Rising Star Awards announces SA’s finalists in business talent

The Rising Star Awards recently named its finalists with the goal of highlighting South Africa’s top youth in business. There were eleven categories ranging from ICT to Mining & Industrials, with a total of five finalists in each.

Laura Barker, MD of BlackBark Productions — organisers of the Rising Star programme, says, “The Rising Star Programme serves as a platform to recognise and connect young talent who demonstrate exceptional capacity to achieve great success and contribute in an inspirational manner to the future progress of business and society.”

Barker further explains that the Rising Star Programme will see to further foster local talents in the business sector. This would be done by providing mentorship, as well as the necessary platforms for development and communication. “he programme will nurture these organisational and national assets who are set to play a key role in shaping the country and our continent,” she says.

Stefan Ferreira, commercial director of CEB South Africa — sponsor and managers of the judging process, highlights this year’s aspirational entrepreneurial crop. She says:

“Initial results from the talent assessment process shows that this year’s applicants are a self-starting, entrepreneurial group that have the drive and desire to make rapid impact in the workplace. Organisations need to invest in identifying top talent and developing their potential to ensure they have the right talent to drive future productivity, innovation and performance.”

After sifting through a record-breaking 301 entries, the judges decided on 55 finalists, all under the age of 40. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 28 July. Here are the finalists:

Entrepreneur

• Zuko Mandlakazi of Six Sib Inc
• Asanda Saule of Fiction Imitates Reality
• Harry Welby-Cooke of Action Coach
• Anda Maqanda of AM Groups
• Justine Botes of Prize Voucher

ICT

• Noleen Ilunga-Muleya of Wipro
• Thato Padi of Innovation Group (Pty) Ltd
• Clara Namnick of Business Connexion
• Muthe Rambuwani of PCubed
• Tamika Mercedes of Innovation Group (Pty) Ltd

Banking & Financial Services

• Marlon Reddy of Standard Bank
• Sonja Pascoe of Standard Bank
• Caren Robb of AFB
• Isabella Marta de Langa of Standard Bank
• Mayandree Govender of Standard Bank

Logistics & Supply Chain

• Francois van Rensburg of Dovetail Business Solutions
• Leeanne Soobramoney of The Point Of Purchase Warehouse
• Olebogeng Sydney Seamrco of Transnet Freight Rail
• Emma Gwala of Transnet Port Terminals
• Khanyi Mamba of DHL Express

Energy & Chemicals

• Mxolisi Bhebhe of Engen Petroleum
• Lisa Ferraz of Engen Petroleum
• Adriana de Beer of Sasol
• Nobleman Kani of Engen Petroleum
• Nthabiseng Mutisya of Engen Petroleum

Manufacturing, Retail & FMCG

• Joanne Hodgson of Ellerine Holding Limited
• Millicent Molete of Nestle
• Andrew Jackson of DionWired
• Kim Jensen of Aspen Pharmacare
• Werner Beukes of Ellerine Holding Limited

Media & Advertising

• Lee-Anne Coosner of Media24
• Xolane Ngobozana of Viruz Empire Entertainment
• Theogaren Moodley of Bonngoe.tv
• Joey Legodi of SABC
• Wayne Hempe of TBWA\HUNT\LACARIS

Mining & Industrials

• Glen Nwaila of Sibanye Gold Limited
• Neo Hutiri of ArcelorMittal
• Brendan Marais of ArcelorMittal
• Frances Phillips of ArcelorMittal
• Ronald Naidoo of ArcelorMittal

Professional Services

• Jutta Villet of DAV Professional Placement Group
• Rohitesh Dhawan of KPMG
• Silas Mohale of PwC
• Angie Botes of Dante Personnel Recruitment (Pty) Ltd
• Georgina Smit of Arup

Public & Private Service

• Wiebke Toussaint of Engineers Without Borders South Africa
• Benita Olivier of University of the Witwatersrand
• Thandeka Mazibuko of Sinomusanothando Community Development
• Mashilo Mpya of MSC Business College
• Mandisa Singata of Effective Care Research Unit, East London

Tourism & Hospitality

• Marvin Theron of City Lodge Hotels
• Dominic Fry of Hilton Hotels
• Malcolm Fynn of Hilton Hotels
• Craig Donaldson of Hilton Hotels
• Abia Rakoma of City Lodge Hotels

Image: By Heisenberg Media via Flickr