Rising Star Award winners announced

1 Aug 2016

The winners of the 5th Annual Standard Bank Rising Star Awards were announced at Sandton Hilton on 22 July. The Rising Star Programme - operated by BlackBark Productions - recognises, celebrates and connects young talented individuals who have the capacity to excel in their chosen fields, and who contribute to the future of our nation in an inspirational manner.

ICT winner: Britehouse’s Gareth Kingston (left) receives his award from Eric Shipalana, group HR director of ADvTECH Group.

The awards are for individuals in the 28-40 year age category, and form part of a platform where winners can go beyond just the recognition for work already done, and participate in a leadership and development programme throughout the year after winning. They also have an opportunity to network across industry sectors, with both their fellow winners, and top minds in the country through a mentorship programme.

Hosted by MC Siv Ngesi, the evening was opened by Standard Bank’s Lincoln Mali (group head of card and emerging payments across Africa in personal and business banking), who encouraged this year’s rising stars to soar to great heights, but to always remain grounded and remember the lessons learned by those who came before them. The guest speaker was David Molapo, management consultant, educator and well-known motivational speaker, who shared his experience in dealing with challenges, and encouraged the audience to understand that a life without challenges is a life without strength, and that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

Sponsors for the 5th Annual Standard Bank Rising Star Awards include Standard Bank, ArcelorMittal, Sasol, merSETA, Transnet Freight Rail, Liberty Corporate, Hilton Worldwide, AJ Charnaud, Telkom, GradConnection, Vieple, Citizen Ecowatch and Mulderbosch wines.