There are always new challenges. Roz has chaired conferences and given speeches at a range of events, but recently for the first time she hosted an awards ceremony at a formal dinner in the City of London.
She was delighted to host the South African Chamber of Commerce awards at Saddlers’ Hall on January 31st, 2024, honouring businesses and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, innovation, and resilience in their respective fields, reflecting the dynamic business landscape of both the UK and South Africa across a broad range of disciplines. Attended by almost 100 finalists, guests, members, and supporters, the atmosphere was warm and the enthusiasm contagious.
Sharon Constançon, Chair of the South African Chamber said “The night was one of ‘Ubuntu’ – the feelings of compassion, humanity and togetherness – where the audience were truly touched by the winners. This sentiment was totally relevant to the African proverb I quoted – “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
The Awards celebrated the achievements of 22 people and their businesses. There were nine people that tipped the post to be winners; as some of the winners were unable to be in London, they were awarded online, within the room. This online live broadcast brought all the finalists together globally, so we all could rejoice in their recognition.
The evening started with a three-course meal followed by the announcement of the winner for each of the following categories:
- Business Woman of the Year – Joint Winner: KONI MALIEHE, CEO, Koni Wines (SA), CAROLL MASEVHE, Managing Director, Kapcor Construction (Pty) Ltd (SA)
- Young Business Leader Award – Winner – FARAI IAN MUVUTI, CEO, The Southern African Times (UK)
- ESG Leader Award – Winner – JEREMY FORD, Director & Trustee, Qhubeka (UK)
- DE&I Leader Award – Winner – ARLENE WILSON-MAX, Managing Director Pan Africa Exchange (Pty) Ltd (SA)
- Business Leader Award – Winner – SIRA DHESHAN NAIDU, Co-founder/Owner, Disruptor London Ltd (UK)
- Innovator of the Year – Winner – DR JAISHREE NAIDOO, CEO, Envisionit Deep AI (UK)
- Chairman’s Award, sponsored by Hogan Lovells – Joint Winner – REFILWE BUTHELEZI, President, Engineering Council of South Africa (SA), NATALIE POLLOCK, Managing Director, Sporting Chance (SA)
Thanks so much to Sharon Constançon Chair of the South Africa Chamber, and her team for arranging an inspiring and at times very moving event with winners both in person and online from South Africa.
As Roz quoted in her speech before the awards, Nelson Mandela famously said: “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” An important message which the awards winners and finalists are all illustrating can be done.
