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Stuff from Johannesburg

“The Black Business Council (BBC) confers Game – Changer and Lifetime Awardss to deserving South Africans” according to Kganki Matabane, BBC CEO.

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“The Black Business Council (BBC) confers Game – Changer and Lifetime Awardss to deserving South Africans” according to Kganki Matabane, BBC CEO.:

“The Black Business Council (BBC) confers Game – Changer and Lifetime Awards to deserving South Africans” according to Kganki Matabane, BBC CEO.

The full list of awardees and reasons why they are recognised are listed below:

Game – Changer Awards

  1. Mr Gregory Nott

Greg is presented with a Game – Changer Award for his courageous work of providing Ms Caster Semenya with pro-bono legal and other assistance/resources in fighting the injustices by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

With Athletics South Africa crumbling in 2009 and Semenya standing alone against the IAAF, Nott decided to offer her some pro bono assistance since then to date.

Greg is a Director of Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc. and is the head of the Africa team based in Johannesburg. He is a leading lawyer in South Africa with more than 28 years’ experience acting for significant South African and international companies.

  1. Mr Lionel October

Lionel is presented with a Game – Changer Award for his sterling work while Director-General of the Department of Trade and Industry now called Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. A position he held until 2021 (he served 2 full terms as DG).

Lionel spearheaded key industrial and enterprise development policies such as the National Industrial Policy Framework and Action Plan, the re-imagined Industrial Strategy and the development and implementation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment legislation, and the development and growth of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs), amongst others.

Lionel received the Best Performing Director-General Award in 2015.

  1. Prof Puleng LenkaBula

Prof LenkaBula is presented with a Game – Changer Award in recognition of her role as the first ever female Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of South Africa (UNISA). She was appointed as VC in 2020. It took the university 148 years to appoint a female as the VC.

The Black Business Council celebrates Prof LenkaBula as a reminder that gender equality and transformation in the higher education and training sector are very critical.

She holds a Doctorate (2006/7) in Ethics (Theology and Philosophy). Her specialization is in the multidisciplinary discipline of (Social Ethics) entailing Ethics of the Economy, Ecology and Politics from the University of South Africa.

  1. Mr Khaya Sithole

Khaya is presented with a Game – Changer Award for his exceptional work of deliberately and tirelessly producing black African chartered accountants in South Africa.

In 2011, Khaya received a Facebook message from one Sphesihle Mlangeni and this changed his life forever. The message read “Your intervention is needed at UKZN. Only whites and Indians passed da Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA)”.

Khaya left his high paying job, taking a 62% pay cut, to go and assist failing black African accounting students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The rest, as it is said, is history. Khaya has produced more than 100 black African CA(SA). Almost all of them are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Khaya Sithole is a Chartered Accountant, activist, broadcaster and academic. He writes on matters of politics, economics, finance and social justice.

  1. Ms Caster Semenya

Caster is presented with a Game – Changer Award for her ability to stand up in the face of adversity in fighting the injustices by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Called ‘a threat to the sport’ and ‘not woman enough’, she found herself at the centre of the debate around the newly drawn line between gender and sport. Throughout the intense speculation, harmful rumours and long legal battle she has remained quiet, letting her running do the talking until she was banned from competing and defending her Olympic title in 2020.

Caster has written a book/memoir called The Race To Be Myself.

The Black Business Council gifted this book to all the speakers at this year’ summit.

Presidential Youth Award.

  1. Ms Princess Mthombeni

Princess Mthombeni, known to many as “Princy,” is a distinguished communication expert, lifelong nuclear technology enthusiast, and a World Nuclear University Alumnus hailing from eNanda in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

As the Founder of Africa4Nuclear, Princy spearheads an advocacy campaign that champions nuclear energy as a vital component in realizing Africa’s Agenda for Sustainable Development. With over a decade of industry expertise, she has cultivated a sterling reputation, earning her the esteemed title of Thought Leader in nuclear and energy communications across the African continent.

Princy’s impactful contributions have positioned her as a sought-after speaker at prestigious international events such as the 28th Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), Russia-Africa Humanitarian and Economic Forum 2023, the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century, the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum Conference, among others.

Princy’s dedication and excellence were recognized by Women in Nuclear (WIN) Global, honouring her with the Women in Nuclear Global Excellence Award for her outstanding achievements in communication, education, mentorship, and leadership.

Lifetime Achievement Award

  1. Dr Noxolo Grootboom

Dr Grootboom is presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her sterling 37-year career as a broadcaster and news anchor.

During her SABC years, she anchored the live funeral broadcasts of high-profile South Africans like Chris Hani, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Joe Slovo, Govan Mbeki and Nelson Mandela.

On 30 March 2021, Dr Grootboom delivered her last news broadcast to an audience of almost 4 million people, marking her retirement from the SABC.

Dr Grootboom, who was born on in Cacadu, formerly Lady Frere, was awarded a doctorate degree (Doctor of Letters) by Rhodes University in Makhanda, and Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha followed by honouring her with a Doctor of Philosophy degree for her contribution to journalism.

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Author: Kganki Matabane from The Black Business Council on behalf of The Black Business Council.

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The Oriental Plaza: Architecture

Architecturally, the Plaza is a sprawling 17-hectare complex consisting of North and South malls linked by a three-story circular “Grand Bazaar.” But the true magic is in the sensory experience. Walking through the Plaza is an assault of colors and smells: rolls of exotic sari fabrics stacked to the ceiling, the scent of high-quality leather from shoe-repair stalls, and the aroma of toasted spices. It is a place where “bargaining” is an art form—unlike the fixed prices of Sandton, here you engage directly with the owner, often a third-generation merchant whose family was moved from Fietas fifty years ago.

The cultural heart of the Plaza is undoubtedly its food, specifically the legendary World of Samoosas. This small stall has become a local institution, famous for its unique sweet coconut samoosas and its “Nelson Mandela approved” status (the former president was a fan). Near the south entrance, you’ll find a blue heritage plaque marking Red Square. Long before the Plaza was built, this was an open square where the ANC and Communist Party held mass rallies, and where the Defiance Campaign was launched in 1952. The fact that a shopping mall now stands over this revolutionary ground is a poignant reminder of the city’s layered history. The Oriental Plaza didn’t just survive Apartheid; it outlasted the system that tried to use it as a cage, becoming a symbol of the “tenacity and trading ability” that defines the Johannesburg spirit.