African Access National Business Awards make final call for 'Oscar nominees'

The nation's most glittering showcase of entrepreneurial and corporate talent will be staged at a gala event at the Sandton Convention Centre on June 23. There are only days to go before entries close on Wednesday, May 25.

The elite selection of companies entering the African Access National Business Awards is on the rise. Leading companies like Microsoft, General Motors SA (Pty) Ltd, Pick n Pay, 5FM, Seeff Property Services, City Lodge, Business Connexion, Primi World and Kraft Foods have all entered to compete for the most coveted 2011 business title of The Top Performing Company of the Year.

Top Performing Companies, the vehicle for the prestigious Awards programme, says the countdown to cut-off day is even more exciting than usual as business go-getters are building forward momentum day by day.

The business 'Oscars' are sponsored by investment company African Access Holdings, whose vision is to uplift and empower the lives of all South Africans, establishing a strong foundation for economic & social development. As part of African Access' vision, a strategic decision was made to sponsor the National Business Awards.

Shaun Battlemann, CEO of African Access Holdings recently announced: "True success is measured by its sustainability...and it is our duty and responsibility to ensure we create the appropriate platform for all South Africans, particularly those who were never previously afforded the opportunity to be able to participate, experience and empower themselves in the business sector.African Access' decision to sponsor the National Business Awards seeks to achieve exactly that - a successful, sustainable and economically liberated South Africa for all."

Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media, publisher of Top Performing Companies, says: "The relationship between African Access Holdings and Topco Media has driven the calibre of these Awards to new heights, in two years we have seen an unprecedented rise in participation of these Awards from some of South Africa's most distinguished businesses."

Ralf added that the pace of post-recession recovery is uneven, creating the possibility that certain companies could make a strong surge in the last couple of quarters."The number of entries have been mounting in recent weeks, but there is always the chance of a surprise during the final countdown. I have yet to find an entrant or finalist that hasn't won from entering these Awards. The only businesses that are losing out are those who do not enter at all".

Category sponsors of the 'Oscars' include Mutual & Federal, Kintetsu World Express, Business Tourism SA and Airports Company South Africa. Business Report and SAfm are official media partners who will be interviewing finalists, judges and sponsors on air during the run-up to the Awards.

VIP guests include Ms Tembakazi Mnyaka (Deputy President of the Black Management Forum), Dumisani Radebe (General Manager of Direct Sales at BMW South Africa) and Xolile George (CEO of the South African Local Government Association).

The guest speaker is one of the big hitters from the mining and minerals sector, Chris Griffith, CEO of Kumba Iron Ore.

The first judging session takes place on May 27.

The independent judging panel comprises of: Tyrone Naidoo (Director, BEE Online), Busi Skenjana (Managing Director, BSK - Marketing Agency), Ashantha Armogam (Managing Director, GRID WORLDWIDE Branding & Design), McLean Sibanda (CEO, Innovation Hub), Kelly Masete (Project Director: Members in Business, SAICA), Tim Modise (CEO, Sizwe Africa), Dr Sunette Steyn (Institute for Corporate Citizenship: Collaborative Governance and Partnership Research Programme, UNISA), Futhi Mtoba (board chairman, BUSA), Shirley Zinn (Deputy Global Head: Human Resources, Standard Bank), Dr Geoff Visser (Group Executive - Operational Excellence, SABS), Lance Fanaroff (joint-CEO, Integr8 IT) and Trinity Ncala (CEO, T&T Appointments).

More than 500 senior figures from government, commerce, the media and showbusiness are sure to attend business's biggest 'gig' of the year.

Stellar entertainment has already been lined up. Acts include Kelly Petlane (ex-Mango Groove) on sax, flute and pennywhistle for starters, followed by the big, brassy sound of five-piece jazz band Olufemi.

• Awards are presented to SMMEs, corporates and parastatals across 20 categories and include accolades for fast growth and workplace diversity.

3 easy ways for you to enter:

1. Call our nominations team on 086 000 9590
2. Request an entry form by (insert hyperlink)

3. Visit our website at www.africanaccessnba.co.za