"This year, BWA Celebrates 35 years of courage, achievement and leadership in honour of the outstanding leaders who have contributed to South Africa from an economic, social or business perspective" said Businesswomen's Association of South Africa (BWASA), National BWA Board Member and Durban Chairperson, Farzanah Mall, speaking at the  annual Regional Business Achiever Awards.
Mall congratulated the 8 winners, adding, "being a finalist is a wonderful honour and achievement and whilst we may have only one winner in each category each of you have impressed us with your passion, knowledge and skills.  Your focus and perseverance to achieve success despite the various challenges you may have faced is to be lauded."
 "Hosting an awards evening of this nature allows us the opportunity to recognise businesswomen who are exemplary leaders and inspirational role models," Mall said, "women who have not only achieved business and professional success but who have contributed to the development of their teams and given to the broader communities"
Felicia Mabuza Suttle, who flew in from the US to be the guest speaker for the evening, inspired audiences with her words of wisdom.  Guests of honour at the 2014 event included the Judge President of the High Court of South Africa KwaZulu-Natal Division-Honourable Justice Chiman Patel; the First Lady Thembeka Mchunu; Dr May Mkhize, Vice Chancellors of Universities in KZN,CEO's and Directors of major corporates, businesses, entreprenuers and professionals.
 
The Awards actively seek to identify, acknowledge, cultivate and recognise small businesses, professional practices, corporate's and established entrepreneurs who have achieved in their respective fields.
Mall highlighted the importance of collective leadership to address socio economic issues and the achievements of the association in terms of impacting lives.
"As an association, we are extremely proud of the contribution we have made and continue to make towards socio-economic growth. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have provided your time, money and resources to help empower, teach, grow and recognise others."
The 7 Key Sponsors of this event included IDC, Telkom, Unilever, Durban ICC, KPMG, ABSA and Women of Africa. Funds raised from the Gala Dinner go towards supporting the BWA bursary programme, which has already awarded in excess of 76 bursaries to South African women wishing to pursue advanced business degrees.
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Regional Business Achiever Awards 2014 - Winners
 
Corporate Category - SAMANTHA CROFT is the General Manager of Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani,Tsogo Sun's most profitable hotel in South Africa. Samantha is qualified in Hospitality and Tourism Management and has been in the hospitality industry for 24 years. Samantha is the Vice chairperson of the Durban Community Tourism Organisation and sits on the Durban Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee.
 
Professional Category - DR. SARAH FAKROODEEN is a medical director and doctor at the Highway Hospice, a position she has held for over 17 years.Dr. Fakroodeen is a graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She holds a diploma in obstetrics and has her Masters in Palliative Medicine. Dr. Fakroodeen is the chairperson of the Palliative Care Society of South Africa and has completed various publications. She also conducted numerous presentations at conferences.
 
Entrepreneur Category - Sandhya Maharaj is the founder of Kieral Springs, a plant specialising in bed spring manufacture. Kieral Springs is a supplier to some of South Africa's leading brands of mattresses and was established in 2005. The company operates productions plants in both Kwa Dukuza and Isando. Sandhya is an educator by profession and initially established a retail bedding store in rural Pongola in 1998.
 
Emerging Entrepreneur Category - Deborah Thackray is a Director and Co-founder of Alliance Enterprise Consulting (AEC), a SAP consulting business which was established in 2012. They offer a comprehensive service ranging of services from business analysis & system design, to project management, configuration, development, support and training. Deborah has worked in the banking industry for 21 years and has a BCom in Accounting & Business Management.
 
Social Entrepreneur Category - DR ARTHI RAMKISSOON is the founder and CEO of the KZN Children's Hospital Trust and the executive director of MatCH (Maternal,Adolescent & Child Health).The trust has undertaken to renovate, refurbish and re-establish the old Addington Children's hospital to a leading healthcare facility. MatCH supports the KZN department of health to effectively strengthen the health system and implement new programmes.Dr.Ramkissoon has a PhD in Medicine, an MBA and has completed the Advanced Health Management Programme from Yale University.
 
Special Award Winners
Special Awards
 

1. Sharla Pillay, CEO Transnet Pipelines - Business Executive of the Year. Sharla was the first female to be appointed Chief Executive of Transnet Pipelines and has significantly influenced the strategic direction and growth of the business. She has also actively driven gender empowerment initiatives within Pipelines and her community.
2. Pria Hassan, CEO Women of Africa Fuels and Oils - Special Sponsors Award. Pria started a fully women owned company, Women of Africa in 2007 which has significantly grown since inception. She is passionate about empowerment and development of women and women owned enterprises and has been a key sponsor of BWA KZN since 2007.
3. Judge Leona Theron (THE HONOURABLE JUDGE OF APPEAL, MADAM JUSTICE LV THERON-SUPREME COURT OF APPEAL)- Special Lifetime Achievement Award  - Appointed by the Judicial Service Commission to the Appeal Court, which is the highest court in South Africa in respect of questions of fact and the second highest court (second to the Constitutional Court) in respect of all other matters. The Appeal Court hears appeals and petitions from the High Courts.

 
 
For more information on the BWA please contact Catherine Smith (BWA Coordinator) on 031 563 8496 or email: dbn@bwasa.co.za
 
NOTES: 
The BWA is a united, non-profit organisation that assists businesswomen in creating multiple connections on a personal, professional and business level throughout their career. It assists in creating business opportunities for female entrepreneurs, professionals and corporates and through various initiatives the BWA raises funds for deserving charities that have synergies with the aims and values of the organisation.
In addition, the BWA Act as a lobby group and as the voice on women's business issues, highlighting and publicising not only the barriers to success but also the many opportunities available to women in South Africa today.