The Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Women gala evening will take place on 18 November at the Coastlands uMhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre.
The 2021 initiative celebrates the achievements of some of the impressive women in KwaZulu-Natal. These women are contributing to their workplaces, to society and to their families in amazing ways. Each woman has been nominated for her achievements by employers, employees, clients, or other stakeholders.
Nicky Thompson, Head Prestige Banking Standard Bank KZN says, “I am proud to work for an organisation that strives for gender diversity and female empowerment. Through events like the Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Women, we can recognise phenomenal women in KZN who are making a difference in their communities and in their different industries.”
The gala evening will not only emphasize a culture of women’s empowerment but will serve as a showcase of success. It is hoped that this initiative and the recognition afforded, will inspire other women to strive to achieve more in their own endeavours.
“We really need to shift the mindset about the contribution of women in our society and focus on the importance of women’s rights and gender inequalities so that we achieve sustainable change; one that respects and creates a safe environment for all women,” says Mano Singh Executive Head: Insurance, Asset Management & Fiduciary at Standard Bank KZN.
Key note speaker for the evening will be Iman Rappetti, an award-winning journalist, who has worked across print and radio and is currently a senior news anchor. Iman counts among her many career highlights, interviews and encounters with a range of politicians, celebrities, and thought leaders. However, she insists that it is always the conversations with ordinary families and communities that are, for her, the most powerful and thought-provoking. Iman is the author of two books, ‘Becoming Iman’ (2018) and ‘Sermons of Soul’ (2020), which have been critically acclaimed.
The master of ceremonies for the evening is Thato Moeng. Thato is a South African journalist, voice-over artist, host, brand ambassador, and a presenter. She is best known as one of the talented Supersport female presenters who is motivated by telling stories and sharing her love for sport with others.
Grant Adlam, publisher of the KZN Top Business, says, “Our theme this year is ‘Women Inspiring Women’. Our team has been humbled by the many amazing women whose stories we have heard. These stories are about women, from many different backgrounds, who have had varied journeys to get to where they are today and have much wisdom to offer.”
To obtain the stories that form the basis for the evening’s proceedings, the KZN Top Business team has interviewed all the women; the video recordings of which are available online. In addition, each story, accompanied by a black and white photo, are being collated in a limited-edition coffee table book.
In order to introduce the women participating this year, three webinars have been held in the build up to the event, which are available for viewing www.youtube.com/c/KZNTopBusiness
The event on the 18 November 2021 will follow a hybrid format and will be streamed live from 6.30 pm. In order to register (the event is free) visit www.kzntopbusiness.com.