The Future of Empowerment

Awards Categories 2019

General criteria

  • Annual revenue generated must be above R35 million, unless otherwise specified
  • Only companies with a valid B-BBEE Certificate will be considered for entry, unless they have a valid share certificate and letter of 50.1% ownership from their auditor

Please note that companies will be judged based on the:

  • Implementation of their strategic B-BBEE policies
  • Implementation of effective internal B-BBEE measurement mechanisms
  • Status with regards to the five pillars of empowerment, as per the B-BBEE scorecard
  • Sustainable increase in financial performance
  • Please note that the quality of your entry is critical to the judging process

TOP EMPOWERED ENTREPRENEUR

Annual revenue generated by entrant’s company must be more than R10-million
An individual who has demonstrated excellence and drive in their field of business will be recognised in this category. Entrants to this category must employ more than five people and must have been operational for more than two years, with evidence of significant year-on-year growth in comparison to the sector average, underpinned by strong financial performance and profitability.


TOP EMPOWERED YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR

Entrants must be 40 years old or younger. Annual revenue generated by the entrant’s company must be more than R10-million
This category highlights the outstanding achievement of a young black executive who can clearly and effectively demonstrate their outstanding contribution to an organisation’s success and performance through innovative strategies and solutions.


TOP EMPOWERED PUBLIC SECTOR LEADER 

This category is open to public sector leaders within all levels of government departments, parastatals and/or agencies who have
demonstrated excellence in performance and delivery, and who have achieved outstanding results in the past year. This is demonstrated through sound financial management, environmental and sustainable development, meeting targets, positive contributions to the economy, and innovation and excellence in fulfilling their service delivery mandate. Entrants under administration are not eligible to enter.


TOP EMPOWERED BUSINESS LEADER

Minimum annual revenue of R35-million
Businesspeople who hold an executive position in a significantly sized organisation, and whose leadership is reflected in the service to the organisation. The individual should clearly demonstrate how they have implemented and driven the strategies of BBBEE in the areas of enterprise development, socio-economic development and employment equity. The impact that these ventures have had on the performance of the organisation must also be evidenced.


TOP EMPOWERED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Minimum annual revenue of R100-million. Level 1 – 3 BBBEE scorecard required
The organisation that demonstrates excellence in all spheres of the general criteria and the five pillars of empowerment as well as an improvement in financial performance and empowerment status.


TOP EMPOWERED: YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE INITIATIVE

The ‘YES’ award category is open to government departments, corporate business, labour and civil society, and recognises departments and organisations that empower youth through the provision of training and funding for small business development in South Africa.


TOP EMPOWERED INFLUENCER OF 2019

Television presenters, sportspeople, politicians and lifestyle figures are eligible to enter this category, which recognises an individual with a great media presence and personality, who is using their platform to empower people from all social and economic backgrounds.

TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: FAST GROWTH BLACK-OWNED SMME

Small, medium or micro-sized enterprises operating only in South Africa with an annual turnover of R5- to R35-million and year-on year growth of 20% are eligible to enter this category. These companies must have been operational for more than two years with Level 1 to 4 BBBEE status. Alternatively, an organisation with 50.1% black ownership and strong performance in terms of the BBBEE scorecard’s five pillars of empowerment may enter.


TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Accredited tertiary colleges, universities and private institutions demonstrating the best skills development programmes or policy through education and training may enter this category. Their programmes must be aimed at improving the working skills of black employees while contributing towards economic growth in South Africa.


TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: FINANCIAL SERVICES

Commercial, retail and merchant banking, mortgage lending, insurance and investment firms will be considered in this category. The winner will have shown an understanding of the needs of the industry and implemented strategic programmes to make black employees visible at all levels, including management.


TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: INFRASTRUCTURE

Open to companies in construction, manufacturing, engineering and other infrastructure companies, this category recognises gender-strong organisations involved in the innovative, sustainable and efficient enhancement of infrastructure development.


TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: ICT COMPANIES

This category is for those who provide technology- based innovation which aids in improving productivity, pricing, quality, effectiveness and efficiencies that enhance the competitiveness of the South African economy. The technology may be an internal system or product available to the public that assists in advancing an industry.


TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: PUBLIC SERVICES

Reserved for parastatals, state-owned enterprises, government departments and municipalities, this category recognises the body with the highest level of black economic empowerment, from staff to suppliers through their programmes and policies. Measurable and accountable leadership committed to developing previously disadvantaged individuals is an important factor here. High levels of service delivery to the people of South Africa is a supporting factor.


TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: SUPPORT SERVICES

Companies offering catering services, facilities management, waste management, contract cleaners, security services, employment services, business process outsourcing, legal services, management consulting, verification and professional services with exemplary empowerment achievements are recognised in this category.


TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Minimum annual revenue of R35-million
Organisations that have accelerated the development, sustainability and financial independence of black-owned businesses, in particular SMMEs and emerging businesses, are eligible to enter this category. Growing the economy and achieving a return on investment is an important factor. Special attention will be paid to the effectiveness of programmes for suppliers’ business success and their own profitability or productivity.


TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Minimum annual revenue of R35-million
Focusing on companies that use their overall knowledge, resources and reputation to improve the lives of the poor and disadvantaged, this category recognises organisations that have improved the living conditions of disadvantaged and black communities, especially in rural areas. Judges will focus on businesses that effectively and clearly demonstrate the success of their programmes and investments, both in terms of community upliftment and the organisation’s performance.

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