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Johannesburg - Former SA deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka was honoured with the Woman of Substance Award by the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) during their annual fundraising event on Thursday.
“Throughout her illustrious career, Mlambo-Ngcuka has worked tirelessly to diminish gender stereotypes that continue to impede the development of women in South Africa,” said AWCA president Lesego Sennelo.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is currently the United Nations undersecretary-general and executive director of UN Women.
“Mlambo-Ngcuka is continuing where she left off in South Africa to champion the cause of women development on an international stage. The judicious leadership she provides has made her the worthy candidate for the 2014 Woman of Substance Award.”
This prestigious award, in its 10th year, is presented to an exceptional woman who has played a significant role in uplifting the role of black women in the accounting, audit and financial professions; or a woman who has consistently demonstrated substantial and innovative leadership in areas of governance and business aimed at realising gender parity.
Her career in leadership positions has been most notable. It includes distinguished roles as deputy minister of Trade and Industry, minister of Minerals and Energy, the first female deputy president of South Africa including the current Chancellorship at Tshwane University of Technology. She has served as executive director and head of United Nations Women since 2013.
Celebrate unsung heroes
Accepting the award on her behalf, her daughter Akona Ngcuka said: “My mother Phumzile is disappointed that she could not be here to personally share her joy and gratitude for being honoured at this level by the women her country, where there are many deserving women who have made us proud.
“They continue to make a difference in our communities and many continue to raise the bar within their professions, many are unsung heroes. She salutes and thanks them for making our country a better place and for inspiring us.”
The gala evening serves as both a fundraising platform and prize giving celebration. The AWCA’s bursary fund raised R1.75m in 2013 towards the education of African women who aspire to become CAs. To date, the scheme has provided financial assistance to 61 students, most of whom have qualified as CAs.
According to Sennelo they have exceeded the target of growing the number of black female CAs to 3 000 by 2015 and as of June 2014 there are 3 703 black female CAs. The organisation also aims to create awareness about the CA profession to over 100 000 black female school pupils by 2015.
It’s through partnerships with fellow member bodies such as the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of South Africa (ABASA) that we are able to effect such change.
Past Woman of Substance Award recipients:
2005 - Stella Sigcau
2006 - Gloria Serobe
2007 - Wendy Luhabe
2008 - Sindi Zilwa
2009 - Monhla Hlahla
2010 - Nonkululeko Gobodo
2011 - Futhi Mtoba
2012 - Dr Brigalia Bam
2013 - Philisiwe Mthethwa
- Fin24
