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Cape Town - The Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa (BWACT), Cape Town Branch announced its 2014 Regional Business Achiever Awards at the Crystal Towers Hotel on Wednesday evening.
BWACT, which commemorated its 35th anniversary, acts as a lobby group that advocates on women's business issues in an effort to transform the economy.
The sixteen finalists, ranging from women at start-up level and entrepreneurs to professionals in profitable practises and corporate women at executive level, were nominated by their peers.
After a stringent judging process, the respective winners in the five categories of entrepreneur, corporate, emerging entrepreneur, professional and social entrepreneur sectors were announced.
Top entrepreneur
The award for entrepreneur, which applauds women who own and run their own profitable businesses, went to Jacqueline Burge of Rarity handbags.
She was one of the first entrepreneurs to be awarded the ANC Youth league Umsobomvu business bursary and this, together with her past experience, have helped Burge mould the business practices of the company.
Corporate award
Ronel van Dijk of Spur Group won the award in the corporate category. It recognises women in senior positions who are excelling in the corporate world.
From humble beginnings as a Spur waitress, whilst completing her business degree, Van Dijk has gone on to become the Group’s financial manager and is now fulfilling the supervisory role for the IT, human resources and transformation departments.
Professional category
Winning the award in the professional category, which acknowledges those who have obtained a professional qualification in their industry and enjoy the accreditation of a professional body, was Dr Martie Lancellas of the Strong Foundation.
After serving in senior HR positions in the retail industry for 20 years, Lancellas launched the Strong Foundation from her home in 1991.
The organisation, which offers life, executive leadership, business and team coaching, benefits from her combined knowledge and experience in business, the behavioural sciences, co-active coaching and leadership.
Social entrepreneurship
For her work at Ikamva Youth, Joy Olivier won the award in the social entrepreneur category, which recognises businesswomen who apply practical, innovative and sustainable solutions that benefit society.
Olivier is one of the co-founders of Ikamva Youth and has been involved in all aspects of the organisation from the outset.
All of her work has been focused on redressing inequality and injustice in South Africa through the promotion of equal access to quality education and opportunities.
Emerging entrepreneur
Katherine Pichulik of Pichulik was awarded the title of emerging entrepreneur.
This award acknowledges those who showcase innovation and sound business practices while starting a business.
Following her graduation from Michaelis UCT with a BFA Fine Arts, Pichulik went on to complete a Diploma in Patisserie. Thereafter she travelled to India and Spain, working at bakeries and on organic farms.
Upon her return to Cape Town in August 2012 she began a bespoke range of bold accessories designed out of rope and found materials.
After only one year of its existence, the company quickly accrued a slew of achievements, with products being photographed in multiple local and international magazines and exported to shops around the world.
The jewellery designer is inspired by the local design community and women entrepreneurship.
Robyn Hey, chairperson of the BWACT, said the winners and finalists are all wonderful examples of women at the height of their careers who, through their dedication and ambition, are leading the way for others to follow in their footsteps.
- Fin24
BWACT, which commemorated its 35th anniversary, acts as a lobby group that advocates on women's business issues in an effort to transform the economy.
The sixteen finalists, ranging from women at start-up level and entrepreneurs to professionals in profitable practises and corporate women at executive level, were nominated by their peers.
After a stringent judging process, the respective winners in the five categories of entrepreneur, corporate, emerging entrepreneur, professional and social entrepreneur sectors were announced.
Top entrepreneur
The award for entrepreneur, which applauds women who own and run their own profitable businesses, went to Jacqueline Burge of Rarity handbags.
She was one of the first entrepreneurs to be awarded the ANC Youth league Umsobomvu business bursary and this, together with her past experience, have helped Burge mould the business practices of the company.
Corporate award
Ronel van Dijk of Spur Group won the award in the corporate category. It recognises women in senior positions who are excelling in the corporate world.
From humble beginnings as a Spur waitress, whilst completing her business degree, Van Dijk has gone on to become the Group’s financial manager and is now fulfilling the supervisory role for the IT, human resources and transformation departments.
Professional category
Winning the award in the professional category, which acknowledges those who have obtained a professional qualification in their industry and enjoy the accreditation of a professional body, was Dr Martie Lancellas of the Strong Foundation.
After serving in senior HR positions in the retail industry for 20 years, Lancellas launched the Strong Foundation from her home in 1991.
The organisation, which offers life, executive leadership, business and team coaching, benefits from her combined knowledge and experience in business, the behavioural sciences, co-active coaching and leadership.
Social entrepreneurship
For her work at Ikamva Youth, Joy Olivier won the award in the social entrepreneur category, which recognises businesswomen who apply practical, innovative and sustainable solutions that benefit society.
Olivier is one of the co-founders of Ikamva Youth and has been involved in all aspects of the organisation from the outset.
All of her work has been focused on redressing inequality and injustice in South Africa through the promotion of equal access to quality education and opportunities.
Emerging entrepreneur
Katherine Pichulik of Pichulik was awarded the title of emerging entrepreneur.
This award acknowledges those who showcase innovation and sound business practices while starting a business.
Following her graduation from Michaelis UCT with a BFA Fine Arts, Pichulik went on to complete a Diploma in Patisserie. Thereafter she travelled to India and Spain, working at bakeries and on organic farms.
Upon her return to Cape Town in August 2012 she began a bespoke range of bold accessories designed out of rope and found materials.
After only one year of its existence, the company quickly accrued a slew of achievements, with products being photographed in multiple local and international magazines and exported to shops around the world.
The jewellery designer is inspired by the local design community and women entrepreneurship.
Robyn Hey, chairperson of the BWACT, said the winners and finalists are all wonderful examples of women at the height of their careers who, through their dedication and ambition, are leading the way for others to follow in their footsteps.
- Fin24
