Hlahla named Businesswoman of the Year

The Businesswomen's Association (BWA) has named Monhla Hlahla, Managing Director of ACSA, as the Businesswoman of the Year for 2005. Under Hlahla's leadership, ACSA's revenues grew to R1.9 billion from R1.2 billion and operating profit by 66% to R902.3 million from R543.8 million.

The winner was announced at a gala banquet at the Sandton Convention Centre, Gauteng, and among the guests of honour was the Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

According to Dr Namane Magau, President of the BWA, the award - now in its 26th year - acknowledges the successes of a businesswoman who has excelled in her particular field and celebrates her contribution to the economy and to future generations of businesswomen: "Hlahla's accomplishments are an inspiration to us and she is a role model for other women."

Tom Boardman, CEO of Nedbank, says: "This year's winner has demonstrated that transformation, sound leadership and a customer driven culture have become an intrinsic part of doing business the South African way. We applaud Monhla Hlahla on her achievement."

Nedbank has been the sponsor of BWA since the inception of the association five years ago.