African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) to honour self-starter with 2017 Woman of Substance Award

In light of Women’s Month coming up, the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) which is celebrating its 15th year this year will be honouring the 2017 Woman of Substance winner with an award at Sun City on the 10 August 2017. 

The 15th AWCA Woman of Substance award will be presented to an exceptional woman who has played a significant role in the uplifting of black women, and has demonstrated quality and successful leadership in areas of governance and business to attain gender equality.

The winner, who will be announced at an award ceremony in Sun City on 10 August 2017, is an individual who has actively driven the erosion of stereotypes and broken down barriers to broaden the possibility of opportunities for black women in strategic areas of business. She is a pioneer who has redefined leadership and actively championed the empowerment of women in general, as well as different sectors of business. The Queen Mother of the Bafokeng Royalty, amongst other distinguished guests will be attending the ceremony.

AWCA President Lesego Sennelo said, “To be classified as a ‘Woman of Substance’ honours influential ground breaking females who have not only geared change in their respective fields, but also for women on the continent in general. This is just one of the many ways we aim to recognise great female leaders; and encourage and inspire young women to believe it is possible to fill their shoes. We’re quite excited and keen to announce this year’s recipient at the official ceremony in August”.

During her acceptance speech, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who was honoured as the 2016 Woman of Substance award highlighted the pivotal roles that African women and their respective movements play in supporting women entrepreneurship, encouraging young women into higher education, including in male dominated professions such as Chartered Accounting.

Previous recipients of the accolade include woman of great stature such as:

• 2005: The late Minister Stella Sigcau
• 2006: Ms Gloria Serobe
• 2007: Dr Wendy Luhabe
• 2008: Ms Sindi Zilwa
• 2009: Ms Monhla Hlahla
• 2010: Ms Nonkululeko Gobodo
• 2011: Dr Futhi Mtoba
• 2012: Dr Brigalia Bam
• 2013: Ms Philisiwe Mthethwa
• 2014: Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
• 2015: Adv. Thuli Madonsela
• 2016: Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma