The Awards, in partnership with CNBC Africa, recognise the challenges and diversity of the African business arena and the Southern African awards highlight those who have shaped the regions business sector.
The evening started with a special recognition by media partner Forbes Woman Africa that handed over the Forbes Woman Africa Business Woman of the Year award to Wendy Appelbaum.
The first AABLA title of Young Business Leader of the Year - Southern Africa went to joint winners Ashley Uys, MD of Real World Diagnostics for his exceptional work in the health sector, whilst John Nicolakakis, CEO of Romans Pizza was commended for his contribution to job creation and developing business opportunities. Sylvester Chauke, founder of DNA Brand Architects was also a finalist.
Jason Xenopoulos, CEO of Native walked away as Entrepreneur of the Year - Southern Africa Presented by Sea Harvest, for his contribution to the creative industry, contending fellow finalists Samuel Seeff, Chairman of Seeff Properties, John Nicolakakis, CEO of Romans Pizza and Braam van Huyssteen, founder of Tekkie Town. In his thanks, Xenopoulos highlighted the importance of leadership and strong values in Southern African business.
The Business Leader of the Year - Southern Africa, presented by Bosch, saw three businessmen competing for the title, which was ultimately awarded to Dr Johan van Zyl, Group Chief Executive of Sanlam. Edward Kieswetter, CEO of Alexander Forbes and Sisa Ngebulana, CEO of Billion Group were the other nominees.
The title of Business Woman of the Year - Southern Africa went to Louisa Mojela and Gloria Serobe of WIPHOLD for their achievements spanning two decades. They ran against Natasha Sideris, founder of Tashas and Jeanne Groenewald, founder of Elgin Free Range Chickens.
Wendy Ackerman of The Ackerman Foundation received the newly added Philanthropist of the Year - Southern Africa award for her ongoing community work. The category was introduced at the 2015 AABLA to recognise those who seek to promote the welfare of others and to encourage more benevolence on the continent. Ackerman was nominated alongside Wendy Appelbaum of the Wendy Appelbaum Foundation and Solly Noor of the Solly and Zohra Noor Foundation.
Rachmat Thomas of Chic Shoe Manufacturing became the first in AABLA history to be named Industrialist of the Year for Southern Africa. As a new category to the AABLA, set on promoting beneficiation and manufacturing on the continent, the judges selected the category winner as a key contributor to driving economic growth.
The presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Southern Africa, in association with the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, was awarded to Dr Christo Wiese whose business empire has reached across Africa, Asia and Europe, with his interest and influence ranging from fashion, to fitness, furniture, private equity and retail. In his thank you speech, Wiese highlighted the vast opportunities that Africa presents.
The highlights of the ceremony will be broadcast on CNBC Africa on October 7 at 9.15pm CAT. For more information, go to www.aablawards.com.
