2010 Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award Lifetime Achiever, Dr Mamphela Ramphele

This past weekend, a group of South Africa's heroines were recognised for their contributions to making this country a better place at the Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Awards. The original Shoprite Checkers/SABC 2 Woman of the Year Award was cancelled last year, with the retailer focussing instead on the launch of a feeding scheme for poor communities. But 2010 has seen the return of the awards - with a new identity. Gone are the previous categories such as Science and Technology, Sport, Arts and Culture; now the list includes the likes of Youth Movers and Good Neighbours. In the Corner Shop to Big Business Makers category, Lucilla Booyzen made the local fashion world proud by winning this title for her efforts to the industry as founder of SA Fashion Week. Although there is no longer a single overall winner as in previous years, a Lifetime Achiever Award has now been put in place - with the honours going to Dr Mamphela Ramphele. With so many of these women coming from such humble beginnings, they have proven that with a little faith and drive, you can make a huge difference to the lives of others, no matter what your circumstances. So a big congratulations to all the winners, finalists and nominees - you are women; now roar!

Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor
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