacancies available in government than in the private sector.

These factors are critical for women who have to look after a household and very often serve as the breadwinner.

Government departments may have also been tipped as some of the most attractive employers in Africa, especially as the private sector is faced with political instability, lack of financing and weak infrastructure. The African private sector still has many obstacles to overcome.

Irrespective of the above, the following pages showcase amazing women, (be it as an employee or leader), who are true examples to others. May your vision become a reality as you continue to better those around you.

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regional

Winners

Tida Jatta-JarJou

Stella Isibhakhomen Anukam

Director

Director and Judge

Gambia The day to day Director of about 100 individuals Tida Jatta-JarJou is the Director of the Basic and Secondary Education Programmes. As the Director she is responsible for the coordination, monitoring, policy development and policy advice on Gender and Education, Early Childhood Development, Special Needs Education, to name a few.

The extraordinary education guru has in her qualifications closet everything from Certificates, Advance Diplomas, Bachelor of Arts and Master in Education. Because of her passion for education, she has dedicated most of her years to changing people’s lives through teaching. Tida has conducted numerous treks all over the Gambia to perform training and sensitisations of various target groups on issues of girls’ education, the impact of which can be seen through girls’ enrolment rate trends.

Nigeria Anukam is part-time Judge of the African Court on Human and People’s Rights as well as Director of International and Comparative Law Federal Ministry of Justice. Her career spans well over thirty years. The most recent conference she has attended is as Nigerian Delegate (Leader) for the 62nd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights in April 2018. Major official assignments include that of National Coordinator for Human Rights Issues for the Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigeria and that of Chairperson for the Inter-Ministerial Committee of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights which she is still involved with. She has won several awards throughout her career and written numerous articles on key topics that continue to remain relevant and insightful,

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Winners

Achanga Carolina Oben

Nirmala Devi Nababsing

Chief of Service

Senior Chief Executive

cameroon Achanga Carolina Oben is the Chief of Service at Tiko Municipal Council, Cameroon. She holds a General Certificate of Education, Diploma in Development Studies and a Bachelor of Science Degree. As the Chief of Service, Social Cultural Affairs Design her main responsibilities are to coordinate and evaluate the municipal education, social and cultural policies. Encourage students’ excellence programs: including promoting women initiatives for enshrined citizen participation in decentralised local governance. Achanga is also the Chief Human Resource Officer at the Municipality were she initiates and manages personnel performance and output policies in compliance with the laws, promoting staff health care/ safety programs and initiating programs in support of staff capacity enhancement. As a way of giving back to her community Achanga takes her time in volunteering at the Centre for Democracy and Electoral Studies as a Project Officer.

Mauritius Nirmala Nababsing is the Senior Chief Executive at the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities.

Nirmala has been operating at top senior management level for over 20 years and has contributed in collaboration with technical and legal persons to the development of several innovative legislations within the Ministry. As a leader of more than 100 individuals, Nirmala believes that promoting team work with regular consultations, setting clear targets and time frames as well as developing strategic plans for the organisation are key role functions to increase productivity. During her free time, Nirmala loves to train and raise awareness on entrepreneurial skills to empower people as a way of reducing poverty in their communities.

regional

Winners

Jacqueline Maleko Chairperson

Tanzania Jacqueline Maleko has over 38 years of professional experience with the Government, Parastatals, Private sector, Business associations and Development partners at policy and operational level. The B.A. Hon. Management and Administration and Master in Business Administration holder is the Chairperson at Tanzania Women Chambers of Commerce.

The Organisation has more than 6,000 members which comprises of 14 sectoral Associations, 400 Companies, 20 Groups, and 2 NGOs. The Associations include, Women in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mining, Tourism, among others.

Professionally she also holds a Diploma marketing management and control, Diploma WTO Trade Policy and has completed a number of short courses. Jacqueline was also the first Director General of Tanzania Trade Development Authority since inception back in 1975.

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NAMIBIA

Martha Mbobo Deputy Permanent Secretary

With over ten years as a senior in the public service, Martha Mbobo is the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Namibia. Martha’s extensive practical experience has made her one of the best skilled when it comes to developing policies, programmes and re-engineering business processes. Since joining the Ministry Martha developed the performance management policy and system that is currently being used in the public service of her country. Martha is a nurse by training but as a public servant, she strives to uplift the living standards of the people in her community. “I believe everyone was created equal and should have equal opportunities to live a decent life, everyone should feel love and live a free and abundant life, free from fear and violence and intimidation,” says Martha.

SWAZILAND

Cythia Sibentile Dlamini Deputy Director

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Cynthia Dlamini is the Deputy Director at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Swaziland.

She deems that as a leader and independent woman she has positively managed to influence many individuals in and around her community.

“I believe that I have optimistically influenced people by my career choice and being the first female Road Transportation Deputy Director in the Ministry of Public Works and Transport in the country,” she highlights. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Leadership and Change Management, Btech Degree and a National Diploma in Transportation Management, among others. Prior to her current role as the Deputy Director, Cynthia has previously worked as a Vehicle Technician and Inspector for different companies.

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Seychelles

Rosie Bistoquet Director

Managing over 100 individuals on a daily basis is not an easy job, but for Rosie Bistoquet who is the Director at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Seychelles it’s something that comes naturally. She has facilitated and chaired over 100 national multi-sectoral forums on health for various organisations nationally. With years of practice in the field, Rosie holds a Diploma in General nursing and Midwifery and a Higher Diploma in Leadership and Management in Nursing. Rosie is also the National AIDS Council Secretariat Coordinator at the Ministry and she is responsible for providing strategic direction and technical expertise into the formulation of national health strategies in primary prevention of diseases in the country through several programmes. Rosie has attended numerous workshops, seminars and conferences which have helped her attain good skills for the industry.

KENYA

Purity Kithiru Gitonga Head Education: Training and Public Awareness

Purity’s role sees her providing leadership to the Education, Training and Public Awareness function championing for good governance, social transformation and building of shared values. To achieve this she designs, develops and implements ethics and anti-corruption training curricula; organises workshops, conferences, public outreach clinics and media campaigns aimed at influencing attitudes and changing behaviour.

She seeks collaboration and partnerships with key stakeholders; writes books, training manuals and articles on integrity and leadership to equip citizens with the requisite knowledge, skills and values. She is in the process of developing a Leadership and Integrity Training Academy, which will help to cut costs pertaining to training programmes and help to generate an income.

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PRINCIPLE-BASED LEADERSHIP™

by Dr Gerhard van Rensburg

Principle-based leadership™ simplifies and grounds the multifaceted concept of leadership in the range of principles that guides leaders’ thinking, behaviours and approaches to the task of leading.

L

eaders grow their effectiveness and influence by internalising key principles. To internalise is to make something, such as an idea or an attitude an important part of the kind of person you are and the way you live. Such leaders lead with conviction, yet remain open to new learning and feedback.

Principle-based, inside-out (knowing self-first; being self-aware and authentic) leadership engages the leader’s belief and value system as opposed to merely relying on theory, models and tactical approaches.

The leader becomes influential and effective based on the kind of person he is. What he does and how

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he does it is an extension of his being principled and value-driven. Principle-based leadership™ is about authentic influence.

The ‘why’ before the ‘what’ and ‘how’ Principle-based leadership™ prioritises the ‘why’ over the ‘what’ and ‘how’. When leadership competencies, skills, actions and behaviours are rooted in principles that are informed by our beliefs and values, they become more influential, effective and consistent.

To grow as a leader encompasses what we think, what we believe, what we value, our attitudes and our behaviour. Sustainable growth or development follows when we are involved in something constructive that touches us holistically - mind, heart, body and soul.

Personal growth and leadership development are inter-linked and a lifelong process. Self-awareness, authenticity and personal responsibility are fundamental and include both a person’s strengths and weaknesses.

When we consider our personal aspirations and what it will take to get us there, it has to be aligned with what we know about ourselves - our deeper beliefs and values, our fears, our passions, our assumptions, strengths and weaknesses - or else it will disappoint

us, sooner or later. When we consider improvements or changes needed at work and what it will take to get us there, it has to be aligned with what we value in a work organisation and change in general, or else our efforts will be superficial and short-lived. When we consider how to work with others and what is needed for collaboration and results, it has to be grounded in the principles we believe in and guide us in our interactions with others, or else our credibility and influence is compromised.

Integrity, excellence and respect for others, fuels Principle-based leadership™ in all the areas of leading self, change and others.

Vertical development Principle-based and inside out leadership is intertwined with vertical development (developing a next level mind-set and orientation) which is required in the 21st century world where we encounter adaptive challenges much more so than technical challenges. By returning to the principle over and again we challenge

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ourselves to remain open to transformed thinking and behaviour and we avoid becoming mechanical, following formulas and recipes whilst remaining stuck in a certain frame of mind. In horizontal development we add new skills and knowledge but use it with an unchanged mind-set, which can limit our effectiveness.

Principle-based leadership™ and the modernday context The 21st century world is well described as volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). Against this background numerous researchers have found that the most effective leaders are principle-based leaders. They lead with a clearly articulated set of principles and values. That holds true if ‘effectiveness’ is measured by overall company performance in a particular sector, or by employee engagement and satisfaction, key conditions for productivity.

By remaining principled in their actions, principled leaders are seen as consistent over time regardless of environmental pressures and fluctuations.

Core beliefs underpinning Principle-based inside-out leadership

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The foundation to leadership development is personal development.

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Leadership encompasses all human dimensions: the mind, body, spirit and soul.

Sustainable leadership effectiveness is dependent on the degree to which the leader truly believes in, values and lives leadership principles.

4

ontent-heavy training does not produce better leaders, personal journeys in C conversation with self, a coach/mentor and peers do.

ositive inside-out change is always an option and possibility, no matter our circumstances P or age.

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he discovery of the limiting effect of our deep-seated commitment to selfT protection, is key in changing our behaviour for more effectiveness.

Both science and age-old wisdom confirms and emphasises the willingness to remain open to new learning as pivotal in the pursuit of growth and excellence.

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Competence without character and social intelligence is a high risk in leadership.

I t is of key importance in leadership development that people feel responsible for their own progress.

21st Century leadership is characterised by collective processes, not elitist individuals.

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SECTOR

Foreword A Key Enabler ITC Africa’s ICT industry is unique to the continent, with opportunities and challenges experienced by few other countries. They are faced with what is referred to as “the mobile economy”, which is composed of both the economic effect created by mobile communications and its related services industry, which is continuously contributing to overall economic growth in the whole African region.

The mobile phone has now grown into an indispensable engine of growth for economic activity throughout Africa. On the other hand, ICT related business activity and especially manufacturing has not fully taken off as a secondary industry for many countries in Africa. In these cases, the ICT sector is supported by revenue from telecommunications operators and related services based on the spread of mobile telephones, so it is not an exaggeration to say that “ICT sector” and “mobile economy” mean almost the same thing.

There are four fields that can be defined to compose the mobile economy, namely 1) Sales by mobile telephone operators, 2) Sales from directly related industries, 3) Sales from indirectly related industries, and 4) Added value created by improved productivity due to mobile communications technology.

On street corner in every country in Africa you will see kiosks offering easy mobile transfers, using mobile telephone technology to provide an excellent solution to a demand that is particular to the African region.

One of the greatest challenges Africa facing the ICT sector is infrastructure, however, this is being tackled by Africans for Africans.

Many might see several challenges on this continent, but these could be turned into opportunities, which provide a big gap for women to get involved an offer the solutions so desperately needed on the African continent. This doesn’t mean you turn a blind eye to the unique challenges faced by Africa, it means finding innovative solutions by making use of the latest technology.

In fact, this is an exciting sector to be part of, as you can bring massive change to an industry which may at times take strain. There is still so much to be achieved on the African continent that women have to embrace the opportunities in front of them. They can make a unique difference, using their natural talents, skills and knowledge.

Don’t wait for a solution to the infrastructure problems to just jump out at you; it’s important to go find them. Look at what has worked and what isn’t working, and use that as a foundation to create a new pathway to Africa’s ICT challenges.

The future of the ICT industry in Africa is exciting. The continent is transforming at a rapid rate and as a result, now is the time to go out and serve your continent to the best of your ability, ensuring a solid ICT sector in the future.

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regional

Winners

Audrey Mothupi

Angela Kyramaten-Jimoh

Chief Executive Officer

Country General Manager

south africa Audrey Mothupi is the chief executive officer of the Systemic Logic Group, a global financial innovation and technology disruptor with a leading edge in execution in emergent business models. With a Post Graduate Degree, BA, Honors (Political Science) Audrey is an exceptional woman within the Information and Communications Technology sector.

With her effective management and strong communication skills Audrey has accomplished a lot throughout her career. She has won the Best Employer Award twice, Golden Key International Honour Society Award, in 2015 she was One of Africa’s 1,000 Powerful Women, to name a few. Embracing top management positions for companies like Standard Bank and Liberty Life has made Audrey one of the gurus of the ICT sector.

ghana With over 18 years’ experience in sales and marketing, Angela Kyramaten-Jimoh started her career in London at GL Trade a leading French Software Company. Angela is a graduate of Harvard Business School in Leadership Development, holds an M.Sc in International Business as well as BA in Marketing and French.

She has been phenomenally acknowledged both nationally and internationally. Early this year, Angela was honored with the Excellence in Business Award at the African Achievers Awards in the UK and won the most coveted Woman in Technology of the Year at the Ghana Information and Technology and Telecom Awards, among others. Under her leadership at IBM Ghana, a special weekly coding class was instituted for elementary school kids and other children from under privileged backgrounds.

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Winners

Yvette Aktepe

Dr Shikoh Gitau

Regional Managing Director

Technology & Innovation Lead

ghana Yvette Aktepe is the Regional Managing Director at Internet Solutions, Ghana. As previous member of the Ghana Ministry of Communications Committee, Aktepe is passionate about advancing the status of women and children in Africa, as well as in technical and technological professions. The successful businesswoman and mother is a member of the Executive Women Network.

In her positions as President of the Zonta Club and the Board Chair for Zonta District 18, she successfully counseled young girls entering the workplace to gain respect by operating with integrity, and taking pride in one’s expertise. In 2017 she was recognised as one of the top 25 Ghana ICT Leaders.

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kenya Dr Gitau has over ten years in ICTD technology design and implementation. Her work involved leading the Technology Innovations for Inclusive Growth programme, working with African Governments to design innovative and bankable solutions, around the use and/ or access of technology to tackle challenges in their country. Internally within AfDB she works with teams and individuals to catalyse a culture of innovation. In this role Dr Gitau sparked the interest around innovation within the Bank, and has been pivotal in setting up and institutionalisation of the AfDB Innovation Hub. She leads in putting together the first ever innovation weekend that has become a biannual event (in Francophone and Anglophone Africa).

regional

Winners

Viola Dondo Executive Director

zimbabwe Alena steadily worked her way up in the industry, starting as an Assistant ICDL Administrator in December 2001 to that of Executive Director of the Computer Society of Zimbabwe from January 2015. Her career path clearly shows her commitment and dedication to achieving her goals and ensuring she climbs the so called corporate ladder. Her current position entails that she sources business opportunities for the organisation; that she lobby the government and various ministries for synergies; that she promotes the Computer Society of Zimbabwe and the ICDL brand; that she works with the Council (board) members; and that she manages the day-to-day running of the organisation. She is an inspiring example of what it takes to achieve success.

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nigeria

Uneku Atawodi Edun Country Director

The Nigerian-born businesswoman, Uneku Atawodi-Edun is the Country Director at the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School for Technology.

The previous Ambassador for Cointreau Grant Scheme holds a Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Sports Science and a Master’s Degree (Hons) in International Business Management from England.

In her current role as the Country Director, Atawodi-Edun has successfully spearheaded MEST’s entry into Nigeria, developing a launch strategy and introducing the Company to the local market. She has established relationships with relevant stakeholders, and executed partnerships with multiple global and local corporations.

Atawodi-Edun is also a member of several professional bodies. She sits on the Advisory Board of the Financial Literacy Club initiative and is a Council member of Lagos State Technology Village, among others.

cameroon

Charlotte Horore Bell Begba Chief Executive Officer

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Charlotte is a talented, industrious and innovative entrepreneur and IT Engineer with nearly five years of experience in the digital economy and women empowerment in technology in Africa. After a few years working as IT Support Engineer and Solutions and Sales Engineer, she opted to start her own online business then realised that there were very few women acting or even interested in digital economy and technology in general. Through her hard work, she was nominated for the Cameroon Woman Tech Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and for the 50 Most Influential Young Cameroonian contest by Advance Media. She holds a Masters of Sciences in IT Projects Management and she has served in quite a of leadership roles. She was the Founder & Managing Director for WE-MEN.CM Online shop. Presently, she is a Founder and President for AFRICAN WOMEN IN TECH STARTUPS, Tech Incubator for women entrepreneurs and Managing Director for LIKALO GROUP SARL.

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Winners

mauritius

Sunthbocus Zulaikha Chief Executive Officer

The 58-year-old has 20 years of experience as an IT Consultant and the last 10 years dedicated to managing Spoon Consulting as a software development company providing IT consulting services related to cloud technologies and she has also designed and conducted training strategies according to various approaches focusing on client buy in, system ownership and knowledge transfer. She has served as a Managing Director, Manager, Senior Consultant, Manager, Senior Consultant and Analyst, Consultant on several companies. Zulaikha is also an educated woman and she has cemented her way up. She studied Master in Computer Science at the University of Montpellier in France and holds a Diploma in Economic Sciences from the University of Saint Denis Reunion.

kenya

Laura J. G Wamunyu Head of Microsoft Products

Wamunyu is a commercially focused and delivery driven professional with fifteen years’ experience as a technology strategist with experience in customer service systems and architecture, business analysis, solutions design and delivery, business re-engineering, application development and vendor management. The 41-year-old is a versatile woman who is no victim to stage freight. She has worked as a Team Leader, IT Consultant and presently she is a Head of Department for Microsoft products. Wamunyu is also an educated woman who holds a BSc in Information Systems and Technology and she has also attended several training courses such as Performance management training, Cisco Certified Network Associate training and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Business Consultants Training, to name a few.

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A woman

in business who knows

no limits

Yvette Mulder, Solutions Development Manager at Alteram Solutions is a female force to be reckoned with. Having joined the company in 2014, Mulder is responsible for the development of solutions, applications and systems needed to operate the business successfully. Mulder has added to the Alteram Solutions base of successful individuals that have made the company strong and powerful.

“T

here was no specific development environment at Alteram Solutions when I joined the company,” explains Mulder. She started doing research on contact centres and when the company got awarded the Department of Water and Sanitation contact centre project, she was primarily responsible for its development. Mulder now has her own development team and Business Analysts that cover the whole system development life cycle. For the last couple of years, Mulder has been focusing on software development related projects and tenders.

“An important part of my presence in the company is to grow our employees and to share my skills and experience that I have obtained in my over 30 years’ experience in the industry – it is a vital component of our business and will only serve to grow the strength of our people and our business in the years to come,” expresses Mulder.

Mulder has done development, system design, business analysis, project management and architecture projects from all domains.

“I am not scared to really stretch myself, to learn new things, to experience new ways of doing business and to extend the boundaries of what we as a society have always been comfortable with – I want to reach, I want to teach, and I want to approach the entire industry with a new look and feel, while teaching my younger sprouts to grow within their professions”.

A project that Mulder is currently involved in making smarter and more efficient is the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) contact centre project. This project is made up of many work streams, challenging Mulder and her team to constantly find new ways to optimise the process. “I am inspired by Alteram Solutions because I can contribute in growing the business as well as bring my skills and experience to what we do and deliver on a daily basis. I get bored with routines, so I am constantly looking for new opportunities. These are the things that give me natural energy and keep me going.”

Mulder began her career as Programme Manager, but quickly climbed the corporate ladder acquiring programmer roles, which allowed her to gain a wider perspective on how clients think, what their individual needs are and how different programmes work. She then branched into business analysis and project management obtaining a TOGAF (high level approach to design) certificate.

Looking at where she is now, Mulder has done development, system design, business analysis, project management and architecture projects from all domains.

During her free time, Mulder enjoys reading.

She will also be completing her Cloud for Customer (C4C) certification this year which Alteram Solutions enrolled her for as part of its internal skills development programme.

Source: http://www.alteram.co.za

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Foreword linking the globe Logistics and Shipping More strategic investment in Africa’s ports will accelerate growth and development by strengthening trade as these are gateways for 80% of merchandise trade by volume and 70% by value, globally. This is according to an analysis report of port development in sub-Saharan Africa issued by the global auditing firm PwC, stating that Africa needed to take advantage of the economic potential of its ports and shipping sector to realise its growth potential.

According to this report, investing in ports and their related transport infrastructure to advance trade and promote overall economic development and growth is therefore vital, particularly in emerging countries that are currently under-served by modern transport facilities. However, investments in ports must be channelled appropriately to ensure financial sustainability and economic growth. Investment is not always about building new ports or terminals, investment spent on infrastructure without cognisance of its efficiency and effectiveness of the performance of the port may not produce the desired results.

The report shows that global transportation and the logistics industry can no longer afford to ignore developments in Africa. Logistics service providers and ports will continue to play a key facilitator role in trade competiveness and in turn facilitate trade and sustained economic growth across the region. Efficient ports can make countries and regions more competitive and therefore improve their growth prospects.

Women should be encouraged to embrace this sector as a career, as they can play a key role in addressing the needs of the logistics and shipping industry. This is still very much a male dominated industry, and women will need to pave the way for themselves and other women in order to achieve success in this sector.

As noted in the PwC report, attracting investment is vital to ensure the future success of this industry.

However, investments need to be carefully managed, with the primary focus being that of transport infrastructure development and ports. Knowing this, women can embrace the opportunity to play an important role in attracting investments, and managing them carefully.

There is no reason why women should not excel in this industry. However, it’s the predominant mindset that this is a sector for men that keeps them from entering an exciting sector with several opportunities. Once again, as mentioned several times before, the youth need to be educated on this industry and enlightened about the difference that they can make. You cannot pursue a career in something if you don’t know what that something is about, or what it entails.

CEO Global lauds the women who have entered this sector and made an impressive impact. They look to the future to see what positive changes they can make to drive the logistics and shipping sector forward.

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regional

Winners

Sheila Nkrumah

Volana Harimanitra

Managing Director

Gateway Manager

ghana Sheila Nkrumah is the Managing Director at Pacific Logistics. She holds a Higher National Diploma in Marketing, a Degree in Banking and Finance and is currently pursuing her MBA in Supply Chain Management. Nkrumah is a good leader who believes in structures implementation to enhance smoother and easier work relations. After her national service she worked as an Administrative Assistant and later as an Accounts officer at Dream Finance Limited. Five years ago, she was consulted by Pacific Logistics to prepare their accounts and in the same year, she accepted the position of General Manager at Pacific Logistics which she currently holds.

mauritius Giving back is very essential for every successful individual and that has been the case for Harimanitra. She wants to be an example for others and that they learn from her experience that she is constantly sharing with them. She also encourages her community to share and to help others as it is really important and beneficial. She also has something to brag about due to her hard work and reliability. In 2006, she was a Customer Service Supervisor and her department was always one of the best in their Region (Indian Ocean and Sub Saharian Africa). In 2012, she was promoted as Gateway Manager and moved to the Operations in order to solve an issue that they had with Customs pending files. In 2014, their Operations Department was nominated as Operations Excellence in SSA.

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Sibongile Zikalala Sustainability Director

SOUTH AFRICA Starting off her career in the 90s as a Customer Services Representative at Telkom, today, Sibongile Zikalala is the Sustainability Director at Imperial Logistics. Her qualifications include everything from a Bachelor of Commerce, aMaster of Business Leadership, an Advanced Programme in Sourcing and Supply Chain and several courses completed under Management.

The previous CEO Global’s Most Influential Woman in Business and Government Finalist under the Logistics and Shipping sector is a member of several trusted professional bodies.

She is an active Executive Director of Imperial Logistics, Imperial Bulk Services Division and Imperial Transport Division.

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south africa

Lisa van de Berg

Starting off back in the 2000s Lise van De Berg is the Director at Mpumalanga Freight (Pty) Ltd in the Mpumalanga region which is known for its timber, citrus, sugar and building materials, she is also the Managing Director at a newly established company called Tradevest Logistics. Lise has over fifteen years of experience and practice in the logistics sector and holds a BA Fine Arts Degree. As a leader and executive of over forty individuals, Lise believes that she has a role to play in developing and inspiring her people both professionally and individually. “I believe that personal and individual development improves self-image and esteem which in turn creates a positive working environment that improves performance,” she enthuses.

Managing Director

madagascar

Fazillah Aktar Tajoo Customer Service Performance Excellence Manager, East and Southern Africa

The 45-year-old is a busy lady but cooking, reading, sewing and listening to music is what she normally does to escape from her day to day reality. Aktar has attended quite a number of courses through DHL. She has attended All Certified International Specialist Courses related to Customer Service, All Certified International Manager Courses, All Cross Functional Courses from the Certified International Specialist, Anti Corruption and Dangerous Goods. She has also landed several management positions in her career. Her reference is amazing and proves that she is a hardworking individual who wants to attain more. She has served as a Customer Service Supervisor, Area Customer Service Manager, Assistant Customer Service Supervisor and she is currently a Performance Excellence Manager East and Southern Africa for DHL Express.

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kenya

Ruth.M. Mwanzia Director

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Ruth is Director of Koola Waters Company and is concurrently working at Water Resources Management Authority as a public relations specialist. She describes herself as a capable, intelligent and very presentable communications specialist with an unrivalled ability to understand client’s objectives, industry and mission statement. She has a significant amount of experience and has a proven ability to use the web and social media to engage with target audiences and get a client’s core messages across. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in peace and conflict from the Africa Nazarene University and has a Postgraduate degree in peace and conflict resolution studies.

3 steps to

Satellite network success What to know and what to do when using satellite access solutions

Network architects and solution design engineers mostly consider satellite networks as the final option – only to be used when fibre, microwave or wireless networks cannot meet user needs. While this might be true for many applications, this approach might very well lead to implementation of solutions which are not optimum for the specific application.

T

he reason why network architects might not consider satellite as prime connectivity option might very well be because they have not had a good experience, or alternatively, might not be fully informed about the technology.

Because satellite is a niche solution, it is also seldom included in mainstream discussions and even very influential industry events might not have satellite as part of the workshop topics to be discussed. Here are some guidelines around designing effective satellite network solutions and unlocking the business benefits of using satellite:

1. Why Satellite?

If the answer to this question is “because nothing else is available” then, in all likelihood, the final outcome of the satellite solution and user service will be poor and disappointing. The reason for this is simple: Satellite cannot be a replacement for fibre, microwave or wireless. It is an alternative connectivity solution, not a replacement technology. Fibre networks are mostly comprised of high capacity point-to-point links, whereas satellite networks are large-area point-to-multipoint distribution networks. To use satellite as a replacement for fibre will be almost as effective and efficient as it would be to use fibre to replace satellite for the DStv service in Africa.

Satellite technology should be used in line with its core strength, i.e. high reliability, distribution or aggregation of data over large areas to large number of end points. Typical scenarios are DStv distribution, ATM data networks, point-of-sale solutions and some niche broadband services.

2. Design to fit Eskimos have 50 different words for snow, and in the same way, satellite networks are a very specialised field. Although they are normally considered a “one-size-fits-all” type of solution, very different architectures are possible within the domain of satellite network design, with each servicing a very specific business need, from back-up services for high-capacity branch networks to primary packet data networks for ATM points.

To ensure sustainable business success, the satellite network must be designed for the specific user application. Even if the

specific customer sites form part of a general service provider network, the design must still be able to ensure a functional match of these specific sites to user needs.

It is exactly this specific network design element that makes implementation of successful solutions on satellite networks challenging, to say the least. Often, large telco’s and service providers are reluctant to implement “customer specials” either because their business processes can’t accommodate special projects, or they lack the 3rd level satellite network engineering capabilities. In these cases, providers sadly push for implementation of the “standard solution” leading to a poor functional fit with the requirements and ultimately poor network performance.

3. Business Models The possible business models for satellite networks are very powerful and can be leveraged to almost match any business case requirement. For example, satellite networks can enable full-time dedicated contracts per site, or “ondemand” services or even “pay-per-use” options. To define, support and operate these business models requires dynamic and agile organisations.

Using specialist billing and provisioning platforms linked to very customer-centric service models, it is very possible to provide data access services at cost points below 3G or any other alternative connectivity medium. In these scenarios, organisations can then be enabled by using satellite access networks with high availability, more flexible implementation at any location, at lower cost points.

Starting from making sure the solution is suited for satellite networks, then completing a very focussed and specific design integrated with a customer centric provisioning and billing structure is essential to successfully implementing satellite networks as reliable and cost-effective data access networks.

On this basis, satellite networks will continue to enable business and unlock new horizons, bring connectivity to challenging environments and lower operating costs in other large-scale networks.

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Foreword industry growth Manufacturing and Engineering The dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0 has seen Africa not alone in its unpreparedness, however, it has the potential to gain the most out of such a development by introducing new ways of manufacturing. Once deemed a region in need of economic support, the continent is now embracing digital technology as part of its DNA. Factors such as mobile connectivity and renewable energies are transforming Africa in unprecedented ways, with the challenges being faced by African implementers and adaptors to Industry 4.0 being at the level of foundational factors such as infrastructure and investment, which has been highlighted in previous forewords.

Africa, as a result, is in a unique position; it is ready for technological innovation, modern trade and global partnerships, with manufacturing, business and infrastructure drastically advancing in Africa over the past two decades. These can be seen as developments driving the region towards economic prosperity.

In terms of manufacturing, Africa, with its wealth of natural resources, labour and land, has always held the promise of becoming a manufacturing powerhouse. However, manufacturing capability is being returned to local Africans, with digital technology filtering down to cities and towns. As an example, for a manufacturer in Nairobi, parts can now be designed and produced in the country, due to the introduction of digital design and 3D printing.

In many parts of the world, advanced robotics and 3D printers are seen as a threat to manufacturing jobs.

However, this is not the case in Africa; instead they offer the opportunity to create new jobs by helping African businesses overcome the challenges in production and lowering the barriers to making products and selling them to the world. The shift in thinking and manufacturing as far as Industry 4.0 is concerned defines new rules and ways of manufacturing. Failing to embrace or scale this shift will lead to current industries becoming obsolete by 2025.

This is a big statement to make, and considering Africa struggles with investment and infrastructure, great strides will need to be made within the continents’ manufacturing sector in order to embrace these pioneering changes.

Ethiopia, for example, is positioning itself as a new manufacturing hub. Niche manufacturing operations are also taking place in Kenya. Within the automotive industry, assembly plants and joint ventures are taking place across East Africa. However, Africans will need to focus on getting the basics of manufacturing right, then move on to Artificial Intelligence, then robotics and so forth. Simply put, they need to focus on developing a foundation upon which to advance within the manufacturing sector, and in this manner, they are automatically preparing themselves for Industry 4.0.

This sector is dynamic and exciting, and a great place for women to showcase their innovative ideas and leadership skills, ensuring the manufacturing industry continues to advance in the right direction.

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Winners

Kofo Akingkube

Flora Mutahi

Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer

Managing Director

nigeria Kofo Akinkugbe, a prize-winning graduate of Mathematics spent 12 years in banking, first at International Merchant Bank and then as a pioneer staff member of Chartered Bank.

Kofo is the founder of SecureID Limited and SecureCard Manufacturing. She currently serves as the Managing Director/CEO of SecureID Group (comprising of SecureID and SecureCard Manufacturing). Kofo is a passionate and bold entrepreneur as both companies are the first of its kind in Africa. Both companies are recognised and respected in the global Smartcard industry, providing high-end digital security solutions to organisations and governments across Africa and beyond. She possesses a rare combination of entrepreneurship, manufacturing and technology acumen and also sits on the board of a number of local and multinational corporate, philanthropic as well as humanitarian organizations.

kenya As the original Founder and CEO of Melvin Marsh International Ltd, Flora has extensive local and international experience in strategic leadership, business development, market penetration and marketing. Melvin Marsh International Ltd is a food processing company that blends and packages Kenyan tea, salt and rice products under the brand name Melvins. Currently serving as Managing Director and as the brainchild of the company, she continues to create an develop products of the Melvin brand by studying the market and understanding consumer trends in the country. She provides strategic direction and management on a day to day basis with a focus on meeting the objectives of the company. She also serves as Chairperson and board member for numerous companies.

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Pamela Jane du Plessis Managing Director

SOUTH AFRICA Starting off as a partner at Du Plessis Transport, a family owned transport business back in 2001 has helped Pamela du Plessis lead a positive career within the Logistics sector. Pamela is the Managing Director at Invincible Valves, a Multimillion-rand company selling, reconditioning and rubber lining industrial valves. Over the past years the businesswoman has been on an ambitious journey embraced with hardwork and achievements. In 2017 she was recognised with an Enterprising Women of the Year Award (Lifetime achievement Award), Moving Mountains Award (United Success) and early this year she won the 30 Most Daring CEO’s in Business. “My passion is to inspire people to make a difference in the universe. Any positive contribution would be greatly appreciated by someone somewhere.” says Pamela

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south africa

Lurinda Swanepoel

Lurinda Swanepoel is the owner of La Van Skin and Body Excellence System. With over 12 years of exceptional knowledge and skills Lurinda has additional international experience in Somatology. She has excellent talent in 3D Modeling and Graphic Design. Lurinda has also won numerous awards throughout her career.

She has won an award for Best Sales and Top Management award by reaching sales 35% over target in one month. The NQF5 graduate from the International Academy of Health and Skin Care College is a guru with professional expertise in Business and Beauty. She has also attended a Business studies and Management qualification training and training on exportation, in order to expand her business.

Owner

south AFRICA

Karin Clark Managing Director

Kairn is the creation and foundinfounderg of KARMA Clothing in 2003, commencing with just one seamstress to currently employing over 70 x seamsters. For Karin a current achievement and an ongoing goal is to continue creating local jobs and training/employing people within the manufacturing sector. It is also her goal to keep production local, which is not only important to the growth of the country but also to the growth of the people. She has also pioneered entrepreneurial activities that are contributing and will contribute to the success of KARMA: establishing a joint venture with SA’s largest online retailer – spree.co.za- to manufacture & supply a fashion forward corporate wear range that is available to the individual for direct purchase from the online site. She is in the process of implementing a unique KARMA online ordering site for the working corporate market who require continuity of styles and colours for uniform and work wear requirements.

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kenya

Ruth.M. Mwanzia

Ruth is Director of Koola Waters Company and is concurrently working at Water Resources Management Authority as a public relations specialist. She describes herself as a capable, intelligent and very presentable communications specialist with an unrivalled ability to understand client’s objectives, industry and mission statement. She has a significant amount of experience and has a proven ability to use the web and social media to engage with target audiences and get a client’s core messages across. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in peace and conflict from the Africa Nazarene University and has a Postgraduate degree in peace and conflict resolution studies.

Director

Mauritius

Nooreen Bibi Ramjane Production and Quality Manager

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Reading food journals, travelling, listening to music and browsing the internet helps Ramjane to free her mind from her daily routine. The 30-year-old is a BSc Food Science with Nutrition graduate and she has also attained several awards in her career. She received a 1st prize, for poster competition organised for World Food day and she was a Runner-up in a speech contest in 2009 organised by the Toast Master International speech craft programme. Further to above, Ramjane has a Food Handlers and Food Hygiene Certificate to her name. She has managed to deliver when given a chance to do so. She has worked as a Trainee Nutritionist, Production and Quality Manager, Quality Assurance Officer and Laboratory Technician.

Leadership 2020 Developing Africa's Richest Asset - It's People Everything starts with the power of the mind.

If you can control your mind you can steer your journey.

The Leadership2020 Seminars

Designed to empower, motivate, inuence and change young lives through incubating the youth of South Africa into a positive frame of thinking as well as arming the youth of South Africa with the relevant tools, tips and strategies to become successful and prosper.

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064 684 6635

leadership_2020

www.leadership2020.co.za

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SECTOR

Foreword newsworthy Media The African media landscape is changing fast. While TV, radio and outdoor remain the primary media, their audiences are faced with a plethora of new choices and formats. This means it’s an exciting time to be part of the media sector, as there is an array of opportunities available to become part of the communication platform and thrive.

Major players such as Facebook and YouTube are now firmly in the media space, with Facebook Live levelling the playing fields among media generators. Anyone can be a broadcaster and YouTube continues to thrive.

There is also a wave of electronic installations showing multiple ads which can be customised for different audiences, at different times, lowering production costs and enabling rapid deployment of messages. This gives out of home or outdoor advertising the ability to become more interactive with QRS codes.

Satellite entrants and offers are coming thick and fast, with streaming services providing even more choice.

Urbanites embrace these disruptors, and while Africa is still mobile first, it is not far behind these well-developed trends in Europe and the US. Radio streaming options play an increasingly important role especially as data costs came down and wifi access increases. Web radio has the distinct advantage of offering engaged and new audiences.

Newspapers are still widely read daily, however, digital production costs are much lower than print and more people are reading their news online. Digital is a highly competitive arena, marked by innovation and a proliferation of new agencies. Content consumption through this form is highly measurable, benefitting the owners, advertisers and buyers of ad stock.

Digital poses a big threat to traditional agencies and media owners who are not coming to grips with its complexities. Increasingly, customer engagement is via digital and this is the biggest upside for these platforms.

Agencies desperately need to redefine their offerings to stay relevant and keep track with consumer trends and changes.

All these exciting trends within Africa bring to the fore new opportunities for women to pave a way for themselves and become senior players within an innovative and vibrant sector that is continuously changing and evolving for the better. All of these developments need to be monitored diligently in order to tap into the above markets and stay ahead of the competition.

Thebe Investment Corporation congratulates the women in the media industry who have played a key role in the advancement of this sector and who continue to do so on a daily basis.

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regional

Winners

Comfort Mussa

Gina Din-Kariuki

Field Communication Coordinator

Executive Chair

cameroon With over a decade of experience and practice working as a community mobiliser and animator, Comfort Musa is the outstanding Field Communication Coordinator at Sisterspeak237.

Holding a BTS – Journalism, Comfort is a prolific journalist, radio host, blogger and multi-award winner. She was honored with the Scoop, Female Rights Advocate Journalist of the Year award, and the National Award for 2nd Best Online Journalist in Cameroon, among others. Comfort is also actively involved as a member of several bodies in her country. She is a member of the African Women Writers Association, Group for Rehabilitation and Inclusive Development, to name a few.

kenya Starting off in the 90s, Gina Din-Kariuki has over twenty-five years of service and experience in media and communication organisations both in Africa and abroad. Holding a Bachelor in Journalism, Gina is the founder and Chairperson of the Gina Din Group. She is also the chairperson of The Gina Din Foundation, aimed at empowering youth and women by linking them to high achievers and critical resources. Five years ago, Gina launched At Table with Gina, a TV show which features a segment called The University Table Talks. The aim of the series is to empower students by enabling global conversations about entrepreneurship, innovation and collaboration.

She also seats on the board of Brand Africa, an NGO aimed at driving Africa’s growth, reputation and competitiveness from Africa for Africa.

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Sapientia Bachi Managing Director

zimbabwe With impeccable communication and excellent project management skills the astonishing, young Sapientia Bachi is the Managing Director at TBWA Zimbabwe which is an affiliate of TBWA Worldwide Group. Sapientia holds a Bachelor of Commerce Information Systems and Bachelor of Commerce Management Honours. As a leader of almost fifty individuals Sapientia is responsible for implementing the business strategy as directed by the Board of Directors, closely monitoring the operating planning and financial control systems and monitoring business performance against budget and plans.

Sapientia is part of some of the world’s biggest organisations and has done well in the industry. She is the youngest Board Member of CM&A Ogilvy and was once in charge of managing transition and group business from Michael Hogg Young and Rubicam to Imago Young and Rubicam.

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ghana

Belinda Baidoo Chief Executive Officer

“My passion is to help lead people to my philanthropic endeavors,” says Belinda Baidoo.

Belinda is a young beautiful mother, entrepreneur and the Chief Executive Officer at House of Belinda Baidoo. She is one of the most famous faces in the modeling industry in Europe, North America and Africa. Belinda has for several times been seen on billboard advertisements in New York's famous Times Square along with international fashion magazine spreads and advertisements. As a mother, sister, role model and inspiration, she is the wheel behind Belinda Baidoo Foundation, which aims to help people from all walks of life to achieve their dreams through grants and mentorship. She has also been recognised as the face of major international companies in the likes of L'Oreal, Nike, Giorgio Armani, among others.

Mauritius

Aisha Allee Founder and Chairperson

Allee has worked her way up to success.

Education has played an important role in shaping the person that she is today. She holds a BSc in Communications, Diploma in Travel Studies and a certificate in Marketing. In addition, Allee has won numerous awards. She was a Winner of AfrAsia Tecoma Award, Gold Sabre Awards, African Excellence Awards and she was also nominated as Africa’s Most Influential Women

by CEO Global. She has managed to acquire several leading roles in her career and provided job opportunities for people. The 49-year-old entrepreneur has worked as a Head of After Sales Department and at present, she is Chief Executive Officer for The Jupiter Drawing Room Mauritius and Founder and Chairperson, Blast Communications.

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Employee Wellness: Keeping women’s health top of mind

by Terry Booysen

Employee wellness and disease management issues and their effects on the workforce have become not only a national issue for most employers, but a global priority too. The continued increase in preventable chronic nonoccupational (and non-communicable) diseases has expanded to become a growing corporate concern.

Wellness programmes Whilst there are a number of organisations providing health, wellness and productivity programmes across the world, there are far more organisations that still do not recognise the value of formally implementing an employee wellness strategy and programme. Organisations with health promotion programmes in place acknowledge that a workplace wellness initiative is pivotal to their corporate governance strategy, and these contribute greatly to enhancing key employee benefits. Moreover, wellness programmes link the organisation and its employees to a sound value proposition, whilst it also incentivises employees to commit to the values of the organisation.

Woman’s health Since August is Women’s month in South Africa, employers are especially encouraged to remember that women have unique health issues and some of the health issues that affect both men and women can affect women differently.

During this period of time, it is appropriate that employers re-look their Employee Wellness Policy to ensure that its provisions make ample provision to address the wellness requirements for their employees, and especially so for women.

Understandably, some unique women issues include matters such as pregnancy, menopause and conditions of the female organs. For example, if women receive early and regular

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prenatal care, their chance of having a healthy pregnancy and post-birth recovery is greatly improved. Similarly, women should also undergo bone density screenings, as well as regular check-ups to detect and prevent breast and cervical cancer.

Health issues affecting women today Women are faced with a multitude of health issues in today’s world. The risk of developing chronic illness has increased along with a rise in obesity, stress, pollution, and other contributing factors. It is interesting to note that the illness that kills the most women - globally - is cardiovascular disease, while in South Africa cervical cancer and HIV/AIDS related illnesses are two of the leading causes of death in women. According to recent figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO), women’s life expectancy at birth in the African region was just 54 years, far lower than the life expectancy of 80 years in countries elsewhere in the world.

Women have unique health issues and some of the health issues that affect both men and women can affect women differently.

Despite this, there are preventative steps

that women can take in reducing the rate of serious illnesses such as those mentioned.

Whilst women and men may have many of the same health problems, women tend to be affected by these problems differently. For example: • women are more likely to die following a heart attack than men; • women are more likely to show signs of depression and anxiety than men; and • the effects of sexually transmitted diseases can be more serious in women than men.

Preventative measures Preventative healthcare measures may seem obvious, but in practice many individuals, including employers tend to disregard its importance. When it comes to actually practicing

When it comes to actually practicing a healthy and balanced lifestyle, common sense is often left by the wayside with many individuals harming their bodies through unhealthy living. a healthy and balanced lifestyle, common sense is often left by the wayside with many individuals harming their bodies through unhealthy living.

There are a number of aspects to maintaining a healthy lifestyle including a balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep and stress relieving activities.

Besides these more obvious factors, it is just as important that women receive regular health check-ups. It may sound a bit too simple but undergoing the appropriate screening tests at the correct time in one’s life can truly mean the difference between life and death. The sooner a chronic illness is detected, the earlier it can be treated and the greater your chances of

survival. As a woman, your physical make-up and therefore your biological characteristics and requirements are quite different to those of a man. There are specific tests that women need to have at particular times in their lives in order to help protect them against fatal illness.

Help is at hand Medical schemes provide education, advice and support from qualified professionals on disease management and preventative care. They assist members by providing screening benefits that lead to early detection of different diseases supported by medical scheme benefits that allow members to get the appropriate medical care for their condition.

Talk with your health care provider about any screening results you’re concerned with. Your health care team can recommend ways in which you can stay healthy and keep your screening results normal - and recommend what to do if they’re not. It is imperative to discuss any symptoms and concerns that you may have with your doctor, who may then order a blood test or screening outside of these general guidelines.

Going forward, employers and their organisations will increasingly be required to evaluate and report their employee wellness and disease management initiatives, the progress, results and effectiveness of their wellness programmes and its impact on employee health promotion and disease prevention. Moreover, the enlighten shareholder will want to see these hidden risks being disclosed and reported in the organisation’s annual integrated reports. And without a proper and formalised Wellness and Disease Management Policy in place, there is little chance that an organisation will succeed in balancing the health components in their annual Integrated Report.

Source: Terry Booysen - (Director & CEO) at https:// cgfresearchinstitute.co.za

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SECTOR

Foreword a caring hand Medical and Veterinary Animals have played a key role in advancing the production of medical resources for various illnesses and diseases, serving as drug test objects on which research can be carried out to develop new healthcare products. Much has been said about such practises, but irrespective of these opinions, animals of all kinds can be thanked for their contribution to the medical sector in all countries, and across all continents.

But they don’t just serve as test objects, they are the companions of individuals across the world, and as such, they too need to be treated for their unique ailments, requiring medication that can see them become healthy again. Many are even used for transportation to this day, without which several people across the continent would not be able to carry out their much needed daily activities. So we take this opportunity to think about their role on the continent, and more specifically in the medical sector.

There is the opinion that the Fourth Industrial Revolution could completely transform healthcare. From big data to genomics, the fusion of technological breakthroughs in the physical, digital and biological spheres is changing the most fundamental tools and techniques of medicine and public health.

There is an increasingly patient-centric approach to healthcare. Better information and more customisable technology means more personalised tools and methods for promoting wellness. In Africa, where health systems are now rapidly developing, the Fourth Industrial Revolution in healthcare could take hold.

African countries have an opportunity to be the trailblazers of a 21st century paradigm of care. Already, countries on the continent are heavily focused on preventative care. Think mass drug administration for parasitic diseases, malaria chemoprophylaxis and prophylactic antiretroviral medication to prevent HIV infection.

Africa already uses technology to manage human resource constraints, such as text services that enable doctors to support Trained Birth Assistants at a distance. Across the continent, mobile phone-based services like SMS For Life have transformed supply chains for malaria drugs and other medications, substantially reducing treatment stock-outs.

These transformations are necessary. With rising economies and urbanisation, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) present new challenges to Africa’s emerging health systems. For examples, NCDs like diabetes and heart diseases could, in just over a decade, be the leading cause of mortality in Africa.

By addressing Africa’s “dual-disease burden” of both NCDs and infectious diseases will require developing and adopting low-cost and high-quality systems that encourage people to manage their own health. Mobile technologies and new breakthroughs in customised care will ensure success in addressing these challenges.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, South Africa congratulates the women who play a role in ensuring the success of these technologies, and who are embracing the new technologies and advance the medical and veterinary offering in Africa.

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Winners

Prof Pamela Naidoo

Prof Carol-Ann Benn

Chief Executive Officer

Director and Primary Surgeon

south africa Professor Pamela Naidoo is the Chief Executive Officer of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa. Her resume includes: Honours (Psychology), DPhil (Health Psychology) to name a few. She has immense knowledge within the medicine and education sectors, carrying on her duties as a Professor at some of South Africa’s best Universities. She was appointed as an Extraordinary Professor at the University of the Western Cape, Associate Professor Extraordinaire, Stellenbosch University and she is a Visiting Professor at the University of Cape Town. Throughout her career, Prof Naidoo has published a lot of work and is a Reviewer for the South African Journal of Psychology and other six international journals. She won the Award for best presentation to the Allied Health Professionals at the Rheumatology Congress among others.

South Africa Prof Carol-Ann Benn is a Fellow of the College of Surgeons of South Africa with a special interest in Breast Disease. The internationally recognised leader in Breast Disease offers service to society and the greater medical community both local and international through her contributions published and presented. She holds an MBBCh from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Diploma in Primary Emergency Care to name a few. Her hardwork has deservingly made her a self-made accomplisher. She has won the Rapport and City Press Prestige Award and the International Women’s Forum of South Africa award. She has a published book and numerous articles in various health magazines.

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regional

Winners

Prof. Mignon McCulloch

Dr Orenkunrin Olamide Brown

Paediatric Nephrologist

Managing Director

SOUTH AFRICA Professor Mignon McCulloch is the Paediatric ICU Consultant at Red Cross Hospital and an Associate Professor at the University of Cape Town. With years of experience and practice, Prof Mignon is progressively qualified as a Doctor, Paediatrician and Nephrologist with dual qualifications from South Africa and the United Kingdom. Prof Mignon is a dedicated and ambitious professional who over the past ten years has been educating people about skills of caring for critically ill children through outreach in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Benin, Ghana, and Uganda. As a leader, her role is to encourage teamwork between doctors and nurses to develop clinical units of expertise thus improving clinical outcomes measured by audit and clinical research.

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Nigeria Dr Orenkunrin Olamide Brown is a medical doctor, a trainee helicopter pilot and an entrepreneur who founded West Africa’s first indigenous air ambulance service, The Flying Doctors Nigeria, which saves hundreds of lives across the region every year. She is extremely passionate about healthcare/entrepreneurship in Africa and works with various foundations, charities and governments to improve standards of healthcare. Dr Orenkunrin has published two medical textbooks ‘EMQ’s in Paediatrics’ and ‘Pre-Hospital Care For Africa’ as well as articles in the British Medical Journal, New York Times and the Huffington Post. She returned to Nigeria to start the air ambulance service which uses a pool of aircrafts and doctors to save lives across West Africa. Dr Orenkunrin is an international speaker who has received multiple awards and nominations. She is also a TED fellow and has been honoured by the world economic forum as a Young Global Leader.

regional

Winners

Prof Agmon Nancy Levin

Dr. Roselyne Wambugu

Managing Director

Head – Extension Services Directorate

Israel Prof Agmon Nancy Levin is the Managing Director at Sheba medical center, Israel. She is a lecturer at Sackler School of Medicine, Examiner in Internal Medicine at Israeli Medial Association and a chairperson of the educational committee. Prof Agmon has a lot of research work published in health and science journals, magazines and books.

She has been honored and recognised on many occasions. She was honoured with the Hebrew University faculty price for excellence in teaching award, Excellency in residency training of Allergy and Immunology award and early this year she received the Special Recognition Award from the World Allergy Organisation. Prof Agmon is also a reviewer at Israel Medical Association Journal and Autoimmune Diseases journal, among others.

kenya Dr. Roselyne Wambugu is the Head – Extension Services Directorate at Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre. She holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and is currently studying towards a Masters in Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics. Throughout her career she has attended a number of short courses on leadership and management. She has also attended numerous well-known workshops and seminars within the medical sector. She was part of the Kenya Veterinary Association Workshop on Emerging Veterinary Issues, 48th Annual Scientific Conference, Implications of Knowledge Management, One Health, Climate Change and Policy Formulation for the Animal Health Sector in Kenya, among others.

She is also a member of Kenya Veterinary Board and Kenya Veterinary Association.

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regional

Winners

Dr Rosemary Musonda Sunkutu Senior Population, Health and Nutrition Specialist

Zambia Dr Rosemary Sunkutu is the Senior Population, Health and Nutrition Specialist at The World Bank, Zambia. Dr. Rosemary has positively contributed to the achievement of several objectives in her organisations. She has contributed on projects like the Zambia National Response to HIV/AIDS project, among others. The World Bank’s main objective is to fight poverty through professionalism, which is one of the things that Dr. Rosemary loves to pass on to other people. Dr. Rosemary has worked with Bank for over 14 years and has had her work extended to several countries like Kenya, Lesotho and Malawi. She is the Chairperson of the Zambia Association of Catholic Professions. A voluntary religious based organisation that strives to help the needy in disadvantaged communities.

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Winners

South Africa

Nneile Nkholise Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Nneile Nkholise is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at iMed Tech, a medical prosthesis design and manufacturing company that use Computer Aided Design methodologies and Additive Manufacturing to develop custommade medical prosthesis. She holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and is currently studying towards a MEng Mechanical Engineering at the Central University of Technology. Since the beginning of her career, Nneile has worked for well-known and reputable organisations in the country. She has also won numerous awards within the medicine and technology fields. In 2016 she was recognised as World Economic Forum top female innovator in Africa, Discovery top MedTech entrepreneurs in SA award winner and she was also under Forbes Africa top 3 women in tech, to name a few.

South Africa

Dr Ntanganedzeni Muambadzi

Dr. Ntanganedzeni Muambadzi is well known for her enormous experience and knowledge within the research environment and the South African Nuclear medicine Sector. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Dr. Muambadzi Foundation.

She holds a Medical degree from MEDUNSA and a MMed Nuclear medicine & molecular imaging from WITS. The BHF global young Doctors achievers award winner has 6 staff members working alongside her and she also lectures students from the University of Limpopo weekly.

Dr Ntanganedzeni has a deep passion on nuclear medicine and it can be used to change people’s lives. “I am passionate about teaching, training of individuals and improving or growing our current nuclear medicine field,” she says.

Chief Executive Officer

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Winners

South Africa

Dr. Pauline Jean Smith Owner

Dr. Pauline Jean Smith is the remarkable owner of Park Drive Veterinary Clinic incorporating. She is one of the few veterinarians in the country that provide home care for small pets. Dr. Pauline does this because she believes that it beneficial to the small animals as they will be more relaxed, not having to travel in hot cars, experiencing the busy schedules of our lives. Dr. Pauline follows best practice guidelines as provided by the Veterinary Council in her department because she sees better labor practice (clinic rules and regulations) taken from the hospitality industry as a good guideline for any successful practice.

“I am fortunate to have a vocation as well as a career," says Dr. Pauline. This is because she uses it to educate the community by creating awareness and providing veterinary care for welfare organisations.

ghana

Dr Lynda Decker Chief Executive Officer

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Dr. Lynda Decker is the Chief Executive Officer at Franklyn Medical Services. She has successfully developed her right mindsets to create a service culture through her own modeling and close management of the Franklyn cultural environment.

My concierge “Hub and Spoke” model has Franklyn serving as both a center for care as well as a source for local and global referral of patients. It has also proven to be a turnkey model both on the direct patient care and business to business side. As a way of giving back, Dr Lynda started a mission called “#Fit@50” to motivate young women to change their lifestyles through exercises, diet and health education by participating in liberated events like walks, health discussion and motivational talks.

COUntry

Winners

ghana

Dr Dorothy Addo Yobo

Engaging and working in the medicine industry needs love and enthusiasm. “I love what I do and look forward to taking care of children every day.” Says Dr Dorothy Yobo. With over 13 years of experience in child health with special interest in neonatal health, sickle cell disease and childhood asthma, Dr Dorothy is the Pediatrician Specialist at The Trust Hospital Limited. She has a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and a Membership Pediatrics. Attending medical training in West Africa and America has made Dr. Dorothy one the best in the medical sector.

She has attended Medical Ethics training in her country and a neonatal resuscitation program in America, to name a few.

Pediatrician Specialist

south africa

Caroline Mbi-Njifor

Caroline Mbi-Njifor is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at EndlessLife Group. EndlessLife Group operates across South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa providing comprehensive health and social care services. Caroline is a remarkable businesswoman and leader who believes in empowerment and excellence in her people. “Without my people’s dedication and commitment, EndlessLife would not exist, I certainly would not be able to do all of this on my own,” says Caroline. With over twenty years of knowledge and practice in the sector, Caroline holds a MBA in Healthcare Management and Policy, Honors Degree in Sociology and Anthropology, Degree in Psychology and a Diploma in HIV Management.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

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Case in Point Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa

Boldly moving

forward

by Charmain Pieterse

Professor Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa.

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Professor Pamela Naidoo is passionate about her role as CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa and aims to inspire all of those around her. She has built an impressive career since qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist in 1985 followed by an internship in 1986. After building a reputation in her career, she has served in many management positions. Her current position sees her driving the vision and mission of the Foundation, with the ongoing determination to improve the lives, cardiovascular health and indeed the overall health of people in South Africa, the African region and globally so that they can be productive and increase their quality of life and level of productivity.

M

y passion is driven by the results of hard work and vice versa,” she says. “When you make a social and financial positive impact on people around you (or citizens in the country), this automatically drives passion.”

According to Prof Naidoo, her ability to manage finances and use a good sustainability model has been key factors in reaching the ultimate position of CEO. Her level of social and emotional awareness also helps her initiate collaboration with other individuals and institutions and maintains a good networking system built on mutual trust.

According to her the path to success is not an easy road; you have to believe in what you are doing and select what you have a passion for. The key is to do the best you can, to never give up your individuality and also never ignore your support system. You also need to realise that nothing in life is simply an easy gain. Very few people are financially well-off without having worked for it.

Prof Naidoo believes that you also need a good intellect.

Many people are intelligent but intellect is how you apply your mind to the world around you and how you translate your knowledge to your day-to-day existence. Additionally you need to “lead from the front” and have the correct skills-set for your job. Spending cautiously, avoiding excessiveness and understanding the processes around money are crucial.

Furthermore you should ensure that all levels of staff share the organisations mission, vision and purpose.

“My personality is underpinned by internal motivation to achieve, characteristics which were formed in my foundation years as a child,” Prof Naidoo says. “My family valued education highly and emphasised the need to work hard and smart. Discipline comes from that internal drive. Just do the best you can do but also exploit the resources around you in a positive way that not only helps you but those around you.”

When questioned about the qualities that women add to the business world, Prof Naidoo highlights the fact that women possibly have a higher level of emotional awareness which helps in balancing the job satisfaction of the

workforce and customers where applicable. Additionally, women are more cautious about over-spending because historically they have had to make a few rands go a long way to sustain their families.

“My family encouraged women to get an education,” she explains. “They encouraged us to go out there and achieve our goals. You need to be the best you can be and change the world around you. I have found that men in general find it difficult to view at women in the same way as their male counterparts. Women also don’t expect other women to be assertive; they expect you to settle for less. They don’t expect you to express your opinion directly and succinctly. To compete in the workplace, women should focus on educating themselves and acquiring additional skills such as those related to financial literacy and what fundamentals are required to start a business and make a success of your endeavours.

Prof Naidoo adds that women should be able to be bold and strong for the right reasons without fear of being criticised, ostracized or marginalized. “Having a powerful voice doesn’t mean you are not feminine or value your womanhood,” she continues. “More women need to be brave enough as we are capable of driving change.

People have to evolve. We need to drive social change for the sake of our children.”

As far as developing the ongoing growth of the economy, Prof Naidoo states that innovation and technology are key factors to consider. “Innovation is the key for success for future generations provided there is continued social cohesion,” she says. “Technology doesn’t replace jobs; the economy may be built on a platform of technological advances but it requires people skills too.”

This is an interesting opinion, given that Artificial Intelligence and the Fourth Generation has brought to the fore several concerns that technology will ultimately replace specific jobs.

While they may replace these jobs, the workforce will always require the skills of people to drive this technology forward.

Prof Naidoo has an influential leadership role and is therefore in a position to develop others so that they too can contribute to the ongoing success of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA). She values every single employee and as such their professional development is important to her, which is why she encourages them to continue learning and developing their skills. “They need to develop as individuals but as professionals too,” she concludes. “They play a critical role in ensuring that the HSFSA achieves its vision and mission.

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SECTOR

Foreword extracting value Mining The mining sector is usually considered a male dominated one; however, there are some strong women who have embraced the opportunity to make their mark within this industry. Whether they serve as leaders or not, they still set an amazing example to young girls who aspire to achieve the same goals as these leading ladies. This example should be cherished, as we continue to encourage more women to enter the mining sector and experience what it is truly about.

Resource-rich Africa has long been targeted by international investors and perhaps no more so than today. New technologies linked to the development of electric vehicles and rechargeable batteries have increasingly turned the spotlight on metals such as cobalt and copper, mined in a number of African countries.

Given that Africa is also a major producer of gold, diamonds, bauxite and platinum, the continent holds a preeminent position in the global resources industry. And as 2017 saw a strong rebound in the price of most metals, many African governments received more in taxes and royalties to help spur economic growth.

Cobalt has been the talk of the town, with the price up an astonishing 100% on the year. Cobalt is used in lithium-ion batteries that power electrical vehicles, and about 60% of global output is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Analysts have forecast that cobalt demand will double by 2020 to approximately 200 000 tons a year; new projects are required over the longer term to avoid a deficit. Miners are keenly searching for new sources of copper and cobalt in minerals-rich DRC. Additionally, Africa accounts for more than 20% of global gold output, and London-listed Randgold is a key player with operations in Senegal, Mali, DRC and Côte d’lvoire. Its shares were up 16% in 2017, against a gold price rise of 10%. However, the mining sector isn’t without its unique challenges, for example, South Africa has faced uncertainty brought about by a new mining charter that hit dividends and saw the market capatilisation of SA-listed entities drop to June 2015 levels. But improved prices brought the SA industry back into profitability, showing the first substantial increase in revenue – ZAR 43 billion – in more than five years.

Irrespective of these challenges, the future looks bright for the mining sector in Africa. As such women should be encouraged to form part of it and continue to urge other women to find a career path in the mining industry.

We congratulate the following women who play a key role in the mining sector and already serve as prime examples to other women and the youth.

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Winners

Dr. Nombasa Tsengwa Executive Head

south africa The Ph.D Agronomy from the University of Maryland, U.S holder, Dr Nombasa Tsengwa is the Executive head at Exxaro Resources PtyLtd. Dr. Nombasa’s over 18 years of business professional experience at an executive and board level building up high performance teams both in the public and private sector has made her to be a remarkable and resourceful businesswoman. Previously, she won the Standard Bank Woman of the Year Award and recently she was recognised with the Exxaro Resources Evergreen Award. Were the award was applauding outstanding leadership, inspiration and vision in organisations that play a role in advancing women and employees.

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Effective Cash Management in uncertain times South African businesses are facing enormous uncertainty.

The South African Business Confidence Index of the Bureau of Economic Research (BER) at the University of Stellenbosch reflected this. The BCI hit an all-time low in the second quarter of 2017.

C

urrent socio-economic and political uncertainty puts a lot of pressure on business in general, and on SMMEs in particular. In such an environment, cash-flow becomes critical to ensure business survival, and even more so for SMMEs than for larger businesses. Should a supplier not pay on time, it could have a substantial negative impact - for instance on the ability to pay salaries.

The other aspect we see is that some companies who historically have had good cash reserves are feeling the pressure of the state of the economy and are now drawing down on them. the pressure In the current business climate, two aspects stand out.

One being a company in a favourable cash position monthon-month, where it is still making good revenue, but not re-investing that cash. Due to the uncertainty, it tends to ‘sit’ on surplus cash, waiting to see what happens in the market, before making any investment decisions.

The other aspect we see is that some companies who historically have had good cash reserves are feeling the pressure of the state of the economy and are now drawing down on them. Either way, the ability to maximise returns on reserves is a critical requirement, particularly for small businesses.

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Feeling

In uncertain times there tends to be a focus on cutting costs as opposed to maximizing operational cash which can enhance the bottom-line.

What could business owners do under the circumstances? Investing that cash with a bank that offers great returns and thereby enhancing ‘passive’ income, would be a very good option, with virtually no market risk. The capital is guaranteed as opposed to investing in equities where there is always a certain amount of risk. They could also look to a bank that can provide them with professional and personalised service – for example a private banker.

In a small business where the owner is often doing sales, operations, marketing and finance, a personalised banking service can free up time and therefore assist the owner to do what they do best - managing and growing their businesses.

Rate transparency Business owners must understand how their banks quote on various cash investment rates: an example nominal and effective rates; one bank might quote an annual effective rate, another a monthly rate; yet another might quote a specific yield. Companies could ask their bank to quote on all of them, so they are able to compare like for like. It is also critical to understand how the product will meet business owners’ liquidity requirements, and determine the appropriate period of the investment.

What could business owners do under the circumstances? Investing that cash with a bank that offers great returns and thereby enhancing ‘passive’ income, would be a very good option, with virtually no market risk.

It is important to be able to access cash when needed, while at the same time maximising return. This means finding a balance between short-and medium-term.

Removing the hassle factor Time remains a critical factor in any business. A bank should make cash investments as simple as possible. Nowadays, with online banking services, it should not be necessary for a business owner to go to a bank branch in person. Personalised service with the support of online banking, helps to remove the hassle factor. A dedicated banker will be able to guide a client through the process.

When business owners are looking for a bank to ‘park’ their cash investments, the service component should be the very first thing on their minds.

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SECTOR

Foreword doing more Public Enterprises Public or Stated Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are an endearing feature of the economic landscape and will remain an influential force globally for several years to come. It is important to ensure that the state’s investments, whether held nationally, regionally or locally, deliver the desired societal outcomes. For example, increased global competition for finance, talent and resources may mean that countries could turn to SOEs as a tool to better position themselves for the future in the global economy.

Whatever the motivation, the future SOE will need to be much more actively owned and managed if it is to deliver public value, and avoid competing unfairly in markets where private and third sector enterprises can deliver more effectively the goods and services that citizens need and want. As a result, the SOEs of the future, particularly the board of directors and the executive team will need to meet the following tests: Clarity – Clear understanding of the purpose and objectives of the SOE and their role in delivering this.

Capacity – Time and resources to conduct their role well. Capability – Required and relevant expertise and experience to steer and manage the SOE. Commitment to integrity – Serving the citizen for the purpose of societal value creation.

As noted, SEOs play a vital role globally. For example, the proportion of SOEs among the Fortune Global 500 has grown from 9% in 2005 to 23% in 2014, driven particularly by the growth of Chinese SOEs. However, while existing SOEs are growing larger, it would appear that there is a general downward trend in state ownership, even when considering the effects of the financial crisis.

However, a tendency of governments to only partially divest their ownership stakes also means that while there may be a drop in the share of SOEs in national economy, this does not necessarily equate to a corresponding decrease in the government’s ability to wield influence over these enterprises.

Government ownership has advantages in certain circumstances e.g. furthering societal outcomes, providing physical infrastructure and creating stability in times of crisis and across supply chains. But at the same time, state ownership can destroy value if best practises in ownership and management are not applied, especially when corruption, bribery and inefficiency is involved.

Furthermore, SOEs should not be purely evaluated only on the basis of financial results, but more widely on how they contribute to societal outcomes, taking an integrated and holistic view of their impact.

CEO Global lauds the women on the following pages who have and continue to play a key role in the Public Enterprises sector.

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Winners

Shirley Kenny-Motsa Chief Financial Officer

south africa Shirley Kenny-Motsa is the Chief Financial Officer at Swaziland Environment Authority.

With an ambition to pursue a positive career in accounting, finance, corporate strategy and administration, Shirley has previously worked for some of Swaziland’s big financial companies in the likes of Government of Swaziland in the Ministry of Finance, The Standard Bank of Swaziland, the United States Peace Corps. Her resume includes a Masters In Business Leadership, Bachelor of Commerce Degree in accounting, Diploma in Commerce and Pastel Accounting to name a few. As much as Shirley loves business, she is also involved and dedicated to social developments within her community. She is a Member of two social groups the Golden Foot Running Club in Mbabane and the New Comm Wheels cycling club.

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COUntry

Winners

South Africa With years of practice and knowledge, Lingiwe Nyamande is the Chief Financial Officer at Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal. Lingiwe is an admirable and intelligent leader who believes in empowering her people. She deems that developing people empowers people to be efficient at their jobs and the more people get skilled, the more productive and marketable they become and it opens new opportunities for them.

Lindiwe is currently studying towards Chartered Management Accounting and is Qualified with an Honours Degree in Political Science and Administration, holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science and a Bcom Accounting (Honours).

Lingiwe Nyamande Chief Financial Officer

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Pros and Cons of

Home

by Abigail Moyo

Schooling

Homeschooling is an excellent option for parents who are considering the educational needs of their children. One of the prime reasons why some prefer homeschooling could be the quality of education in public schools, while some prefer it so as to protect their children from peer pressure. However, every coin has two sides and even homeschooling has its share of demerits. As a parent you may have good educational qualifications, but that does not make you a good teacher, teaching is an art, which requires the ability to understand children’s needs. You may have to sacrifice a lot in terms of other priorities.

Homeschooling a child is a full-time job and may not be suitable for a parent who wants to concentrate on their career.

T

oday, there are a few African countries that allow home-schooling such as South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Zimbabwe to name a few.

Below are a few PROS and CONS of home-schooling:

PROS Homeschooling teaches a child to take greater responsibility for their own learning and development which allows them to work at their own pace and time.

Overcrowded classrooms, peer pressure, bullying and competing against resources are less often a factor for homeschooled children.

One-on-one tutoring provides more time to actually teach and learn because teachers in traditional schools are unable to meet the needs and wants of every single learner.

It affords both the parent and child flexibility with regards to their time since it enables them to schedule any extracurricular activities around their schoolwork.

Homeschooling is the best option for a child who has tried all other options and did not manage to cope with balancing both their school work and personal life. Similarly, a child who suffers from an illness or a severe emotional or social disorder will cope quite well in a homeschool environment.

CONS Dedicating time to homeschooling can mean a loss of income or reduced time working for the parent. It can be a potential for more stress and fatigue because of taking on parenting and teaching responsibilities simultaneously.

Home-schooling may often lead to a child missing out on healthy competitions and extracurricular memories; therefore as a parent you will need to involve your child in extra sport clubs which might be a further expense.

As a parent you must adapt to teaching a broad range of subjects and greater freedom as well as flexibility which requires more time and responsibility.

Your child is also open to missing out on award ceremonies which are traditional at school.

Homeschooling can be very stressful, but also rewarding at the same time. However, homeschooling is not for every parent, and parents who are not ready or unwilling to make the commitment to be an effective teacher should take their time and tread carefully before making any decisions.

Sources: www.educationscorner.com; www. calverteducation.com; www.news24.com; www.parent24.com; aptparenting.com AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

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SECTOR

Foreword innovation Small Medium Enterprise (SME) Africa is renowned for its dozens of corner shops, table shops on wheels and even “walking shops”. Most people rely on these businesses on a daily basis for absolutely anything as they cover a range sectors, and if you are looking for a job in the private sector, chances are a small or medium sized business owner will be your employer. In Sub-Saharan Africa, SMEs constitute a noteworthy part of the economy but most of them remain in the informal sector.

Africa is on the precipice of rapid expansion, this expansion will be through the emergence of stronger small business enterprises that will help lift millions out of poverty and create a large, much needed middle class.

Generally, smaller or micro firms encounter challenges ranging mostly from unpredictable revenues, coarse entry regulations and lack of knowledge and specialisation while for small or medium sized firms they are mainly limited access to investments and funding, stable infrastructures and technology. In Africa, about 75 million of the 200 million young people, aged between 15-24, are looking for work, the World Bank estimated that for the next 15 years, about 600 million jobs will be needed only to sustain the current workforce and by 2035, the number of Africans joining the working age population (ages 15-64) will exceed that from the rest of the world combined.

Thus there is an urgent need to address the rising population and the decreasing number of jobs. In most emerging markets most formal jobs are with SMEs, which also create 4 out of 5 new positions, according to the World Bank. SMEs are a powerful means to include women and youth in the economy but determining their actual weight is problematic given the high prevalence of SMEs in the informal sector.

MENON Business economics found that SMEs first start to drive economic growth when levels of income start to climb. In this way, the role of SMEs in economic growth and development becomes highly important when a country is set on track along a development path based on persistent economic growth.

As such, maximising and capitalising on SMEs is essential for Sub-Saharan Africa because of all the factors relating to economic growth that if ignored might be fatal for its rising economy. This is also the ideal opportunity for women to embrace the chance to start their own SME or to get actively involved with developed SMEs. Women have a powerful voice which can play a vital role in steering the direction of SMEs in the right path. It is encouraging to know that you can make a positive difference and help to contribute to the economy of your country. sefa congratulates you on your achievements and encourages you to continue along the path you have chosen.

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Winners

Sheila Afari

Catherine Noble

Managing Director

Chief Executive Officer

south africa Sheila Afari is the Managing Director at Sheila Afari Group and she believes that as a nation we owe it to ourselves and the continent to make sure that we uplift each other do the best we can to succeed. With outstanding skills in consistent reporting, evaluation and ethical business practices, Sheila has big and well-known institutions like Boston Media House and the University of Johannesburg as good references for the work she does in their public relations lectures.

As a way of giving back to the community, Sheila regularly host weekly mentorship sessions for students educating them about public relations and entrepreneurship. She has also committed to financially assisting one student a year with their university fees.

ghana Catherine is the CEO of Anowah Afrique Limited.

It is one of the largest garment manufacturing companies in West Africa and is primarily involved in the manufacturing of uniforms for security agencies, schools and hospital. Her responsibilities as the CEO are to oversee the general and effective running of the company to improve the lives of workers whilst yielding profits to sustain the company in the long run. Catherine has been in the garment manufacturing field for close to 15 years. She started off small scale as a house business but with time and perseverance they have expanded into two of the Tema Free zone buildings with a capacity of 2 500 workers. The company helps to reduce the number of street children and needy women as they are their main target workers. In so doing it takes a load off the government and gives the workers involved a monthly income for themselves and their dependent families.

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Winners

Hannah Bertilla Acquah

Harmony Seyram Attise

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

ghana Hannah Acquah is the remarkable Chief Executive Officer at TKC Africa, a consulting firm that represents a series of companies and brands across the African continent. TKC Africa has trained over 1,000 entrepreneurs, young professionals and has extensive experience in coaching and growing young business owners and their start-ups. Hannah believes that developing people helps them grow individually and be of better benefit to the company. Therefore, they provide their staff with soft skills like, (Microsoft etc), administrative, investor readiness and presentation skills. She trusts that by providing these key training and development programmes their staff build up some key competencies to enable them to perform multiple tasks and functions.

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ghana Harmony Attise is a young and notable business guru who is the Chief Executive Officer at Commec Ghana Ltd. COMMEC Ghana Ltd is a business development company offering primary services like PR, Contemporary Project Development, Business Marketing, Branding, Business Coaching and Training as well as Consulting. As the CEO, Harmony is responsible for the overall business management, customer and budget management, result tracking, among others. Harmony is passionate about youth development and in 2013, she founded YOUTH IN FOCUS national youth project aimed at promoting youth in her community and personal development, youth in politics and business as well as redefining youth responsibilities towards national growth.

regional

Winners

Jacquelyn Adwola Kessie

Mary Adoley Bruce

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

ghana Jacquelyn is a strong remarkable young woman who has given it her all in order to succeed as a businesswoman in the media industry. “My company is my greatest achievement because I am a woman who has risen against all odds to show that I can compete among and with the big players in this cut throat industry,” she highlights. As the CEO, Jacquelyn takes pleasure in allowing young individuals with a keen interest in the media industry to come and learn all they want, when she is working and when time permits her she offers them training. She hopes that her passion will be enough to spur all the young minds on to take major strides towards their own destinies.

ghana The previous CEO Global Award, Country Winner Mary Adoley Bruce is the Chief Executive Officer at Cazabella, Ghana. The young dynamic entrepreneur holds a Masters in Business Administration in Marketing and a Masters Business Administration in Global Business and Sustainability Social Entrepreneurship. Mary has attended several seminars, workshops and has completed a number of short courses which have helped her in leading a sustainable, effective business.

She was part of the Ebony Executive Consult, Bricks for Success Women’s Conference and The Capital group in conjunction with T.R. Paulsen and Associates, to name a few. She was honored with the Excellence in Management Award and won the Investor Award twice in a row.

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Winners

Rita Kusi

Sheila Azuntaba

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

ghana Rita Kusi is young, hardworking entrepreneur whose desire is to use effective HR practices and marketing expertise to operate a company with a social enterprise arm that affect change in empowering and employing a young generation.

Rita has extensive skills in annuity, life insurance, spending accounts, union/ non-union affiliation, among others. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a certificate in Human Resource, Rita is the Chief Executive Officer at Keeping "U" Simply Intact Consulting. She is also the Managing Director of threesixtyGh, a social enterprise subsidiary and digital storytelling platform under KUSI Consulting. Rita is a partner at ARK Consortium, Ghana and a member of the Society for Human Resources Management.

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ghana Prior to setting up Innovative Finance Ltd (now Innovative Microfinance Ltd), Sheila Azuntaba was an Assistant Vice President of Citigroup’s Global Transaction Services Unit in Nigeria where she was responsible for the marketing and sales unit. She holds an MBA in Finance and a BA (hons) in marketing. Sheila has always been passionate about empowering and supporting less fortunate and enterprising women. She personally supports 2 orphanages and is a member and treasurer of a church women’s group, where they raise funds and support various charities. Sheila is also an avid advocate for breast cancer awareness and tries to raise funds to support both breast cancer as well as leukaemia foundations. During her spare time she also mentors students at the catholic university.

regional

Winners

Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola

Bidemi Zakariyau

Chief Executive Officer

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Nigeria Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola is the CEO, General Manager at WECYCLERS, The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency. As the General Manager she is the Chief Administrator responsible for greening, beautification, park development and management for the entire Lagos State. She holds a Master of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Business Administration. Bilikiss is an exceptional businesswoman who is involved in a number of respectable business operations.

She is a Board Member at Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, a N25 billion Trust Fund backed by law to invest in entrepreneurs and promote employability in Lagos State. She is also the winner of LaRoche Leadership Foundation Award, Cartier Women’s Initiative Award.

nigeria The Future Awards for Media Enterprise winner Bidemi Zakariyau has been listed by Forbes Africa as one of the innovators and game-changers in business on the prestigious 30 Under 30 list of 2018.

She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LSF|PR, a full service public relations agency with core competencies in corporate communications, consumer and lifestyle brands. LSF|PR is a recipient of a Certificate of excellence by the Super Achievement in Branding Reputation and Engagement (SABRE) Awards 2018 – the world’s biggest Public Relations awards programme dedicated at benchmarking the best Public Relations work across the globe. Bidemi has a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Foundation Degree in Business. She is also an Advisory Board Member at Rele a leading art company in Nigeria.

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Winners

Gloria Buckman Yankson

Creative Director

Ghana Well-known as a transformational leader and social entrepreneur, Gloria Yankson is the Founding Partner and Creative Director at PlanIt Ghana. PlanIt is internationally recognised as one of the most sought after Event Planning and Brand Communications Firms in Ghana. Prior to PlanIt, Gloria worked with multinational brands in the UK including Hilton Plc and Morgan Stanley. Her flair for intuitive problem resolution, creativity, attention to detail approach to management is a personal forte that has won her team a superior reputation in the events industry. She is a recipient of multiple international awards and a strong advocate for women empowerment as well as driving for change in Africa through entrepreneurship.

Gloria has been featured as an industry leader on several national and international media platforms including the BBC.

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Kristyne Yaa Korang Twum Ofori Chief Executive Officer

ghana As the Chief Executive Officer of Cedarlane Health Foods Stores Limited, Kristyne Ofori heads up one of the best performing and notable retail store in the country. Manifesting strong analytical skills, high level of personal and professional integrity along with excellent leadership qualities, Kristyne is also the Managing Partner of Life Wellness Wholistic Center. It is a centre that offers physical, emotional, mental and spiritual therapies as well as protocol. She holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honors) Degree from the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi – Kenya. She has held the CEO and Managerial positions countless times throughout her career.

regional

Winners

Rania Kamel Mohamed Rafie

June Syowia

Co-founder and Managing Director

Chief Executive Officer

egypt Up-fuse is a lifestyle brand and social enterprise, based in Cairo, that promotes a sustainable and eco-conscious lifestyle by designing and producing environmentally and socially responsible bags and products that support local communities in Egypt.

Being one of the leading eco-design studios in Egypt, Up-fuse was founded by Yara Yassin and Rania Rafie, both Product Designers who have developed techniques to upcycle plastic bags transforming them into high quality bags and accessory products. Every product is handmade with unique colours and patterns, carrying stories that connect their customers to their producers.

In cooperation with “Roh El Shabab” NGO in Cairo, Up-fuse values transparency in production and working conditions while promoting the skills and talents of local artisans. Holding a bachelor’s degree in product design, Rania believes she can use her knowledge to make the world a better place. She is interested in upcycling, sustainability, and design.

kenya As Marketing Director at Beiless Group Limited, which was founded in 2015, June is in charge of developing digital and experiential marketing strategies and proposals. In a span of 2 years she has been able to acquire 53 clients including the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She has also been nominated a Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa Honoree

by Forbes Africa. She considers herself a young entrepreneur with an interest in Marketing, technology and Business economics. She is a leader and a creative mind and seeks to upscale Kenya’s economy through innovation.

To achieve this, she is learning to understand Kenya’s business economy and technology at every sector by interacting with corporates, entrepreneurs, big brands and SME’s.

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Winners

Nadia Gama El Din

Rania Badr El Din

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

egypt Nadia’s primary goal as CEO and Founder of Rahet Bally is to become the world’s leading support platform for mothers intellectually, mentally, financially, physically and spiritually.

During the term 2017-2018, she was awarded

by Sanofi as the Top 3 Women who empower other Women in Egypt; she was awarded by Dove during the same term as the Top 5 Most Beautiful on the Inside Women in Egypt, and awarded by Egypt’s Prime Minister as one of the Top 50 Influential women in Egypt in 2018. She has a unique set of skills acquired through all her endeavours over the years, but what truly sets her apart is her passion for women and empowering them to achieve their best.

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egypt Seasoned social entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Rania is a happiness consultant who is passionate about helping people live happier lives.

She gives private sessions and facilitates happiness workshops across the globe. She enjoys witnessing the magic that comes from shared human stories of people from diverse backgrounds. She is also a Certified Parent Educator, NLP, Hypnosis and Time Line Therapy practitioner and proud mother of three.

She is the founder and CEO of The Family Hub, the social enterprise that delivers knowledge for family well-being; creator of the popular digital platform MOTHER & CHILD, Egypt's trusted source of family care advice, successfully supporting young mothers in building a healthy and happy family life over the past 22 years. She is also head of THE FAMILY EXPERTS network, a consolidated network of experts across select fields, dedicated to promoting the well-being of families in Egypt on a national scale.

regional

Winners

Munira Twahir

Rekik Bekele Ayele

Chief Executive Officer

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

kenya With extensive background knowledge in Business Administration, Munira Twahir is the Chief Executive Officer at Inteco, Kenya Ltd. Inteco Kenya is a sanitary pad distribution company, were Munira is in charge of Strategy Conception and Implementation; and also assists in product innovations as well as logistics. Munira believes that development of people in business is important because the more people develop, the more confident they become in their tasks as they will be feeling more involved in the production of the business than simply being resources. Munira is an advocate for open discussions in sexual reproductive health issues through school meet ups and she is also a volunteer at Mazingira Safi Initiative which does environment clean ups and sustainable living education in the community.

ethopia Rekik Bekele is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Run Africa. Run Africa offers customised high-altitude running training and hiking for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels of ability. The extraordinary SEED-Africa Entrepreneur and Power Africa Award winner holds a Bachelor of Sciences in Electrical Engineering. Rekik is a woman of many talents and is involved in a number of organisations. She is a Board of Director at The Solar Energy Development Association of Ethiopia and a member of the Ethiopian Electrical Engineers’ Association. Rekik is an Acumen East Africa fellow and a keen fun runner. “I am a great admirer of Haile Gebrselassie’s entrepreneurship and vision. He is an example to Ethiopians and to all sports people.” She says.

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Winners

Evelyn Mumbe Kasina

Alison Engelbrecht

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Kenya Evelyn is CEO of Eveminet Communication Solutions Limited. It is a fully-fledged ICT Consultancy Firm whose business approach is goal oriented and quality driven to ensure technology integrates with others’ businesses.

The primary aspect of business is Cyber Security and Digital Marketing. Evelyn is a certified Cyber Security Expert and is currently taking business courses from the International Trade Centre – ITC Academy. She influences her environment by encouraging both individuals and businesses alike to go green by leveraging on technology. She also secures the internet for children by creating a safe environment when they surf the web by blocking unhealthy websites such as pornography, gambling, cyber bullying or digital kidnapping.

She is conversant in the government’s vision 2030 projections and is compliant in terms of adopting the market changes.

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south africa Alison Engelbrecht is the Chief Executive Officer of Women in Business. Women in Business is a social networking platform for entrepreneurially diverse women within the SMME sector. Alison established Women in Business ten years ago as an NPO and successfully managed to get the organisation to be registered as a Section 21 Company. With almost ten years of practice in the sector, Alison is a Registered Tax Practitioner and holds a Higher Diploma in Education, among others. She is also a member of several professional bodies.

She is the Academic Development Coordinator at Varsity College, Head of Department of the first FET College for students of colour in the Pietermaritzburg, to name a few.

regional

Winners

Amina Bardien

Junggee-Purbhoo Lalita Devi Anousha

Co-Founder and Managing Member

Co-Founder, Marketing and Communication Manager

south africa “I’m passionate about developing entrepreneurs, mentoring and supporting business partners “highlights Amina Bardien. About ten years ago, Amina Co-founded Funda Mentals, which excels in exponential growth in the private technical training sector. She has immense interest in reading, research, on job mentoring and selfdevelopment, and holds a Diploma in Reflexology and primary health care. Funda Mentals has strong footprints and a legacy as heritage construction and custom restoration specialists. It is also well-known as a sustainable SMME in its sector.

Funda Mentals was previously recognised as the Ligugu Lami Small Business Award Winner.

mauritius Junggee-Purbhoo Lalita is the Co-Founder, Marketing and Communication Manager at 1950 Design and Print Co.Ltd. She is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Business Management, and has completed several courses, through Harvard University and some learning engines. “I consider myself an active, proactive and innovative person in both personal and professional life,” says Lalita. As a leader she believes that, striving for social responsibility helps individuals, organisations and governments have a positive impact on development, business and society with a positive contribution to bottom-line results.

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Winners

Lesotho

Ska Mirriam Moteane Chief Executive Officer

The previous CEO Global, Most Influential Women in Business and Government, Country Winner, Ska Mirriam Moteane is the Chief Executive Officer at Ska’s Kitchen Consultancy. Ska Mirriam has years of experience in the sector and is also a Senior Managing Consultant at Motherland Guest House.

Mirriam is an ambitious woman who is passionate about life, food and people’s well-being; she holds a Diploma in Culinary Arts, Diploma in Culinary Arts Practical and Certificate in Food Preparation and Cooking. Prior to her current role, she has previously worked for several well established retail organisations in the likes of, Rhodes Food Group and Woolworths Foods, among others. She is also a member of the South African Chef’s Association and sits on the Executive Committee of the Forum of Career Awareness Associations.

Lesotho

Tsoakae Foso Managing Director

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“With team work, you can render and produce high quality service or products with minimum costs,” says Tsoakae Foso. Tsoakae is the Managing Director at Foso Investment Holdings.

Foso Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd works through consultancy in a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, education, energy, environment, gender, health, project management, private sector development, and water supply. She holds a Diploma in Education and is currently pursuing a Degree in Education. Growing up from a poor background made Tsoakae to believe that education is one of the tools that can be used to change the world. “I want to ensure that every student that I teach pass so that parents can be proud of their children’s future,” highlights Tsoakae.

COUntry

Winners

South Africa

Annie Coetzee

“My delightful passion is to uplift and inspire my people,” says the Award-winning Public Speaker, Internationally recognised Corporate Trainer and Author on Human Empowerment and Creativity, Annie Coetzee. With over fifteen years of experience and practice, Annie is the Founder of Creative Brain Management and holds a BA Degree in Psychology, Education and Communication along with a Diploma in Teaching. Annie is a strong hardworking woman who for several times has been recognised for her work. She was honored with the Communicator of the Year – Toastmasters International Award and during the Women’s Month Annie was recognised numerous times and received standing ovations, on her topic, ‘Dancing on your Problems’.

Founder and Master Trainer

south africa The previous Technology for Women in Business Award Winner, Sharon Isaacs is the Managing Director at Amabamba Fencing. The South African born businesswoman holds a NQF from Eskom Contractor Development Program from the University of Limpopo. Since, starting off her career in the 80s as a bookkeeper, Sharon has worked herself up to being a Director of almost fifty individuals on a daily basis. She is also a previous winner in the CEO Global Most influential Women in Business Awards and an Overall Winner in the Women in Construction awards by the Department of Transport and Public works.

Sharon Isaacs Managing Director

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South Africa

Shameem Kumandan Managing Director

With over twenty years of practice and experience, Shameem Kumandan is the Managing Director at Washtub Industrial Laundry Service. Established in the 90s as a little launderette catering for students, Shameem successfully led Washtub to be the most technologically advanced, privately owned industrial laundry service in the Western Cape. She holds a Diploma in fashion designing and has numerous certificates on courses like Textile, Chemistry, and Business Management that she attended over the past years, among others. “Education opens the mind and allows us to grow,” says Shameem. With that being said, she is a member of the Bargaining Council for laundry, member of the Laundry Association and a steering member of the South African Textile Association.

South Africa Cara Nortman is the Founder and Managing Director at SSQ Exhibitions. SSQ Exhibitions is a Design and Project Management Agency, specialising in exhibition and activation space creation, as well as permanent interiors for retail and corporate markets. As the Managing Director her main focus on the business is sales, marketing, production, and client retention and company finances. Cara is a businesswoman who takes courage in what she does and developing her community. “I believe that by involving myself in community activities and initiatives, I grow as an individual and gain perspective,” highlights Cara.

Cara Nortman Founder and Managing Director

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Winners

South Africa

Matshidiso Mngomezulu Managing Director

Matshidiso Mngomezulu is the Managing Director at Sibahle Skin Solutions Pty Ltd, well known as Portia M. Portia M is a proudly South African Brand which currently is the number one selling cosmetic brand in major retails like Pick n pay, Massmart, Shoprite and checkers stores nationally. Matshidiso is an outstanding and remarkable leader who deems in the importance of developing her people as she believes that empowering people makes them grow personally and benefits the organisation. “At my organisation we have product and development training, marketing training and business development training for the sales representatives,” she says. The young South African born entrepreneur is exclusively active in the cosmetics industry and is part of the SABS technical committee on cosmetics. She was previously recognised as the Emerging Exporter Award Winner and the Overall Exporter Award Winner.

south africa Starting off her first business at the age of 22, Erna Basson is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Erabella Pty Ltd. Erabella is a leading supplier of luxurious clip in hair extensions in South Africa.

Erna has six businesses within her portfolio which includes international companies and has started a global training company where she trains and coach entrepreneurs from across the world on how to start, grow and sell their business. As an ambitious leader, she has achieved a number of remarkable deeds. She was the first South African woman to be on the cover of the Global Woman Magazine in the UK, youngest woman to be on the cover of the Business Woman SA Magazine.

Erna Basson Founder and Chief Executive Officer

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South Africa

Linda Dlova

Linda Dlova is the Owner of BP Kyalami, which is a daily 24-hour retail operation consisting of a petrol station, a Pick n Pay Express store and the BP Award Winning Wild Bean CafĂŠ. BP Kyalami is 100% black woman owned business and a first of its own kind under the new BP and Pick n Pay Franchise Model. With only a few years of operation, Linda succesfully managed to exceed the forecasts, thereby putting her company on the map for Kyalami and residents in its region. Linda believes that she is a prominent leader, teacher, mother, role model and inspiration to everyone in her community and close to her. Therefore, as her way of giving back she donates clothes and toys to charities and the less fortune.

Owner

South Africa

Roxanne Page Co-Founder

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Roxanne Page is a South African born remarkable entreprneur who is the Co-Founder of SassyChic.

SassyChic is a women empowerment company which is entirely owned and managed by women. It is an online botique store specialising in local designs for women. As an executive in the company, Roxanne offers her staff with short term online courses so that they can develop and positively grow. Previously Sassychic has partnered with South African Celebrities like Candice Abrahams (Former Mrs SA and Mrs World), wellknown fashion blogger Brett Robson for marketing campaigns and sponsorships. Most recently Sassy Chic was named under Top 20 Small Businesses, with Roxanne being recognised as the National Small Business Champion Award Winner.

Psyched Up to Succeed

Whether you’re giving a big presentation or in an important job interview, zoning into the same high-performance mindset as a racing driver could be the key to succeeding in high-pressure situations.

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his is one of the findings of new research that seeks to uncover the secrets of racing drivers’ brains. The study, commissioned by Ford, concludes that simple brain training techniques can help everyone reach peak performance both on and off the circuit.

Researchers from Ford and King’s College London used EEG (electroencephalography) headsets to analyse the brain activity of professional racing drivers as they took on a racing simulator. Drivers included five-time FIA World Rally Championship winner Sébastian Ogier and three-time FIA World Touring Car Championship winner Andy Priaulx – racers who both know how to succeed under pressure.

Everyday drivers were then monitored performing the same task – crucially, some had performed mental preparation exercises in the lead-up to the activity, and some had not.

“The study data revealed that when travelling at high speed and in a state of high focus, racing drivers’ brains performed up to 40 percent better when it comes to ignoring distractions than yours or mine,” said Dr Elias Mouchlianitis, neuroscience researcher at King’s College London. “The interesting thing we found, however, was that when normal people performed some simple mental exercises, they were also able to reach this higher level of performance.”

Simple brain training techniques can help everyone reach peak performance.

How a Racing Driver’s Mindset can help you win at life Simple breathing and meditation exercises, plus a visualisation technique that uses keywords to describe the task ahead, saw normal drivers improve their focus and performance by as much as 50 percent.

“When things get tough and the pressure’s on that’s when you need to get in this zone, and the good guys, the successful racing drivers, are able to do that whether that’s on the track or off it,” said Priaulx. “Racing drivers aren’t necessarily born with this skill; our experiment showed that simple mental training ahead of a task can help anyone to improve focus and ignore distractions, making them more successful at the task in hand.”

“The study data revealed that when travelling at high speed and in a state of high focus, racing drivers’ brains performed up to 40 percent better when it comes to ignoring distractions than yours or mine.”

Based on the research, Ford is now developing an EEG-equipped racing helmet for its professional drivers, where brain activity data can be transmitted back to the team during a race alongside other incar car telemetry. While physical attributes such as hydration and heart rate are already monitored, Ford believes that understanding the driver’s mental state during a race – and making decisions accordingly – is the next frontier in performance.

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Turning DREAMS into

by Charmain Pieterse

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Reshoketswe Ralebepa, Chief Financial Officer and Acting CEO at the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa).

Case in Point sefa - Small Enterprise Finance Agency

Reshoketswe Ralebepa is a Chartered Accountant by profession and currently the Chief Financial Officer and Acting CEO at the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa). She has been with sefa for four years and is passionate about nurturing small businesses. She finds it rewarding to make a difference in someone’s life and to watch their ideas and passions grow.

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aving been a CFO for the past four years Importance of SMMEs & challenges Reshoketswe has had to ensure that sefa entrepreneurs face remains financially sustainable and, that the “It has been proven worldwide that SMMEs play a company investment is protected. “My role as the CFO crucial role in economies, especially those that are in their has been that of ensuring that the resources of this development stage” says Reshoketswe. “They are usually agency are managed prudently to allow it to deliver on over looked but in countries such as Kenya, Ghana and its mandate,” she explains.

Uganda they play a larger role in the economy than large At the end of July 2018, she was appointed Acting enterprises. Since they boost the economy we need to CEO with extended strategic responsibilities placed on ensure that SMMEs are actually growing because most her. The buck now stops with her. “My role is holistic and people who do get retrenched will end up in the SMME I am now expected to meet the board expectations in space by starting something or buying and selling products, terms of sefa strategic direction, as well as overseeing which is why we need to be there for these individuals.” the staff relations suitable to building a high perfoming “The economy is tough, the rand remains weak organisation,” Reshoketswe explains. against key currencies, the petrol prices keeps on rising, She is excited that women are partaking in leadership making it difficult for entrepreneurs and an ordinary positions in various industries with sefa being in the person in South Africa to cope with rising costs. It’s forefront. “Our minister and the Chairperson of the Board are also The small businesses are more involved in the women and this is important for the under-served areas and sectors, with a significant development of this organisation as women are more understanding, not number of participants being women, black owned that men are not, but we need to enterprises, youth, entrepreneurs with disabilities develop a culture which appreciates our role in society,” says Reshoketswe. and rural based enterprises.

“I would like to see a gender balanced Exco and Boards so we can accelerate the a very challenging time, but interestingly, it has been empowerment of women.” proven that entrepreneurs do well in tough times for reasons not always known.”

Most entrepreneurs have really done well and have About sefa started businesses out of innovation because of the sefa is an agency of the Department of Small challenges. Most entrepreneurs who survive during this Business Development that was established in time end up succeeding. So it might be challenging April 2012 specifically to address the market failure times and entrepreneurs could be going through a lot in financing of SMMEs and Cooperatives whilst in terms of the economy, but at the same time they can contributing towards poverty alleviation, job creation and use this as an opportunity. economic growth.

It is never easy as entrepreneurs have to grapple with The small businesses are more involved in the a lack of access to funding and access to the market, under-served areas and sectors, with a significant but to a larger degree, entrepreneurs lack training when number of participants being women, black owned it comes to things such as tax, registration of companies, enterprises, youth, entrepreneurs with disabilities and drafting business plans or putting their thoughts on paper. rural based enterprises.

“We see this daily,” Reshoketswe concludes.

“Entrepreneurs come to us for funding but all they have is Necessary criteria & success rate an idea and, they don’t realise that they should have done Taking into consideration the strict criteria necessary proper planning. For example, understanding the market, to get a bank loan from a commercial bank, Reshoketswe knowing who they are going to sell their product to, pricing explains that it is not a challenge to get a loan from sefa, for their product etc. This is where training plays a critical however, you do need to have a bankable business plan, role for those wishing to access funding from sefa to make you need to be South African, you need a tax certificate their dreams become a reality.” and your affairs need to be in order.

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Women

crafting future in business

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Nothemba Gqiba, HOD: Stakeholder, Marketing & Communications at the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa)

Case in Point sefa - Small Enterprise Finance Agency

As HOD: Stakeholder, Marketing & Communications at the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) Nothemba Gqiba is very passionate about her work. She believes in positively influencing everyone she comes across both in her professional and social life. In better understanding the sector, she has realised that collaborations are critical in propelling the entrepreneurship development as there is no one size fits all solution to SMME development.

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gender issues in business and as entrepreneurs. efa provides financial products and services “Women are getting into manufacturing, heavy to qualifying SMMEs and Co-operatives and industrial products, aviation, commercial farming contributes towards poverty alleviation, job and many other fields that were male dominated in creation and economic growth. Considering the the past. They are taking more calculated risks and economic pressures that the country is currently are setting high goals for themselves. Although this facing especially low job growth and recession, it is scenario will predominantly apply to women in the crucial that SMMEs are supported as they can play peri-urban and city areas, much more is required to be a critical role in developing the economy by creating done for women in the rural areas”, says Nothemba. the desperately needed jobs. This is the reason the Many women in the rural areas are still operating role of an entrepreneur should be emphasised and survivalist and micro businesses with minimal more supported. With all the risks involved, it begs opportunities for growth and have very few role the question, what makes one entrepreneur succeed models who live amongst them. while another fails?

“As a woman, I am a strong advocate for women “In order to succeed as an entrepreneur you need leadership as I believe that women have a different to work hard, be passionate, tenacious, optimistic and style to men,” says Nothemba. “We generally are have a growth mindset. Entrepreneurship is a state more democratic, diplomatic and open-minded to of mind and if one does not have a solutions driven ideas in order to ensure that the company vision and and positive state of mind, they might not be able to bottom line are achieved. Empathy and nurturing realise their vision. Remember most entrepreneurs do not always comprehend the extent of the detail expected in their ideas, “In order to succeed as an entrepreneur you need to however, hard work, perseverance and consistency are some of the key work hard, be passionate, tenacious, optimistic and traits that will lead to the realisation have a growth mindset. “Entrepreneurship is a state of their dreams”, notes Nothemba. of mind and if one does not have a solutions driven Nothemba adds that sefa is there to give entrepreneurs the and positive state of mind, one might not be able to opportunity to start and grow their realise their vision.” own businesses. There is a need to encourage the development of business skills within schools, so that children can realise combined with leadership creates an environment that there is another option available to them, especially given allows people to thrive. These qualities are sometimes the high unemployment rates among the youth. misconstrued for weakness which is not the case.

Women leaders should drive a women business culture and not a pro-women business culture.”

Female entrepreneurs According to Nothemba there may be risks “I believe female entrepreneurs are slowly starting involved, but true entrepreneurs will embrace these to emerge in industries that were ordinarily more risks and use these as a learning curve which will referred to as male dominated. There’s a gradual propel them in achieving their goals. paradigm shift globally in business. Women are South Africa needs more entrepreneurs to grow becoming a serious voice to reckon with; gradually the the economy. Nothemba believes women have a trend is moving away from females who are into soft unique advantage when it comes to developing products and services.”

SMMEs and, that will have a positive impact on the Female entrepreneurs are now beginning to realise economy. “Their leadership style is now being revered that they have the same capabilities as their male in the business world, and it is exciting to see what counterparts and that as entrepreneurs innovation the future holds for all entrepreneurs in our country.” is not gender bias, however a mindset. Women are she concludes. slowly starting to challenge the stereotype around

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SECTOR

Foreword achieving goals Sport African countries need to see the value of being part of a multi-billion dollar a year global sports industry. In 2015 alone, the Global sports revenues valued at US dollars 145.3 billion; an annual compound growth rate of 3.7%. However, this is generated across every other region except Africa, but irrespective of these figures, the future still looks bright for the continent’s sports industry if it continues to be seen as a viable business from which everyone can benefit.

According to a study by Lagardere, from 2000 the spend on sports has grown faster than the GDP in many countries. Sport is an ecosystem that employs more people than the mining industry in Europe. It is not just about the superstar athletes; there are media agents, doctors, laywers, interns, facility owners, coaches, casual labourers etc.

Sport is a new evolving industry and many marketers do not really understand how to extract value out of sport sponsorships. It needs to be understood that there is a difference between ‘playing to be on the platform’ and actually ‘utilising the platform to extract value’. The view that sport is just a bunch of youth running around instead of studying is completely false.

The mind-set regarding sport needs to change, however it is not that simple. Sport needs to be viewed as a business. The same way real estate, oil and agriculture is viewed is the same way sport needs to be viewed.

If you consider the rapid rate of expansion on the African continent and the increase of youth throughout the years who need to be employed someday, it makes sense why sport needs to focus on creating jobs for these young people. This is why sport needs to be seen as a viable business or industry.

Corporates need to also think long-term when making decisions on investing in sport. Whether big or small, one observation is constant: unless the sponsorship is brought to life and activated, it is money wasted.

Then there is the issue of extracting value out of a sponsorship. Corporates must activate their sponsorship, for example, for every dollar that is invested another three dollars should be invested to amplify that sponsorship. Activation engages you with your potential target marke bnhghgt. Understanding how to leverage sponsorship through activation is the key to a successful Return on Investment.

Furthermore, governments must find a way to make sport a key driver of their economies. Africa is gifted with a wonderful gene pool that can’t be bought or manufactured, however, this raw material must be taken and turned into a production line so Africa can take its place in the Global sports industry.

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regional

Winners

Ashleigh Moolman Managing Director

south africa “My vision is to act as an agent of positive change,” says Ashleigh Moolman, a proud South African born professional woman cyclist.

Ashleigh is a qualified Chemical Engineer who spends most of her time travelling the world and competing on the international stage of women’s cycling. She is a passionate promoter of women’s cycling in a totally testosterone driven sport, and is committed to playing a role in facilitating the growth of South African and African women’s cycling through her empowerment initiative called Going for Gold. Ashleigh is a hardworking and ambitious cyclist who is a result of multiple South African and African Road Cycling and Time Trial Championship. She is an Olympian, Commonwealth Games medalist and she previously won the SA Sports Women of the Year Awards and the GSport Awards.

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South Africa

Elizabeth Addison National Director

Elizabeth Addison is the National Director at Squash South Africa. She holds a Diploma in Higher and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Anthropology and psychology. She has previously worked for some well-known organisations where she held executive positions. She previously worked at Randburg Squash Centre, St Teresa’s Convent, to name a few. Elizabeth believes that her love and passion for outside activities like sport, travelling, wildlife, photography, among others are the driving forces behind the success of her career. She is also a member of several professional bodies. She is a member of the World Squash Federation Championships Committee, General Secretary of the Squash Federation Africa and a fellowship of an association of former motor bike racers.

Mauritius

Lana deMorelos Managing Director

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Sport has always been deMorelos ideal path.

She went to an Olympic School of gymnastics to boost her skills and she also opted to follow her heart and do what she desires. She holds a Master of Sport Rhythmic Gymnastics, Master of Sport and Physical Culture Diploma. The 42-yearold was both a rhythmic gymnastics coach and choreographer. Due to her career, she has been in several places and managed to grab quite a number of opportunities. deMorelos has served as a Lead Dancer and Fitness Instructor on Cruise ship lines, TV, Sport channel Fitness Instructor, Freelance Fitness Instructor, Project Director and Manager, Designer and owner.

Presently, she is a Managing Director, Head Coach and founder of first Rhythmic Gymnastics school in Mauritius.

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SECTOR

Foreword world view Tourism & Leisure A report has found flourishing tourism in Africa is putting millions of people to work and adding billions of dollars to national economies. The UN Conference on Trade and Development’s annual economic Development in Africa Report projected continued robust growth in tourism in the coming years.

Growth figures in Africa’s tourism sector are impressive. The World Travel and Tourism Council projects the total contribution of tourism to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product will amount to $296 billion by 2026. This is a phenomenal increase considering that tourism’s direct contribution to Africa’s GDP was $30 billion between 1995 and 1998. The Tourism Council also expects the sector to generate nearly 29 million jobs in 2026 up from 21 million in 2016.

Intra-African tourism is 12 months a year, it does not wait for the north in winter and that way it underpins more continuing livelihoods than the tourism associated with the traditional South markets. However, African governments must liberalise air transport to realise the potential of intra-regional tourism for the continent’s economic growth.

Many countries do not have a viable national airline; do not see the reason of giving concessions for lowcost landing when there is no such benefit for their own airlines. This means that you start finding abnormally high landing costs for airlines from other African countries. The share of Africans in the total international tourist arrivals have steadily increased with Africans now accounting for four in every 10 international visitors on the continent. But that share remains below the global average. To boost the regional share of tourist visitors, governments on the continent must focus on streamlined visa requirements, open air routes and create targeted tourism policies.

The tourism and leisure industry provides several different types of jobs in various types of fields, making it a very lucrative sector to become a part of. As such, women can play key roles in this fast growing industry.

Women need to seek out opportunities to become entrepreneurs and develop their own companies, and in turn providing jobs for thousands of women. There is no time to take a back seat and just witness what is happening in this exciting sector in Africa, it’s time to take action and become part of it. What could be more motivating than developing something new, and at the same time providing jobs for the unemployed.

It’s time for women to take action and now is the best time to do it.

The fascinating women on the following pages have sought out the opportunities and turned it into something unique. Thebe Investment Corporation congratulates you for your determination and ongoing passion to play a vital role in the tourism and leisure sector.

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regional

Winners

Mariette du Toit-Helmbold

Illana Clayton

Chief Destineer

Chief Executive Officer

South Africa MariĂŤtte du Toit-Helmbold established Destinate in 2013 after almost ten years as the award winning Chief Executive Officer of Cape Town Tourism. Destinate is a specialised destination and tourism marketing agency known for strategy development and innovative destination marketing and tourism campaigns. Mariette is an international destination marketing and tourism thought leader, strategist and an internationally recognised speaker on tourism, trends in marketing, wine tourism, destination marketing, brand innovation and digital marketing. With over 20 years practical tourism and marketing experience, Mariette has positively established numerous successful organisations and is a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Destination Council and the UNWTO Business Council, to name a few.

South Africa Illana Clayton is the Chief Executive Officer at, Travel Smart Crew Group. She has over seventeen years of experience and practice in the travel and tourism industry and has served in both sales and contracting roles.

In her current role with TSC Group, Illana has successfully renegotiated several contracts which have positively altered the position of their shareholders and their contributions to customers. She has also collaboratively worked with well established suppliers in rewriting their terms and conditions to be trade-friendly and CPA compliant. Hellen was previously honored with the with Travel Corporation Sales award, given to one individual in the country, across all businesses, once in 10 years.

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regional

Winners

Frances Victoria Asah-Addo

Jane Wanjiru Macharia-Gituto

Group Human Resources Manager

Managing Director

GHANA With over 18 years progressive experience in general business management and administration practices with specific expertise in Human Resources Management, Frances Asah-Addo is the Group Human Resources Manager at Fiesta Royale Hotel and Fiesta Residences. Her curriculum vitae is packed with prodigious accomplishments, having worked for big and well-known companies across Ghana and the UK preceding to joining Fiesta Royale Hotel and Fiesta Residences in 2016.

She is an energetic and self-motivated leader, exhibiting model character, high level of business ethics, integrity and performance-driven. She has attended several trainings across Ghana, Nigeria and UK, where she has received astonishing certificates in collaboration with her career. She has B.Sc. (Hons) Biochemistry and a Degree in Human Resource Management.

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KENYA Jane incorporated Shian Tours & Travel Ltd, an IATA accredited travel agency, in August 2003 and is currently the Managing Director. She founded Shian Tours & Travel with the sole aim of removing the extra hustle out of business and leisure travel for her clients. To this end and through co-ordination with the respective airlines, the organisation has been able to bring convenience to their clients by being able to serve them from any part of the world. Jane has also inculcated in her team a culture of going beyond the call of duty and always striving to exceed client expectations. This has enabled her to grow the company to an average Monthly Sales Turnover of USD 400,000-500,000. They have built a reputation for satisfying their client’s needs by offering them the best rates, quickest connections and within the shortest time possible.

regional

Winners

Glorius Tumwesigwe

Jean Byamugisha

Executive Director

Chief Executive Officer

UGANDA As Executive Director of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), Glorius is responsible for the overall Office Management, sourcing for more funding through proposal writing and strategic partnership, accountability standards and systems, filling taxes, returns monthly and annually, implementing executive board decisions and implementing all financial and administrative controls set up by executive boards etc. AUTO is Uganda's leading tourism trade association, representing the interests of the country’s leading and experienced professional tour operators. She has several years’ experience as an administrator and as such she plays a key role in her current position to ensure everything flows smoothly and according to plan. Her determination to success has resulted in her climbing the corporate ladder until she succeeded in accepting her current position. This determination and perseverance can be lauded.

Uganda Jean Byamugisha is the Chief Executive Officer at Uganda Hotel Owners Association. The Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA) is the umbrella body that brings together over 200 hotel owners in Uganda and it was formed to foster the development of hospitality subsector of the tourism industry in Uganda. She holds a Bachelor of Tourism Management Degree. Throughout her career she has been recognised and won awards at numerous occasions. She has won the Excellence Service Award for Exceptional performance As Executive Director, Excellence Service Award as Executive Secretary and Africa Top 100 Women in Tourism award winner.

Jean has also worked for several well known organisations like the International Organisation for Migration, among others.

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South Africa

Wendy Alberts

Wendy Alberts is the Chief Executive Officer at the Restaurant Association of South Africa.

With vast knowledge and experience of over ten years in the industry being a leader of almost fifty individuals on a daily basis comes effortlessly. Wendy is a seasoned and successful director with a track record of presenting and managing the implementation of innovative business solutions for the Restaurant Industry.

She was honored with the Going for Gold Bronze Award, won the FASA Best Stand Award and Member of the Month Winner for three Months Consecutively. Wendy is also a sport lover and was part of the South African Woman’s Colours Tour in Japan and was part of the SA Woman’s Softball Squad for five years.

Chief Executive Officer

South Africa

Hellen Hansen Marketing Director

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Hellen Hansen is the Marketing Director at Fish Eagle Safaris. Fish Eagle Safaris is a luxury tour operator, specialising in bespoke holidays, safaris and adventures. As a leader in a competitive industry, Hellen firmly believes in responsible tourism and uses it as a tool to persuade clients and colleagues within the industry to interact with, and uplift local communities. “I would like to believe that tourism in Africa is sustainable,” she highlights.

As a role model in the industry Hellen strives to demonstrate through hard work, creativity, tenacity, confidence, optimism and authenticity good and best results can be achieved. Through hardwork and team effort, Fish Eagles Safari was previously recognised as the prestigious “Africa’s Responsible Tourism Award” Winner.

COUntry

Winners

Mauritius

Nadine Catherine Delpy Chief Executive Officer

The 42-year-old is without a doubt one of the most powerful and successful woman in Africa.

She has ensured to accomplish everything during the neither make nor break it phase in her career.

She holds a Diploma in Hotel Management and a HSC in Accounting and Economy, to name a few.

Delpy is also involved in several organisations and she is very active and versatile. At present, she is part of the Board Members of World Women Entrepreneur, Advisor to the Queen Patronne of Swaziland and she is the Chief Executive Officer for Island Recruitment Services, The TASK Consulting and Institute and NJ Concept & Design. Her hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, she received a Bronze Award in meat and livestock Australia Black Box Culinary Challenge and Best Attendance Award.

Mauritius

Bomika Devika Ghunsam Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Bomika is CEO and Managing Director of Clavis Travel Bureau. It is a duly registered and IATA Accredited Travel Agency incepted twenty years back. On a nostalgic note, Bomika states that she launched the agency at a time when the rate of unemployment was very high in Mauritius and she had to embark in a male dominated sector. For the agency to remain competitive, she personally invested herself in doing door to door sales, contacting the Market Hawkers and encouraged them to travel with Clavis Travel Bureau. She had to give them credit facilities so that they can sustain themselves and their respective families. It was a form of social entrepreneurship that she was offering them. Today, when she looks back at the beginning of the agency, she can say with pride that she has succeeded in helping the low income customers and today, some of them are successful business owners. Bomika was also among the first to promote the Air Mauritius routes.

COUntry

Winners

Tanzania

Prema Lalji Chief Executive Officer

Prema Lalji is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rickshaw Travels. With almost 30 years in the industry Rickshaw Travels has grown to be one of the most successful and respected travel management companies in East Africa. Previously, Rickshaw Travels was honoured with the Top customer service award globally for the EMEA region, awarded Tanzania’s Leading Brand in the travel industry and have been a TOP 100 player in the mid-sized companies for the past 3 years, to name a few. As a leader and a role model to her people, Prema believes that ‘giving back’ is an essential need as there is always something that one can do to change someone’s life for the better. She is an active member of local based orphanages and sponsorships for a group of disadvantaged children to help them with a basic need of quality education.

Tanzania

Zainab Addani Ansell Managing Director

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Zainab performs a number of roles, namely as Founder and Director of Zara Tanzania Charity; Owner and Managing Director of Zita Tanzanian Wild Camps and Owner and Managing Director of Zara International Travel Agency / Zara Tanzania Adventure. Her achievements are impressive, with her voted the top Africa Travel 100 Women winner in 2017, and several other achievements throughout her career. She has set a range of unique goals for herself within a capacity, one such being gender equality. In efforts to achieve gender equality, through Zara Charity she has developed a special window for helping marginalised Maasai women become liberated from the harmful shackles of their traditional norms. They financially empower Masaai women to buy raw materials for making beaded crafts to sell to tourists.

COUntry

Winners

KENYA

Sarah Wairimu Kamotho Managing Director

Sarah so eloquently states that she has footprints earmarked in the hearts of those she has had the good fortune of crossing paths with. She supports education from primary levels by engaging Internet Providers to support the e-learning system by providing free internet to schools. She also motivates rural pupils to partake in sports such as golf. She develops her community through support and engagement on development matters with local leaders and elders. She finds it very fulfilling that they turn to her on such matters. This has enhanced the awareness level of the community, having them focus on who they are and what they have. We use cultural events and platforms to educate and appreciate our community thus creating a love to nurture and protect what they have. Being a chapter Chair of the Kenya Association of Women in Tourism, County Chiefs also call on my support for their events as they popularise their region.

Zambia Kayumba is a beauty with brains who possesses a decorated work history and she is also an educated woman who holds a Diploma in Hotel Management, Certification in Food and Beverage Services and Bachelor in Consumer Science Hospitality Management. The 38-yearold has also been able to hold leadership positions in her career and she has proven to no victim to stage freight. She has served as a Front Office Manager, Front Office Supervisor, Rooms Division Manager and Hotel Management Trainee, to name a few. To escape from day to day realities, she pursues interior decor, sewing and cooking various cuisines.

Sitembile Kayumba General Manager

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kenya

Tasneem Adamji Chief Executive Officer

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Tasneem Adamji is the Chief Executive Officer at African Quest Safaris. She holds a Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management, Diploma in Interior Design and a Diploma in French and Arabic Languages. “My greatest strength is my passion for travel and people,” highlights Tasneem. Tasneem has extensively travelled for both personal and professional reasons and attended travel industry conferences, exhibitions and seminars worldwide.

Tasneem has travelled to many countries in Africa; Australasia, The Americas, Europe and Middle East. She was previously recognised as the most distinguished Woman Entrepreneur of the Kenya Coast and was Awarded Woman Entrepreneur of the Year by Oakland Media annual awards.

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Making a lasting difference

by Charmain Pieterse

Founded in 1992 as a pioneering black-owned company, Thebe Investment Corporation (Thebe) opened for business in July 1992 with an initial capital investment of only R100 000. Sole shareholder at the time was Batho Batho Trust, a community based trust which included Nelson Mandela (Chairman), Walter Sisulu and Reverend Beyers Naude as original Trustees and Dr Enos Mabuza as the first Chairman of Thebe.

T

hebe is an African Company that came into being shortly before South Africa’s formal political transition to democracy, setting new norms and changing the face of business by establishing a socially embedded company that uses its business success to transform lives, and make a difference in communities.

The future of Thebe is articulated in Vision 2020, which focuses on the African Renaissance.

Thebe is divided into three divisions, namely Thebe Services Division, Thebe Energy and Resources and Transformation and Community Development. Thebe Services Division seeks to facilitate improvement and integration of African people into the mainstream of the global economy in the following sectors: Travel and Tourism related services, Health, Food and Logistics

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and Media and Telecommunications and Property by packaging “African solutions to African challenges in an African way.”

Thebe Energy and Resources is an integrated energy and resources business that is actively investing and focusing on various energy and energy related products such as oil and liquid fuels, chemicals, gas, power, water and a wide range of energy commodities.

It is anchored around Oil & Gas; Power Generation; Mining as well as Chemicals & Water.

The third division offers through a range of community development and transformation initiatives for the benefit of local communities, at no cost to them.

These initiatives contribute to the improvement of the social and enterprise ecology of local communities while transforming lives. This is their reason for being.

Case in Point Thebe Investment Corporation

Thebe Services Travel and Tourism Thebe’s travel and tourism initiatives are implemented through the Thebe Tourism Group which achieved its 15 year milestone in April 2016 and over the years has grown into a profitable, robust and reputable tourism business.

Food & Agro-processing The Food Services & Agro-processing sub-division aims to realise long-term value from its investments in the food production and preparation sectors; and to drive and champion transformation in the agroprocessing sector.

Media & Telecommunications Thebe’s vision with regards to this sector is centred around being a significant player in the development and distribution of locally produced content and key to this strategy is access to various platforms; and the provision of requisite mobile telecommunications platforms such as Wi-Fi, LTE/4G through targeted acquisitions or strategic partnerships not only in South Africa but across the African continent.

Thebe Property Asset Management Thebe Property Management Services (TPAM) seeks to encourage transformation and normalisation of the South African property sector by creating opportunities for black property developers through partnerships and joint ventures. The property focus areas include student accommodation, which we view as a subset of affordable residential rental stock as well as affordable bonded housing. In the commercial property sector; TPAM invests in properties that are backed by Section 102 of the BBBEE Act.

Thebe Energy and Resources:

approximately 600MW of electrons delivered onto the grid. For both gas and coal, their strength lies primarily in their ability to not only secure long-term feedstock supplies, but also identify the technical partners whose values and strategies are aligned with theirs.

Mining (Services & Supplies) The initial focus for TER in Mining will be the provision of quality and integrated solutions in the form of Services and Supplies for the sector. Through their controlling interest in Timrite and Turnstone, TER supplies underground roof support systems, high tech roof bolt solutions, above ground as well as ultradeep underground exploration drilling methods. In line with their aspirations and desires to be the leading provider of feedstock for power generation, TER is currently evaluating numerous coal producing assets opportunities for potential acquisition.

Chemicals and Water Through Unico, which manufactures blends and fills various grades of brake fluids and coolants, TER is regarded as one of the leading producers of automotive speciality products. Their association with Headstream has given TER a competitive advantage in the waste water treatment environment where the Hybac technology is gaining respect with large water users like municipalities and metros. Both the chemicals and water businesses are relatively new investments for TER but signify TER’s strategic intent to becoming a dominant player in the fast growing chemicals and water treatment segments.

Thebe Investment Corporation is a truly remarkable company as it demonstrates phenomenal growth since its inception in 1992. It is built on a foundation of innovation and when combined with a strong group of leaders, great things are bound to happen. As such the future looks bright for this inspiring company who continues to make a difference through its various service offerings.

Oil & Gas (Petroleum) TER has a strong and proven track record in Oil & Gas having started investing in the petroleum sector as early as 1997 through Bambanani (later named Tepco) Petroleum. Through their signature investment in Shell Downstream SA, the focus for TER in petroleum products has its roots from midstream infrastructure including SAPREF the refinery, storage terminals for petroleum products, all the way down to Sales and Marketing activities.

Power Generation TER’s investments in power generation were initially facilitated by the REIPPP, where they achieved tremendous success in both Window 1 and Window 3 bidding rounds; a combined total of 6 investments made out of two solar and four wind plants. The total capacity once fully installed for all these six plants is

Thebe at a glance • A nnual Portfolio Valuation is in excess of R6 billion • Total of 45 portfolio companies • Average 10-year return on equity of 18.0% • Year-on-year growth in equity of 22.4% • 26 years of operations • Cost of employment across all Thebe • Group companies was R2.3 billion • 2 795 and 25 346 employees within subsidiaries and associates respectively • Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment status of Level 1

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Neliswa Booi, General Manager: Thebe Media & Telecommunications

growth & development Media

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by Charmain Pieterse

Case in Point Thebe Investment Corporation

Thebe Investment Corporation’s vision with regards to its Media & Telecommunications sector is centred around being a significant player in the development and distribution of locally produced content and vital to this strategy is access to various content platforms. It also plays a key role in the provision of requisite mobile telecommunications platforms such as WI-FI, LTE/4G through targeted acquisitions or strategic partnerships not only in South Africa but across the African continent.

N

eliswa Booi, General Manager: Thebe Media & Telecommunications explains that the organisation established Kaya FM in 1997 and is one of the few black owned media businesses in South Africa. “We believe in empowering communities through job creation, skills development and enterprise and supplier development, and transforming minds,” she says. “As Thebe, our strategic challenge going forward will be to positively change the way people think and behave by leveraging on the trust we have built with the audiences and listeners. The important questions for us are: How do we transform the way people think and behave in a manner that increases the returns for shareholders; and how do we transform the way people think and behave in a manner that creates social impact and cohesion?”

Discover Digital, a recent subsidiary of Thebe, is an aggregator of content and has capabilities to distribute the content on various platforms ranging from radio assets to television to mobile phones. It also has capabilities and capacity to generate and produce content for its platform.

The story behind investments

Given the current status of the global economy, Thebe focuses on several key aspects to ensure their investments continue to thrive and remain strong operationally. These include leveraging the strong brand and engaging listeners to grow listenership, the acquisition and retention of clients, which entails the ability to generate bespoke market research to assist clients with product offerings to target markets, and working closely with media partners to drive sales. “The retention of appropriate skills in the form of management and presenters and driving cost containment initiatives (where possible) are also critical,” Neliswa emphasises.

The last word “Thebe is keen to extend the reach of its radio business, not only in South Africa but across the

Given the current status of the global economy, Thebe focuses on several key aspects to ensure their investments continue to thrive and remain strong operationally. These include leveraging the strong brand and engaging listeners to grow listenership, the acquisition and retention of clients, which entails the ability to generate bespoke market research to assist clients with product offerings to target markets, and working closely with media partners to drive sales.

With regards to attractive investment opportunities, Neliswa highlights that Media is a tool that can be used to positively transform the way people think and behave and consequently transform societies. “Therefore we need to produce content that is relevant and transformative and distribute it innovatively leveraging off available technologies,” she says. “As such we are keen on scalable businesses and those that integrate into our portfolio for us to achieve both revenue and cost synergies.”

continent of Africa,” Neliswa concludes. “It can achieve this strategic objective either acquisitively by acquiring equity stakes in other radio assets that are strategically located or extending our reach of the target market using a digital platform.”

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FOCUSED on Travel & Tourism

by Charmain Pieterse

Thebe’s travel and tourism initiatives are implemented through the Thebe Tourism Group, which over the years has grown into a profitable, robust and reputable tourism business. Their key activities include inbound, outbound and group travel, car rental service, attractions management and more recently, hospitality.

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“T

hese services we provide (or have a stake in) are of the top-performing players within the tourism sector, and contributes towards Thebe Investment Corporation’s goal which is to become a facilitator of world-class services for South Africa and Africa,” explains Brett Hendricks, General Manager: Thebe Tourism Group.

“Thebe is also the oldest black-owned tourism group in SA and has played a key role in transforming the sector through its investments. We believe in empowering communities through job creation, skills development and enterprise and supplier development opportunities. We see it as being a great opportunity to serve as a leader in transforming the domestic market in SA by creating products that speak to the black market and who have not had the opportunity to travel and explore this beautiful country.”

With the launch of Soul Traveller Tours, Thebe has been able to rejuvenate domestic travel as a means of economic development. Soul Traveller Tours SA is the first group travel tour operator in South Africa which specialises in unique travel experiences for the local market.

When it comes to challenges the industry faces, Brett highlights that crime continues to be a problem, however, this has always been a high priority matter for the industry which works with Government and SAPS in terms of effective communication and preventative measures so that visitors are always aware that their safety is of utmost importance.

“The water criss the Western Cape experienced had a major impact on the industry.“The visitor numbers decreased across the board. Thebe Tourism used its stakeholders such as Cape Town Tourism, Wesgro, Cape Town Big Six and other tourism bodies

to formulate communication that will encourage visitors to return to Cape Town. So instead of focusing on the negative, we worked together to let visitors know we are still open for business; we have just become more water conscious.

Talking about investments According to Brett, Thebe believes in investing in opportunities that offer unique experiences. For example, “Kruger Shalati” in the Kruger National Park at Skukuza will offer luxury accommodation in a train suspended on the old Selati Bridge. This offers an once-in-a-lifetime experience to visitors.

“These are the types of opportunities Thebe finds attractive: unique, box-ticking experiences,” explains Brett. “Tourism creates jobs and at present employs more people than mining. It speaks to the national objectives of government and is a key growth sector for the economy and contribution to the GDP.” Given the current status of the global economy, it’s important to focus on investment opportunities that will thrive and remain strong operationally. To this end Thebe offers unique experiences and world-class service which ensures that the organisation remains relevant and will prosper in this dynamic economy. “If people see our product as a must-see or must-do, they will ensure it’s on their list when making travel plans,” Brett concludes.

“When cost is a major factor, people limit their niceto-haves and our goal is to be a must –have experience.

Investing in staff and focusing on community upliftment is also a key area we focus on. If the staff is trained well and the community feels a sense of ownership, they will deliver world-class service.”

We believe in empowering communities through job creation, skills development and enterprise and supplier development opportunities.

We see it as being a great opportunity to serve as a leader in transforming the domestic market in SA by creating products that speak to the black market and who have not had the opportunity to travel and explore this beautiful country.”

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SECTOR

Foreword giving back Welfare and Civil Society Organisations Welfare and Civil Society organisations play a distinct role on the African continent. They should therefore be valued for what they bring to Africa, and the people involved should be encouraged to continue pressing forward and making a distinct difference where it matters.

Civil society groups bring foreign investment; provide jobs and skills to Africa. It also brings new technology, which could be adapted to boost democracy and development. They also boost many Africa failed states’ capacity to make policy, deliver public services and keep the peace. They are crucial to educating citizens about their rights. They monitor government and leader actions, provide citizens with often more factual information, in contrast to official government propaganda and provide alternative policies. As a result, civil society groups have helped increase citizen activism and have often spurred democratic change across the continent.

Civil Society often also provides viable careers for many, given countries’ private sectors and public sectors, which are often closed off to those not politically well connected. It can also give Africa’s youth a new meaning to their lives, expand their skills set and provide them with democratic values and behaviours.

Civil society can instil in African societies, which are often deeply patriarchal, with new democratic values and beliefs, such as mass buy-in for gender, sexual and social equality. But it also provides a space to build new leadership – based on democratic values, social justice and inclusiveness, on a continent where old-style autocratic leaders have dominated institutions for decades. In fact, civil society in Africa is crucial to foster a democratic culture, starting with their members, in which people behave in their daily lives according to democratic values.

Given the prominent role that these organisations can play within a country, it’s crucial that much thought goes into the type of individuals that fill these positions as they play a powerful role in creating much needed change and building something better for future generations. For this very reason, these organisations need the voice and will of powerful women who can lead other in a positive direction.

Women have more power than they realise; they have the innate ability to empathise and sympathise with others, thinking with their heart, but at the same time they are talented enough with the desired skills set to serve as strong leaders with the ability of mending where mending is required, and instilling change where change is requires, and most importantly, making an impact on their countries and inevitably the continent.

CEO Global congratulates these women who have made such a phenomenal difference, and who continue to do so daily.

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regional

Winners

Azza Kamel

Janet Potgieter

Founder

Vice President

EGYPT The Egyptian entrepreneur possesses strong leadership skills and she successfully founded Alwan wa Awtar NGO (A&A) in 2005. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and GCE certificate from the United Kingdom. Kamel was rewarded for her hard work when she won numerous awards for her work in civil society.

She acquired Takreem Award for Innovation in Education, UN Women’s Guild Award in Austria, Pan African for Entrepreneurship in Education, Distinguished Alumni Award by the American University in Cairo and an Award for Coming Up Taller in USA. Further to above, Kamel possesses a strong working experience, she has worked as an Editor-in-Chief, Programme Assistant, and at present she is the founder of Alwan wa Awtar.

south africa The 50-year-old is an educated woman who holds B.A Communication and Basic Project Management. Potgieter has also been able to hold quite a number of leadership roles and she has also been able to deliver without constantly, establishing herself as one of the most powerful woman with leadership skills. She has served as a Executive Director, Brand Development, Director, Marketing and Sales Manager, Managing Member, Sales Executive, Video Editor, Production Secretary and Make-up Artist, to name a few. Potgieter is a versatile woman who has been able to strike a balance between her work career and God given talent. In 2013, she was part of the Mrs South AFRICA Top 10, in 2014, she was a winner for Mrs Africa and in 2015, and she was an Integrity Award Winner for Mrs Africa Universe. Her hard work wasn’t gone unnoticed. She is a ambassador for several brands such as Placecol, Dignity Dreams, CX Fitness and Devoted Christian Lifestyle Magazine, to name a few.

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regional

Winners

Lyonga Mwindo Noela

Nellie Nyangwa

Chief Executive Officer

Regional Director for Southern Africa

Cameroon Noela is an educated young entrepreneur who inspires people to use volunteerism to acquire skills, knowledge, experiences and networks to develop themselves and their communities at large. At her age, she has achieved quite a number of awards such as Cameroon Women Scholarship Award for Masters in History, 6th most Influential Young Cameroonian, 100 most Positive Inspiring African Youths and Commonwealth 11th Points of Light Award from Her Majesty the Queen of England in 2018, to cut the long list short. The 25-year-old entrepreneur possesses a decorated employment history. She has served as a Project Manager, Community Manager, Administrative Assistant, Chief innovator and Event Manager and presently, she is a Founder/C.E.O. at Noela Lyonga Foundation.

Noela holds a Bachelor Degree in Arts, International Maritime security course and Computer Basics Course, to name a few.

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Malawi With more than 30 years of development and practical experience, Nellie Nyangwa is the remarkable Regional Director for Southern Africa at Oxfam International. Holding an MSc in Strategic Management, Bachelor of Commerce and a Diploma in Business Studies, Nellie is a successful leader of more than 100 individuals on a daily basis. As the Regional Director her core responsibilities are the planning and implementation of DEMAT’s, staff training programmes, development of Client Training methodologies, among others. Nellie is also a member of the Management Committee of the Commonwealth Education Fund in Malawi. As a leader she also poses good communication and analytical skills.

regional

Winners

Caren Wakoli

Joyce Wanderi-Maina

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Kenya

Kenya

Caren is a certified leadership coach, transformational leadership trainer, certified 7-Habits of Highly Effective People trainer, democracy and good governance champion, and social entrepreneur who delights in mentoring young women and men to be able to achieve their greatest potential in life. She is the founder and Executive Director of Emerging Leaders Foundation (ELF); an organisation that focuses on raising young people as positive agents of change in society, through effective participation in governance and decision-making processes.

She has over 17 years’ experience of doing youth empowerment work in Kenya and Africa at large. She has also taken part in various policy formation and implementation processes in Kenya and internationally. She serves in various boards, governmental and non-governmental. She has also received recognitions for her commitment to youth and women empowerment.

Joyce is the Chief Operating Officer of Population Services Kenya. They are in the business of improving health of Kenyans by providing services and products that address major health challenges afflicting most Kenyans and addressing behavioural issues hindering people from adopting healthy behaviours such as preventing HIV through the usage of condoms and testing, the usage of family planning methods etc. Joyce has 11 years’ experience in public health managing large scale national health programs in Maternal, Child Health, Malaria, Reproductive Health, HIV and Non communicable diseases. She provides strategic direction, health program development, technical oversight and managing a team of over 300 staff. She is also a social franchising expert who has shaped the landscape of social franchising for health in Kenya.

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regional

Winners

Eunice Musiime

Annelise de Jager

Executive Director

Managing Director

UGANDA Eunice Musiime is a lawyer, feminist, and development specialist with considerable experience in advancing social justice at national, regional and international level. Eunice is the current Executive Director of Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA), a feminist, Pan African Leadership Development Organization with headquarters in Uganda. Eunice has a commendable track record on Feminist and Transformational Leadership Development, Strategic Planning, Research, Advocacy and Movement Building. She has also actively engaged in influencing the following critical policy processes including: Sustainable Development Goals; the Commission on the Status of Women, the Maputo Protocol on Women’s Rights, the Development Effectiveness Agenda and Financing for Development. Eunice previously worked as the Team Leader Policy and Civil Society Strengthening at the Uganda National NGO Forum successfully coordinating civil society to engage with multisector development processes such as the National Development Plan (NDP) and Vision 2040; the budget process and the Post 2015 Development Agenda.

SOUTH AFRICA Annalise is Managing Director of Charity Support Services. Her philosophy is that welfare organisations should be run like a business and with this in mind she specialises in Charity Support Services. She runs a 12 month coaching and mentoring programme for NGOs and organises a national - no-risk for the NGO –fundraising campaign called “Tekkie Tax” Annalise also specialises in corporate fundraising to ensure that a company will receive maximum benefit with BBBEE donations, focusing on the fact that the NGO should add value back to the company. As touched upon, "Tekkie Tax" provides an opportunity to a much wider field of welfare organisations to be part of a national fundraising campaign. A total of 15 National welfare organisations have joined forces and together they are changing the face of fundraising in SA. They have raised R2.4 million during the first campaign in 2013 and a total of 183 local NGOs participated.

COUntry

Winners

Seychelles

Rosemary Rita Elizabeth Programme Manager

The 69-year-old is a diplomat in Seychelles Institute of Management and attended numerous work training programmes such as Teacher Training College for 2 years, Training in GENDER and gender mainstreaming, Training in Child Care protection and Development, Women in Management and Development Programme, to name a few.

Elizabeth’s has also served in several positions with her experience. She has worked as a Teacher of Primary School, Field Educator and survey Assistance and served for an NGO namely National Council for Children. In 2006 with support of other women, she founded and launched Women in Action and Solidarity Organisation focused on the Economic Empowerment of Women to bring about economic independence and self-reliance to women but in particular those who are at a disadvantage and vulnerable to all sort of social ills.

Zimbabwe

Priscilla Musoki Chief Executive Officer

Priscilla Musoki has 24 years’ experience as an educationist. She has operated as a business woman in the hospitality and clothing industries for five years and trains Christian leaders in leadership and evangelism in her church and other denominations as a volunteer. Priscilla is the founder of Marah Empowerment Trust which seeks to empower women and children in difficult circumstances to enable them to sustain themselves and their families. She is cofounder and CEO of Nhaka Leadership Solutions, a publishing company that also trains leaders particularly in education, churches and the public sector. The company produces learning materials for schools and is currently publishing Guidance and counselling learner material for primary, secondary and high schools in Zimbabwe.

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kenya

Diana Gichengo Manager

Diana Gichengo is an advocate of the high court of Kenya with vast years of experience and practice in equality mainstreaming, programming and advocacy at community-level, within both the National government and County government. The Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB Hons) holder is a trainer of trainers on the Gender Evaluation Criteria in Land Matters by UN Habitat and on the Electoral Process and Devolution by the UN women. In her current role as the advocate of the high court, Diana successfully designed and helped to support the LGBTI movement in filing a decriminalisation petition in the high court, organised over 8 protests in Kenya on citizenship rights, anti-corruption, sexual violence, media freedom as well as extra judicial killings and mentored over 12 interns who now have successful careers in equality advocacy in various spheres, to name a few.

Uganda

Lily Ajarova Executive Director

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The Executive Director at the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Lily Ajarova is an Environmentalist, who is enthusiastic and dedicated to; biodiversity conservation, animal welfare, environmental education, community and sustainable development and Children’s rights. She holds a BA (Hon) Upper Division, Post Graduate Diploma in International Tourism and a Master’s in Business Administration.

Lily has a number of publications under her name and is a Board Member at Nature Uganda. Lily has dedicated most of her life and career to wildlife and its wellbeing. She was honored with the Wildlife Excellency Award, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquity, Wildlife Personality, Uganda Tourism Board Excellency Award winner, Winner of 100 Women in Africa for development of travel, trade and conservation among others.

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Winners

benin

Blandine Anique Aimee Wadochedohoun Chief Executive Officer

Wadochedohoun is CEO of the NGO “Support and Education for African Women” which contributes to the social-economics independence of the woman.

It helps the woman to promote, improve, sell her products and get connected in the world market.

Since 2000 she has been a freelance consultant and self-development coach. She leads seminaries to contribute to a better evaluation of people skills, especially for women in industries and associations.

As President of BPW1 (Business and Professional Women from 2012 to 2015), she was head of the organizing committee for the “Rural Women and New business opportunities” congress (Cotonou, November 22nd to 24th 2012). This congress was realised in order to help women from rural areas enhance their activities and to develop business opportunities. In July 2013 she ran a successful project on financial and material support for young handicapped people.

Zambia

Angela Mwamba Miyanda Founder & Promoter

Angels In Development focuses on bettering the lives of the underprivileged and unfortunate. Angela founded Angels In Development 17 years ago out of compassion for the plight of her fellow Zambians.

From inception to date she remains active in this struggle partnering with likeminded individuals.

She has gathered from the expertise of technical advisors, volunteers and direct beneficiaries who will one day step up and take over in their own right. Over time and with her guidance they will be prepared to expand the social welfare movement to cater to growing needs in Zambia. The future of the project depends primarily on participation of beneficiaries. Talent Development is the determinant of the continuity of the project and one of Angela’s roles is to facilitate this. Experience has exposed her to different characters and personalities and she can assess each individual’s qualities. Their strengths are amplified while weaknesses are nurtured.

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Winners

swaziland

Siphiwe Florence Hlophe Co-founder, Executive Director

Siphiwe founded the first women’s HIV and AIDS organisation in Swaziland, Swaziland Positive Living (SWAPOL), and has played a key role in ensuring the mainstreaming of issues related to women, girls, gender equality and LGBTI issues in national planning processes. In this role she ensured that women issues are informing programming and also addresses women vulnerability to HIV infection. She advocated for resources to be channelled towards treatment literacy , and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights, so that women and girls are empowered to be able to make informed decisions as most treatment programmes are targeting women and by virtue of women being the entry point of care for their families they become the primary target of treatment programmes. As a result of the success of this project, she was awarded an Inspiring African Women Award by the African Women’s Development Fund.

zimbabwe

Grace Ruvimbo Chirenje Founder and Current Director

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Zimbabwe Young Women’s Network for Peace building (ZYWNP) is a non-profit feminist organisation promoting young women’s meaningful contribution to political processes, development and peace building. Registered as a Trust in 2008, ZYWNP comprises of young women aged 15 to 35 years from diverse backgrounds and communities and is thus a powerful network.

Her role also involves lobbying and advocacy at national, SADC Region and international levels so as to have women's human rights respected and developed into progressive policies. She pioneered the UNDP-led Youth21 that was launched in Kenya and continues to be a hub for African youth development. She was awarded the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association Nonlawyer Award of 2014.

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Winners

uganda

Musaazi Yiga Yunia Executive Director

As Executive Director of Uganda Water and Sanitation NGO Network she is responsible for the strategic Leadership which entails providing strategic leadership to the organisation for it to fulfil it’s role as a strategic network in the Water and Sanitation Sector of Uganda. The network has a membership of more than 250, but Yunia has turned around its strategic positioning by ensuring effective coordination mechanisms, networking members with other key partners and they have built the capacity of members to effectively influence the sector at different levels. Yunia has formerly served on both Executive and Advisory Boards for African Network of NGOs in Water and Sanitation, Fresh Water Action, Uganda Water and Sanitation NGO Network, and African Ministerial Council of Ministers in Water, as well as other National Organisations within Uganda. Currently she’s just been elected as the Treasurer for the African Network of NGOs in Water and Sanitation.

Zambabwe

Lois Chingandu Executive Director

Lois is Executive Director of SAfAIDS, a regional NGO founded 20 years ago when HIV was a disease to be whispered about. For 20 years, SAfAIDS has remained a lead in the dissemination of accurate information to individuals, media, researchers, governments and communities- using information to change behaviour, inform policy, break stigma and to advocate for the rights of people living with HIV. SAfAIDs now works to contribute towards ending HIV through the creation of a generation free from HIV through the empowerment of young people and women with knowledge about HIV and sexual reproductive health and rights. Once there is this awareness she supports them to build their inner confidence and to identify what resources they need to facilitate their development process. She then creates an environment in which the person can have their development process nurtured.

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south africa

Lungile Zakwe

Lungile Zakwe is the Chief Operating Officer at Treatment Action Campaign. As the daily leader of almost fifteen individuals, Lungile always strive to encourage her people to be the best in all they do and share innovative and practical solutions to challenges they face regularly. “As a leader you must know when to lead and when to be led,” she says. Lungile is a smart hardworking businesswoman. She is also the founder and facilitator of the AFROFreedom Book Club. They support local cultural activities by going to theatres and attending local plays, visiting galleries, and listening to live jazz. She is also a mentor to young girls who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Chief Operating Officer

south africa

Muleya Mwanayanda Deputy Regional Director

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Muleya Mwanayanda is the Deputy Regional Director at Amnesty International. Amnesty International is a global human rights organisation which has for over 50 years has been at the forefront of fighting for people’s rights, including many in South Africa and the southern Africa region. In her current role at Amnesty, Muleya has significantly contributed to her organisation by running some major campaigns like the Albinism movement in Zambia. In South Africa she spearheaded Amnesty’s drive to get Lonmin to honor its housing obligations to its workers. “I am proud that many individuals’ lives have been changed because of Amnesty’s intervention,” she highlights. Muleya is a strong activist who on any day is proud to say that she is not afraid of putting herself on the line for justice to be served.

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Winners

egypt

Saffa Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan

Saffa Mohamed is a member of the Syndicate of Journalists and she also studied journalism from Cairo University. The 46-year-old got the first position in the preparation of the report at the International Center for Journalists in 2011 and she also holds quite a number of certificates in Research and social media, Interactive media and A Planning session and scientific research, disputes and sensitive issues coverage, professional in the media and Investigative journalists, to name a few. Mohamed also has a strong reference to her name. Additionally, Mohamed has served as a script writer, Training and Programs director, Women’s page Head, Project Coordinator and newspaper correspondent for Al-Jazirah and Al-Qabas.

Founder and Executive Manager

DRC

Therese Mapenzi Mema Director

Therese is Director of Centre Olame Bukavu. She has proven experience in holistic assistance to Sexual and Gender Based Violence survivors and in-depth knowledge of peacebuilding and gender and conflict transformation. She has a Master degree in Peacebuilding Studies and is an award winner of the Coventry prize for peace and reconciliation of November 2014, in the UK. She is also and award winner of the Shalom prize in June 2015 in Germany. Her mission is to restructure the management of Centre Olame Bukavu and contribute highly in the promotion of women and girls and their families. Therese also collaborates with civil society, governmental and international organisations to promote women and families initiatives for peace, reconciliation and auto finance.

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SECTOR

Foreword leading the way Wholesale & Retail The economic growth predicted for African countries and the growth expected in Africa’s consumer market provides major opportunities for retail and consumer companies looking to the future. Sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the fastest growing regions in the world and the successful expansion of a number of global and African retailers and consumer goods companies across the region speak to the opportunities that exist.

However, Africa’s fortunes are very much tied to those of the global economy. As such African retailers will need to focus their efforts on operational efficiency and managing the effect on their operations of volatile currencies. Significant global megatrends will help drive the retail and consumer goods industries and create future opportunities. Africa’s demographic dividend, its growing middle class and rising income levels, and rapid urbanisation will have a part to play in the continued growth of the retail sector across the continent.

For the foreseeable future, informal retail will continue to dominate sales in Sub-Saharan Africa. With the exception of South Africa and Angola, it is estimated that upwards of 90% of sales in the focus countries is through informal channels such as markets, kiosks, table-top sellers and street hawkers. However, the industry is in the process of modernising with a number of western-style shopping centres taking shape in countries like Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana.

Increasingly there is a growing movement towards local production. This trend is driven by a number of factors. These include, amongst other, political stability and government incentives to boost local manufacturing. To circumvent import duties, port delays and high transport costs, companies are also considering local production options. Despite the opportunities, manufacturing in Africa comes with unique challenges, such as power supply problems, high rentals, electricity and labour costs.

The dominance of informal trade and Africa’s large rural population makes distribution a complex exercise.

However, as 90% of sales are made through informal channels, those that ignore this segment are missing out on a significant share of potential revenue. There are also many examples of companies that have introduced innovative ways of improving their distribution in various countries.

Each country in Africa has its own value proposition. Smart investing in Africa means investors need to understand key regions and local markets. Despite the risks, retailers will continue to see the African market as a huge opportunity.

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regional

Winners

Zinhle Mbatha

Namucana Catherine Musiwa

Managing Director

Chief Executive Officer

South Africa Zinhle Mbatha is the Managing Director at Macaw Printers and Stationers. The day to day manager of about 15 people at Macaw Printers and Stationers is tied to huge responsibilities of the corporation like making most efficient utilization of the available sources for production, improving the productivity level and overseeing the production as well as marketing functions of the company. With over 15 years of business experience, Zinhle has an good educational background. She has a Diploma in Information Technology, various business certificates from colleges and the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Currently, she is a final year student at Durban University of Technology studying towards a Degree in Business Administration.

zambia Namucana is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of a Human Resource Consultancy firm called Career Prospects Limited that has been operating in Zambia since 2001 and was registered in the United Kingdom in 2014. She owns 90% of the shares and the other 10% are owned by her partner Quincy Bwalya. The firm specialises in recruitment of staff for all levels for a wide range of customers in public institutions, private sector and non-governmental organisations.

She is responsible for strategic direction and implementation, marketing intelligence, business promotion, corporate affairs, talent attraction and retention, performance management, stakeholder engagement, designing of training programmes, facilitation of training and taking the lead on most of the assignments implemented by Career Prospects Limited.

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south africa

Swaady Martin-Leke Founder and Chief Executive Officer

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Swaady is Founder of YSWARAYS and its CEO. YSWARA’s mission is to promote and preserve Africa’s rich culture and history through exceptional products made with natural resources

by African artisans. There is a magic to Africa of which its craftsmanship and inspiration are at the very foundation of luxury. YSWARA celebrates the richness of African cultural heritage in a vital and contemporary way. The brand is born from Swaady’s desire to preserve, safeguard, enhance and promote the extremely diverse and rich African craftsmanship, culture and history. She has received numerous distinctions and awards.

In 2012, she was hand-picked to be part of the prestigious Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship Programme and named one of the “Youngest Power Women in Africa” by Forbes. Swaady holds a Masters in Economic Sciences from the University of Lausanne and an MBA from the London School of Economics (LSE), NYU Stern Business School and HEC Paris Business School.

Higher Certificate in Management of Technology and Innovation with the elective stream: Principle-Based Leadership

“Empowering you with principled insight and core skills in all areas of leading self, others and change, for current or future leadership roles.�

The Da Vinci Institute is a School of Business Leadership focusing on the Management of Technology, Innovation, People and Systemic Thinking. Da Vinci prides itself on having a reputation for state-of-the-art thinking in all aspects of innovation, people and technology management and acts as a catalyst for government and leading industrialists through high-level think tanks, while adopting the Seven Da Vincian Principles in its approach. Through its South African and international partners, they offer a spectrum of programmes to create a cadre of business leaders who have the competence to lead their organisation successfully.

The Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management is registered with the Department of Education as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997.

Registration Certificate No. 2004/HE07/003.

The programmes at The Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management are accredited by the Council on Higher Education and offers Higher Certificates, Diplomas, Masters and Doctorate qualifications in the Management of Technology and Innovation and Bachelor of Commerce (Business Management).

Tel: +27 11 608 1331 | Website: www.davinci.ac.za | Email Address: info@davinci.ac.za

by Abigail Moyo

Take a turn to the ‘Outskirts’ of

GHANA Accra may be the heart of a western civilized state called Ghana, but there is more to Ghana than world known markets and museums found in this Capital City. The remarkable flora and fauna that flourishes away from the fussy and exhausting city life in the northern savannah assembles Ghana as a top destination for nature lovers and conservers. The country has a lot of destinations, some of which are declared as World Heritage Sites. However, if you want some time out of your hectic schedule and want to bond with nature then Mole National Park is the place to be.

M

ole National Park is Ghana’s largest wildlife refuge. The park is located in northwest Ghana on grassland savanna and riparian ecosystems at an elevation of 150m, with sharp escarpment forming the southern boundary of the park. This delightful sunny equatorial climate and fertile, well-watered soils sustain an enchanting selection of wildlife, ranging from elephants to monkeys and marine turtles to crocodile, as well as hundreds of colourful birds and butterfly species.

Mole was the first national park to be established in the country and within its terrain is the only place in Ghana where you can experience elephants in the wild. This park has the widest range of wildlife, making it the best site for safaris. Because of the lack of predators in the park, safaris can take place on foot. This is a unique experience that is quite different from the vehicle safaris in southern and eastern Africa. To actually walk so close to elephants is an exhilarating experience you will never forget.

Walking safaris generally take place in the early morning (6am) and late afternoon (4pm). Another option is to go on a driving safari, which can take up to a full day

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and affords you the opportunity to cover a much wider area of the park. The Mole Park Lodge has a viewing platform which overlooks a watering hole. Especially during the dry season (mid-December through mid-April), you will generally see herds of elephants grazing and bathing in the early morning or in the evening a couple hours before the sun sets.

The Cape Coast Castle Museum: Like the ocean of information (the internet), Ghana is one country that is also the ocean of history when it comes to Africans since the beginning of time. With numerous museums in the country, The Cape Coast Castle Museum stands out above many because of its extensive and triggering history. The Cape Coast Castle Museum is housed in one of the wings of the Cape Coast Castle situated in the Central Region.

The museum aims to educate its visitors about the advent of Europeans to Africa and their interactions with local communities and the Central Region in general.

The museum also includes exhibits on the pre-colonial history of the Central Region, in addition to displays on its contemporary culture.

The Cape Coast Castle Museum’s facilities include conference halls; a library; an arts and craft studio; a book store and gift shop; curio shops, a car park; and an open courtyard for outdoor activities. The Cape Coast Castle also hosts the Building History Museum. There is also a 45-minute guided tour, which allows visitors to view the castle’s dungeons, the condemned cell and the “Door of No Return”. The museum is open from 9:00am to 4:30pm every day.

Boti Falls: Boti falls is located just 17km North-east of Koforidua, the eastern regional capital. River Pawnpawn which forms the falls takes its source from AhenkwaAmalakpo before falling over an igneous rock outcrop at the Boti Langmase; and that is how the falls get its name.

Boti falls is 30m high with a legendary small hike down 250 concrete steps that takes you to the waterfall with a pool at the base which is good for swimming.

Guided tours of the Huhunya forest can be arranged.

Along the walk to the ancient cave, the umbrella rock and the three headed palm tree are two significant and notable viewings to observe. On the way there is a beautiful landscape, with lots of medicinal plants and trees with no wildlife.

Summer huts have been provided at the falls for picnic lovers. This could be the perfect opportunity for you to taste and try some local dishes and fruits as well. The drive to the falls is just over 30 minutes from Koforidua and over 90 minutes from Accra depending on your means of transportation.

Nzulezu Village: One cannot travel all the way to West Africa and return back without experiencing the culture and life of the village. Nzulezu village near the coast at the far western side of Ghana, near the border with Cote d’Ivoire, is a unique village in Ghana. The village is built on stilts above a lagoon.

It is essentially one long pier, called Main Street by the locals, with buildings constructed on both side. One side of the ‘street’ contains living quarters while the other side of the street has businesses, a school, a community center and other commercial ventures.

A visit to the village is an opportunity for one to get an experience of rural life and enjoy the friendliness and hospitality of the locals in Ghana. Here you will get to discover the various architectural styles of local houses and the distinctive way of living in these parts of the world. The serene ambiance of the surrounding landscape, coupled with the general activities of life on stilts points to a dynamic relationship between man and nature.

Traditional village life is adapted to the unique environmental conditions and all activities, such as the pounding of fufu (a traditional meal), schooling, worship, baptism and burials are carried out in the lake. The village of Nzulezu is about a seven hour drive west of Accra and some people love it because it is a great experience that one will never forget. But if you are staying at one of the beaches in the Western Region, such as Busua or Axim then the visit can easily be arranged by means of a day trip.

Sources: www.easytrackgahana.com; en.wikipedia.org; zainalodge.com; en.wikipedia.org; www.atlasobscura.com; www. ghanamuseums.org; touringghana.com; www.modernghana.com; www.easytrackghana.com; and www.ghanamuseums.com

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FINALISTS 2018

Finalists FINALIS

Agencies & Regulatory Authorities GHANA

Slyvia Asana Dauda Owu , Deputy Chief Executive Officer

zimbabwe Patience Gandiwa, International Cordinator

uganda Jeniffer Musisi, Chief Executive Officer

Agriculture South africa Makgomo Henrietta Umlaw, Group Executive HR

kenya Emmie Wachira, Communications Manager

Arts and Culture South africa Busisiswe Lukhele, Bookings and Events Cordinator

nigeria Adenrele Sanariwo, Gallerist Curator

ghana Ankhor Pearl Mwinabang, Chief Executive Officer

kenya Lorella Jowi, Founder

zambia Agnes Yombwe, Director

zimbabwe Nancy Mteki, Artist and DJ

Automotive and Components South africa Hayle Eagle, Director

South africa

Building & Construction South africa Jabu Serithi, Commercial Director

Business/Professional Services South africa Babalwa Fatyi, Managing Director

South africa Noelene Kotschan, Director

South africa Nadine Kater, Chief Executive Officer

South africa Devi Moodley, Chief Executive Officer

South africa Grace Mlimo, Chief Executive Officer

South africa Nathalie Chinje, Chief Executive Officer

South africa Gueeneth Shingage, HR Manager

ghana Lydia Bawa, Chief Executive Officer

kenya Gloria Otieno, Chief Executive Officer

zimbabwe Farai Bhiza, Associate Director

uganda Damalie Mukiibi, Managing Director

Chemicals, Pharmaceutical & Petrochemical tanzania Deevia Malsater, Assistant Chief Executive Officer

Finalists FINALIS

FINALISTS 2018 Education & Training: Academic

Financial Services namibia

GHANA Angela Acheampong, A. D Dean Nursing School

Dandagos Melani, Financial Market Technical Expert

namibia

GHANA Mirian Nkansah, Senior Lecturer

Kaunapaua Ndilula, Managing Director

ghana

tanzania Rosemary Mukama, Assistant Lecturer

Abena Brigidi, Chief Executive Officer

kenya

uganda Josephne Asege, Head of Nursery School

Nozipho Makhoba, COO

zimbabwe

zimbabwe Florence Mutambanengwe, Professor

Edna Mukurazhizha, Managing Director

zimbabwe

zimbabwe Sinikiwe Ghwatidzo, Registrar

zambia

Ruth Simuyemba, Head of HR

Government: Employed Official

Alice Shemi, Senior Lecturer

zimbabwe

south africa Nthabiseng Malinga, Chief Executive Officer

Stylish Magida, Deputy Dean

south africa

south africa Tuletu Njengele, Deputy Director

Natalie Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer

zimbabwe

nigeria Dorcas Ajiboye, Director

Idah Sithole Niang, Professor and Biotechnology Coordinator

Mauritius Nalini Luckheenarain, Permanent Secretary

Education & Training: Private south africa Alison Jane Moschetta, Principal and Chief Executive Officer

botswana Lydia Nyati, Cordinator

uganda Jover Byarugaba, Managing Director

south africa Betty Molemela, Judge

ICT south africa Daleen Dimitriu, Director

south africa Puleng Kwele, Chief Executive Officer AFRICA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018/2019

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FINALISTS 2018

Finalists FINALIS Media

ICT

South africa

SOUTH AFRICA Madelein de Beer, Director

Rehema Isa, Chief Executive Officer

South africa

KENYA Chaula Ganatra, Head of Strategy

Farah Fortune, Chief Executive Officer

Egypt

ZIMBABWE Pfungwa Chamanga, ICT Head

Logistics and Shipping South africa

Lydia Kamel, Senior Digital Account Manager

cameroon Makang Mireille, Chief Executive Officer

kenya

Gladys Ncube, Director of Operations

SOUTH AFRICA

Terryanne Chebet, Chief Executive Officer

mauritius

Pascale Noyau, Head of CIS

SOUTH AFRICA Jennifer Retief, Marketing Executive

SOUTH AFRICA

Lalita Jungee Anousha, Marketing & Communications

zimbabwe Tsitsi Madhodha, Managing Director

zimbabwe

Maria Du Preez, Development Director

Egypt Mana Roushdy, Sales and Marketing Manager

Tarisai Chikocko, Director

zimbabwe Felistas Murata, Chief Executive Officer

Manufacturing and Engineering Swaziland Sonia Paiva , Managing Director

ghana Nana Afua Sarpong , Director of Operations

zimbabwe Farai Kasese, SHEQ Officer Global

ghana Nana Afua Sarpong, Director of Operations

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uganda Rita Kabatunzi, Company Secretary

Medical uganda Maria Goretti, Medical Surgeon

SME SOUTH AFRICA Ntshantsha Majobozi, MD

Finalists FINALIS

FINALISTS 2018 Sport

south africa Dorah Vuyelwa, Board Member

south africa Martine Mwamwenzie, Founder

Tourism and Leisure south africa Anja Viljoen, Rooms Division Manager

south africa Reboneng Mkosi, Managing Director

south africa

Welfare and Civil Society Organisations south africa Yvonne Stigling, Head of Fundraising

south africa Manyara Munzara, External Engagement Advisor

cameroon Fadimatou Simo, Founder

cameroon Maximiliene Ngome, Exective Director

uganda Teddy Curran, Database Officer

Sandy Wood, Managing Director

ghana Cynthia Adjei, Customer Services Personell

kenya Lorna Seela, Chief Executive Officer

kenya Florence Njau, General Manager

kenya Joyce Kienji, Assistant Manager House Keeper

uganda Joan Else, Chief Executive Officer

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WOMEN

Need to take control of their

careers from an earlier age

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Other than the structural issues our society faces, one factor that has been fueling the existing gender pay gap in South Africa is the educational and career choices young women make.

T

he World Economic Forum says the pay gap is not simply because men and women are paid differently for the same job. Women tend to work in industries with lower average pay‚ rather than high-income areas such as finance or technology. Lindiwe Sebesho, Master Reward Specialist and Executive Committee Member of the South African Reward Association (SARA), says women have to empower themselves with knowledge about the skills demand patterns that attract more pay.

They need to use this information to their advantage when they choose their study areas and eventually make their career choices.

“It is also about understanding remuneration practices, especially when it comes to the pay gap issues,” says Sebesho. “Progress has been made from a legislative perspective to ensure that equal work gets equal pay but most employees, especially females, may not have enough information about this.”

Do the research Researching and reaching out to associations like SARA, who have large volumes of information on pay practices in different sectors, is part of how women can empower themselves. A good understanding of how remuneration packages are structured in both financial and non-financial benefit terms is key in ensuring that one understands job worth and one’s own package in relation to that.

Once again women should have a general sense of what the benchmark remuneration packages are for the jobs they are considering. This will help them determine whether they are being treated fairly.

Remuneration packages in many industries include short-and long-term incentives that are usually linked to company and individual performance conditions. “It is important to understand how these are calculated so that one can contribute optimally towards the success of the company in order to influence same,” Sebesho continues.

She says the non-financial part of the package does not put money in your pocket, but it does carry weight when the total package is considered. This includes company benefits such as pension fund contributions, medical aid schemes, the number of paid annual leave days, maternity leave days, access to educational bursary schemes, etc.

Although some of these benefits are legislated under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, many companies enhance their employee value propositions by offering more than what is legislated. For instance, women planning to start a family should consider what a company’s maternity leave policy is, over and above the financial remuneration elements.

“It certainly becomes an attractive offering that one must consider as part of their remuneration package when a company pays over and above the standard three months for maternity leave,” Sebesho remarks.

Track your progress Landing the perfect job or career is only the first step towards a successful career. To ensure that you are recognised and paid fairly for the work you do, it is important that one understands and optimises the performance management processes that the company follows to clarify expected deliverables.

“Make sure that whatever you are supposed to deliver is measurable and easy to substantiate in order to illustrate the contribution you are making,” Sebesho advises. “Keep track of your progress and achievements.”

Talk about your success Women tend to be too modest about what they are capable of. “Communicate your success and ensure that people who should know are fully aware of how you are delivering against your goals and therefore contributing to the company’s success,” Sebesho continues.

Is it a competitive world out there and standing out by empowering yourself with knowledge that will help you negotiate for a promotion, increase your pay or ensure fair pay is key. Many women assume that if they work hard, somebody will notice and recognise them. It does not happen – success is partly up to you and you have to take charge of it.

“You have to sell yourself,” Sebesho highlights. “You have to use every opportunity possible to display your achievements and how things can be done even better.”

In this way women can contribute towards making sure that the pay gap shrinks rather than grows.

For more information visit www.sara.co.za

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BMW X2

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by Carl Wepener and Lakhe Thwala

I

t comes with the latest technology that enables the driver and passengers to sit comfortably and enjoy the driving experience. It not only brings joy and driving pleasure to the segment but it also lifts the benchmark for its competitors.

I think that it was specifically designed for young, outgoing individuals and active people who are always on the road having the time of their lives.

Fuel consumption The new BMW X2 is more than just a new BMW X model. The car’s framework and xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system promises pure driving fun and cutting-edge engines strike the ideal balance between sporting dynamics and outstanding efficiency. The Sports Activity Coupe goes above and beyond any rival simply by the way it was created. It is reliable with an eye-catching design.

Its fuel consumption combines 6.3 – 5 l/100 km; CO² emissions combined: 14. – 131 g/km. This is a classy vehicle with sporty, urban genes and it makes a confident impression both in its segment and within the BMW X model family.

The latest technology is implemented at all levels and enables the driver to enjoy the driving experience This X2 goes above and beyond any rival past or present in bringing a new driving experience. Its exterior with its lovely lines is stunning and the interior just adds to the modern and prestige of the X2. This is an all-wheeldrive that offers the latest on the road technology elements and it also presents the digital services from BMW ConnectedDrive and BMW ConnectedDrive Services, both of which are available in freshly updated form. All these newest developments enhance the intensity to the overall BMW X2 driving experience.

“The BMW X2 represents an expression of modern and extrovert vehicle dynamics,” says Adrian van Hooydonk,

Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “Its standalone vehicle concept brings a new, fresh and exciting facet of the BMW to the compact segment.”

How does it differ from the X family?

The new BMW X2 stands out form its bigger brothers, the BMW X4 and X6. It is very unique, it is powerful and agile. This sporty car is more attractive and it is also attention-grabbing with its body structure and its new technology features.

One can fall in love with it at first sight. Its exterior design is attention-grabbing and it combines the fast moving body language and low-slung proportions of a Coupe with the robust construction of other BMW X models.

In addition, this is the first time this design detail has seen the light of day on a modern BMW. Its makeup emphasises the BMW X2 standalone nature whilst simultaneously and explicitly indicating its membership of the X family. Turning the memorable quadrangle shape on its head as an alternative widening from top to bottom.

Attractive and vibrant proportions Above all, the BMW X2’s proportions create its impressive and dynamic performance. It is shorter and more than seven centimetres lower than the BMW X1 but offers the same wheelbase. It also features the short overhangs coming with stretched, coupe-style roofline and slim window graphic.

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“The BMW X2 fuses the fast-moving forms of a coupe with the robust volumes of an X model,” indicates Sycha, Head of Design BMW Compact Class. “It was important to us to make these apparently conflicting aspects of the BMW X2 and the car’s individual character something you experience from every angle and at first glance.”

The X2 stands out from the X family The launch of the new X2 adds a new member to the BMW X family while making its debut and taking the world by storm. This model is powerful and agile, it has life-giving fresh feel even in its basic specification. Without a doubt, it has stolen the show from its X family brothers and certainly stands out with its highly distinctive appearance too.

The kidney grille and the black strip of cladding adjoining the body produces the characteristically robust X model look, while lending visual emphasis to the ground clearance.

Moreover, the placement of the brand logo on the C-pillars makes the new BMW X2 an extraordinary vehicle. The importance of legendary BMW models such as the 2000CS and 3.0 CSL is another element that draws attention to the sporting target of this astonishing vehicle.

Interior and exterior highlights Driver Focus The cabin of the BMW X2 focuses on the driver with its creative designs such as the instrument panel binnacle that is clearly directed at the road ahead.

All controls are positioned well to allow the driver to absorb their information with the single glimpse and operate them with extreme ease. All these latest developments transform the driver’s seat into an exclusive driving environment where the sportiness that the BMW X2 oozes through every inch of a journey can be experienced with special intensity.

Interior and equipment The high-class quality of the BMW X2 and its impressive level of equipment, even in the basic version are both instantly apparent. Its interior highlights the BMW elements, such as a prominent driver focus and dynamic lines, with the understated druggedness of a BMW X model. The interior of the M Sport and M Sport X models is trimmed in Micro Hexagon fabric Anthracite Dakota leather in Magma Red or the Micro Hexagon fabric Alcantara combination upholstery with yellow contrast stitching to match the Galvanic Gold metallic exterior paint shape.

The boot has the capacity of 470 litres, meaning it can perform several functions simultaneously and effortlessly handle leisure activities, from shopping

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sprees to a busy weekend. This eye-grabbing design is visible to the passenger compartment too. The door design features large pockets and stowage bins lower down is a great plus for storage space in the vehicle.

Exterior highlights The X2 has the M Sports steering for improved low speed manoeuvrability and more direct steering at higher speeds.

Is it affordable?

BMW X2 Petrol With all its latest developments, its pricing is not bad considering that it offers several elements at once and it definitely stands out from its competitors. The BMW X2 xDrive 18i is accessible from R591 300 and the X2 xDrive 20d steptronic from R642200. The BMW X2 M Sport X model is available from R621 000 and its steptronic version is obtainable from R671 900.

BMW X2 Diesel The BMW M Sport Model xDrive20d steptronic is available from R692 000. The M Sport X model is offered from R722 600.

I have to admit that this is one of the few cars that have a very special place in my heart. Its sporty design strongly relates to its target audience. As I have mentioned, the BMW X2 is specifically designed for people who are very outgoing and prefer a classy sports car while travelling.

Its exterior I strongly recommend this astonishing design is vehicle and I would definitely advise attentionpeople to consider it before buying grabbing and it anything else. It has a lot of the latest technology and offers the wellcombines the fast known quality and performance moving body of the BMW brand. You’ll language and low-slung definitely enjoy the new proportions of a Coupe with BMW X2, you have my word on this the robust construction of other one!

BMW X models.

SOUTH AFRICA

SAFETRX IS HERE!

33°55,12’S 018°21,85’E

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

The NSRI’s free RSA SafeTrx application is available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

SOME NEW FEATURES INCLUDE: • An Emergency Call button which allows you to quickly make a distress call from the application. The app sends an Emergency location update to the MRCC and your emergency contacts if you have a cell phone connection.

• Track only mode can be used to begin tracking at a touch of a button.

• Personalised Checklists aims to promote safety awareness by allowing you to create and review your own list of checklist items prior to departure.

• A new Mobile Logbook stores up to 20 trips on your phone, and can be replayed at any time within the app in video playback mode.

Visit the National Sea Rescue Institute’s website: www.searescue.org.za

HKLM/0486

HKLM/0486

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