MTN has announced the finalists for its second edition of the Women in ICT Awards.
Following days of reviewing hundreds of nominations, members of the adjudication panel have selected the top three entries that will be vying for a coveted prize as the ultimate winner, in their respective categories.
The awards seek to celebrate and reward women professionals who have made a significant contribution towards the growth and development of the sector.
The top three shortlisted candidates in each category are as follows.
Leadership Recognition Award: recognises senior female executives in the ICT sector whose proven depth of experience in leading change, influencing business outcomes and leading teams has impacted positively on the organisations they lead. The shortlisted candidates in this category are:
- Carol Thomas
- Dr Madelise Grobler
- Mmamathe Makhekhe-Mokhuane
Innovator Recognition Award: recognises women who have introduced new methods, ideas, or products that are contributing in one way or the other to the delivery of a bold, new, digital world. The candidates are:
- Caroline Macharia
- Lindiwe Matlali
- Rene Pearson
SME Recognition Award: recognises wholly-owned, women-run enterprises that are viable businesses making inroads in the ICT sector. This is also extended to MTN employees who run their own enterprises on the side, using ICT to enable their businesses. The candidates are:
- Matau Ramapuputla
- Nomsa Makhanda
- Sivashni Moodley
Community Builder Recognition Award: recognises a woman who has made a considerable difference in her community through ICT, or use of an ICT tool to make a difference in the community. The candidates in this category are:
- Baratang Miya
- Gomolemo Motlhwai
- Martine Schaffer
Lifetime Achiever Recognition Award (Women Pioneer): recognises a woman who has longstanding success in the ICT industry, has demonstrated a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, and has continually stayed ahead of the curve. The shortlisted candidates in this category are:
- Baratang Miya
- Dr HF Swanepoel
- Felleng Sekha
Excellence in ICT Journalism Award: this category seeks to recognise a journalist who has contributed immensely to creating a better understanding of the ICT industry through her reporting. The candidates are:
- Loni Prinsloo
- Paula Gilbert
- Simnikiwe Mzekandaba
CEO’s Award: this award recognises an MTN employee who has made a difference within the organisation with the use of ICT and Technology. The shortlisted candidates are:
- Fatima Mayet
- Lerato Sebata
- Prudence Mokone
In addition to the categories listed above, a significant female ICT professional, whose contribution has helped to bridge the digital divide and facilitate access to telecommunication services, will be announced at the gala awards event later this month.
“The selection process was very challenging due to the high caliber of nominations received. As we continue to celebrate Women’s Month, and the strides that women have made in all spheres of life, it is humbling and gratifying that MTN, in partnership with Kagiso Media, also celebrates remarkable women who are making a mark in this technical and competitive industry,” said Graham de Vries, Executive Corporate Services at MTN SA.
The awards will be hosted on 31st August.