Jupiter CEO shortlisted for Businesswoman of the Year

Corporate Businesswoman category

BWA president Basetsana Kumalo says the calibre of entries for this year's awards has been exceptional and the judging panel had a challenge narrowing down the entries to just five outstanding women.

“The BWA is excited about the 2007 finalists and we are proud to be associated with such exceptional women who continue to inspire and encourage us to strive for excellence as we pursue our career paths.

“Not an easy task”

“It is not an easy task to single out just five women from a group that comprises of businesswomen who are beacons of hope for many upcoming businesswomen. As has become the trend, this year's nominees comprised a refreshing mix of well-recognised names in business and some trailblazing newcomers. We congratulate our five finalists and commend them on their achievements. The individual roles they play in the business environment undoubtedly goes a long way in building a great South Africa. We wish them all the best,” she says.

“This year's deserving finalists represent a diversity of industries, illustrating yet again that women can excel in any given role, provided the barriers are removed and they are ready to take advantage of the opportunities that are opening up for them.

“We applaud the achievements of these outstanding women leaders and trust they will inspire others to follow in their footsteps,” says Nedbank's director of group strategy and corporate affairs, Nombulelo (Pinky) Moholi.

The Businesswoman of the Year Award has been recognising and honouring South Africa's outstanding businesswomen since 1980. The award also creates a cadre of women role models and celebrates the contribution women make to the economy and future generations of businesswomen.

Nominations were called for in April and finalists were selected by the BWA, together with independent adjudicators. This year's finalists will be judged on Wednesday 11 July and the winners in each category will be announced on Thursday 2 August at a gala banquet to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre. Proceeds from the event will go towards the BWA Bursary Fund.