This year’s awards ceremony was especially meaningful as it coincided with South Africa's 30th anniversary of democracy, emphasising collective growth, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to building an inclusive and equitable society. The event highlighted the achievements of organisations and individuals who have prioritised broad-based black economic empowerment, making substantial impacts on their communities and industries.
Lee-Ann Bruce, Associate Publisher at Topco Media, reflected on the significance of the event, stating, “As we reflect on the achievements of our committees and winners, let us all remember the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Every story shared is a testament to the meaningful, limitless potential within each of us to effect meaningful change and to build a more inclusive society.”
"Humanity cannot survive without kindness, the same way that a candle cannot burn without fire." - Professor Bonang Mohale
Prof Bonang Mohale, Chancellor of the University of the Free State, delivered a powerful keynote speech that critiqued the persistent poverty in Africa and urged for more inclusive spaces for everyone to reach their potential. “Isn't it amazing that 30 years into democracy, poverty still has primarily a black and feminine face?” he asked, encouraging a renewed focus on leadership that creates more leaders, not followers. He also underscored the necessity of kindness and ethical leadership.
The event was eloquently hosted by award-winning South African radio presenter and television broadcaster, Leanne Manas. She opened the ceremony by acknowledging the transformative changes in business practices and celebrating the change agents committed to addressing past imbalances and shaping a brighter future. Manas also praised the distinguished panel of judges and the trailblasers who were recognised for their contributions.
“The job is not done. We have to acknowledge the organisations of the people who are stepping up.” - Khensani Nobanda, group executive: group marketing and corporate affairs, Nedbank
Dr Mathews Phosa & Khensani Nobanda
Prof. Bonang Mohale
Head judges Khensani Nobanda, the group executive: group marketing and corporate affairs at Nedbank, and Dr. Mathews Phosa, a celebrated South African Leader, a prominent businessman and Attorney, provided insightful commentary on the awards process. Khensani emphasised the importance of storytelling in business and the real impact beyond the B-BBEE scorecard.
Dr Mathews Phosa highlighted the transformative power of technology and the collective aspiration for national stability and good governance, declaring, “We buy into stability. We buy into economic success, into job creation... We buy into a country where integrity and honesty and good governance rules.”
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our key sponsors, particularly Nedbank and Merchants, for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, we are not just celebrating achievements but also inspiring a future where empowerment and inclusivity are at the forefront of our nation's progress,” adds Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media.
2024 Oliver Top Empowerment Awards winners:
Top Empowered Company: Fast Growth Black-owned Smme Of The Year Winner: Sekunjalo Engineering Solutions
Winner: Sekunjalo Engineering Solutions
Runner up: NTGR Engineering Projects CC
Finalists:
- Qualitative Innovative Solutions (Pty) Ltd
- Geeks4Learning (Pty) Ltd
- ST Africa Trading Enterprises CC
- Y-Brand
- MSCT BEE Services (Pty) Ltd
- Golden Rewards 1981 CC
- Kopano Bus Service
- Masithithuke Holdings
- Zimasa Group of Companies
- Technique Drilling Services (Pty) Ltd
Top Empowered Company: Sustainable Business Of The Year - Sponsored By Merchants - Sponsored by Merchants
Winner: Sanlam Limited
Runner up: Sun International Ltd
Finalists:
- AECI Ltd
- SLG (Pty) Ltd
- Servicios Empresaviales Holdings
- Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Top Empowered Company: Diversity, Equity And Inclusion In The Workplace Of The Year
Winner: African Bank Holdings Limited
Runner up: LexisNexis (PTY) Ltd
Finalists:
- JSE Limited
- Shared Value Africa
- Mondi South Africa (Pty) Ltd
- Sibanye-Stillwater
Top Empowered Company: Digital Transformation Of The Year Award
Winner: LexisNexis (PTY) Ltd
Finalists:
- Boxfusion
- Liquid Intelligent Technologies
- Turner & Townsend (Pty) Ltd
- Vodacom Group Ltd
Top Empowered Company: Localisation Of The Year Award
Winner: The South African Breweries (Pty) Ltd
Runner up: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Finalists:
- Nestlé (Pty) Ltd
- Boxfusion
- Sanofi
Top Empowered Public Sector Of The Year Award
Winner: State Diamond Trader
Finalists:
- Community Schemes Ombud Services
- Mega Ltd
Top Empowered Company: Education And Skills Development Of The Year Award
Winner: Reverside Software Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Runner up: In2food Group (Pty) Ltd
Finalists:
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- Palabora Mining Company
- In2IT Technologies (Pty) Ltd
- Liquid Telecommunications South Africa (Pty) Ltd
- Old Mutual Ltd
Top Empowered Company: Enterprise And Supplier Development Award - Sponsored by Nedbank
Winner: Mondi South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Runner up: Sanlam Ltd
Finalists:
- The South African Breweries (Pty) Ltd
- Vea Road Maintenance & Civils (Pty) Ltd
- Sun International Ltd
- Sasol
Top Empowered Company: Socio-economic Development Of The Year Award
Winner: Sasol
Finalists:
- AECI Ltd
- African Bank Ltd
- Oceana Ltd
- Vea Road Maintenance and Civils (Pty) Ltd
- Palabora Mining Company
Top Empowered Company: Job Creation Of The Year Award
Winner: NTT DATA, MEA
Finalists:
- Boxfusion
- Reverside Software Solutions (Pty) Ltd
- AECI Ltd
Top Empowered Company: Youth Development
Winner: Liquid Intelligent Technologies
Finalists:
- Sasol
- Sanlam Ltd
- Y-Brand
- NTT DATA, MEA
- INSETA
- Servicios Empresaviales Holdings
Top Empowered: Public Sector Leader Of The Year Award
Winner: COGTA NW -Setshwakge Phando Ephraim Legoale
Runner up: State Diamond Trader - Nosiphiwo Mzamo
Finalists:
- Mega - Isaac Mahlangu
- Salga - Thembeka Mthethwa
- Community Schemes Ombud Services - Thembelihle Mbatha
- INSETA - Gugu Mkhize
Top Empowered: Richard Fletcher Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Winner: Y-Brand - Kabelo Ncholo
Kopano Bus Service - Olivia Maponya
Finalists:
- Masithithuke Holdings - Liyanda Handula
- MSCT BEE Services (Pty) Ltd - Stanley Grau
- Zimasa Group of Companies - Dorothy Tyobeka
- Technique Drilling Services (Pty) Ltd - Oletta Ntshane
- NTGR Engineering Projects CC - Abednico Mkhari
Top Empowered: Young Achiever Award
Winner: Sekunjalo Engineering Solutions (Pty) Ltd - Nerissa Chegwidden
Finalists:
- Turner & Townsend (Pty) Ltd - Habel Mwikamba Mwashigadi
- Old Mutual Limited - Janelle Chetty
- ST Africa Trading Enterprises CC - Tebogo Mahlaela
Top Empowered: Business Leader Of The Year Award
Winner: The Institute of Directors in South Africa - Parmi Natesan
Finalists:
- Palabora Mining Company - Guangmin Wei
- In2Food Group (Pty) Ltd - Eshwin Booysen
- Servicios Empresaviales Holdings - Mpumi Maesela
Top Empowered Company: Business Of The Year Awards - Sponsored by Nedbank
Winner: Oceana Ltd
Runner up: JSE Limited
Finalists:
- The Institute of Directors in South Africa (NPC)
- SLG (Pty) Ltd
