Honours for South African retail leaders

Chris Lawrence, winner of the SACSC Lifetime Achievement Award.

Maponya is a South African entrepreneur and property developer best known for building a business empire despite the restrictions of apartheid and his determination to see the Soweto township develop economically. He realised his 26-year dream of building a mall in the heart of Soweto with 70 000 sqm Maponya Mall in 2007.

Amanda Stops, CEO of the SACSC, says, "With the SACSC Pioneer Award, we recognise him for his innovation and forward thinking over the years and for the substantial mark he has made on our industry."

Chris Lawrence's retail property career spans influential positions at Murray & Roberts, Marriott Retail and Old Mutual Property. He has also been an active member of the SACSC including various committees, national council and executive committee. Chris was President of the SACSC from 2005 to 2007.

"We recognise his excellence, dedication, leadership and pure brilliance and we take great pleasure in awarding him with the SACSC Lifetime Achievement Award," concludes Stops.