2006 Winners - Gloria Serobe & Angela Dick
Winner of Corporate category ? Gloria Serobe and Entrepreneurial category - Angela Dick
Background
The Businesswoman of the Year Award has been recognising South Africa's outstanding businesswomen since 1980, and has grown in stature over the last 23 years, to become the premier event of its kind in the country and a notable part of the South African business calendar.
"As we do every year, 2003 saw the selection committee having to make very difficult choices, since the nominees list this year included some truly remarkable woman with extensive business expertise and all round achievements. In the end though, we feel that the five that have been chosen are truly exceptional." Says Businesswomen's Association President, Dr. Namane Magau.
The winner of the Businesswoman of the Year Award 2004 will be acknowledged for her achievements and stand proudly alongside previous winners such as Nicky Newton-King of JSE Securities Exchange South Africa (2003), Kim McFarland of Investec Asset Management (2002), Maria Ramos of the Department of Finance (2001), Irene Charnley of Johnnic Holdings (2000) to name but a few.
This Award, sponsored by Nedbank, is awarded to the woman adjudged by a panel of experts, to be South Africa's Businesswoman of the Year.
"We have been closely monitoring the growth in women's influence in business. Our own market research reveals that in 2003, 30 percent of the sample were women in top financial or executive positions in corporations, compared to 18 % in 2000 and 25 % in 2001, representing the growth of the influence that women have on the South African economy.. Many aspects of the value proposition offered by Nedbank strike a receptive chord with time-pressed career-women and women entrepreneurs," comments Rue Bateman, Nedbank spokesperson.
Bateman continues," Many of these women run both a business and a home. Pressed for time and looking for convenience, they insist on dealing with companies that recognise and understand their needs. Our emphasis on creating and sustaining solid client relationships has made us the bank of choice for many discerning businesswomen."
The Award focuses on three important elements, which have remained consistent over the years. Firstly, it exists to recognize and honour the achievement of South African women business leaders. Secondly, the Award helps to create a cadre of women role models. Lastly, it makes a tangible and sustainable contribution to the next generation of women business leaders; as all proceeds of the annual gala banquet, go to the BWA Bursary Fund. Since 1988, the Bursary Fund has assisted more than 45 women to further their tertiary business studies.
"By supporting the BWA's annual award, Nedbank hopes to raise the awareness of the crucial role that women play in business. Nedbank also sponsors a series of regional awards for women entrepreneurs and professionals. We are confident that these awards go one step further in creating new role models for aspiring businesswomen. In this way, the awards system becomes a process rather than a once-off event."