Bay businesswomen, from left, Berenice Rose, Lana Field, Elana van Rooyen, Prof Elmarie Venter, Candice Parker and Pumeza Bono are the winners across 6 categories at tonight’s Port Elizabeth BWA Regional Business Achievers Awards at the Boardwalk. Photo: The Herald.
THE Port Elizabeth Businesswomen’s Association (BWA) has honoured six businesswomen as the best in their sectors in the annual BWA/Investec 2016 Regional Business Achievers Awards (RBAA), held at the Boardwalk last night.
Selected for their inspiring accomplishments from a pool of 18 – three in each category – the 2016 winners are:
- Emerging entrepreneur: Lana Field, of Epic Work and Travel;
- Entrepreneur: Elana van Rooyen, of Continental Butchery and Deli;
- Social entrepreneur: Berenice Rose, of Unity in Africa Foundation;
- Professional: Pumeza Bono, of Pumeza Bono Attorneys Inc;
- Corporate: Candice Parker, of Nashua PE; and
- Government: Prof Elmarie Venter, of NMMU.
Nearly 500 guests applauded the winners and fellow nominees at the glamorous event.
BWA branch chairwoman Michelle Brown said the annual awards acknowledged the economic and social impact of women entrepreneurs and professionals in the region.
“We contribute so much, alongside men, and deserve to stop a moment to reflect on and celebrate our achievements,” Brown said.
“The calibre of our phenomenal finalists is always exciting and inspiring as women increasingly employ their determination and creativity to meet the challenges of today’s working world.”
Investec Private Bank and Banking (SA) regional head Cumesh Moodliar said the organisation was proud of its relationship with the BWA and to be the event’s main sponsor.
“We join hands with the BWA in recognising the calibre of women who have accomplished so much in today’s tough business environment,” Moodliar said.
“Congratulations to the nominees and finalists in the various categories, but also to all members of the BWA – not only for the work you do, but for your commitment to the Eastern Cape community.
“We need more out-of-the-ordinary role models like you and we salute your success.”
Investec Private Bank marketing head Ruellen Bateman also applauded the finalists.
“We believe all leaders have one thing in common – ambition,” Bateman said.
“And none more so than the exemplary challengers this year.
“Congratulations to all the women who are being recognised by the BWA, who continually find a way to go above and beyond in their professional endeavours.”
The keynote speaker was Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, renowned for her leading role in the fashion and clothing industry, and co-founder and vice-chairwoman of the philanthropic Motsepe Foundation.
Organisers said nominations were submitted from a wide range of industries and the women did not need to be BWA members to enter.
Independent and audited judging then took place.
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