The 9th BBQ Awards presentation held at the Emperors Place, Johannesburg, on 15 October 2010, was a crowning success.
Captains of industry, sponsors, nominees in the various categories, chief executive officers, business executives, business scholars, entrepreneurs, government officials and invited dignitaries converged on this beautiful evening to witness one of the best events on South Africa’s social calendar so far this year.
The evening was a celebration of black enterprise and excellence, as typified by the men and women who walked away with attractive prizes.
These pioneers were recognised and honoured for making strides in their chosen fields. But most importantly, they were rewarded for their tenacity in staying the entrepreneurial course and creating job opportunities for their compatriots.
The homely and professional ambience was complemented by a sumptuous three-course dinner served to the 700-plus guests, gobbled down with the finest selection of wine on offer and Van Ryn’s award-winning brandy.
The colourful occasion presided over by MC Kagiso Lediga, drew the ‘Who is Who’ of South Africa’s black business community.
The BBQ Awards evening was graced by the presence of notable attendees, including Black Management Forum (BMF) President Jimmy Manyi, Absa Wealth Managing Executive Nomkhita Nqweni, Distell Director Dr Caroline Snyman, Old Mutual SA CEO Kuseni Dlamini, Cape Media Managing Director Robert Arendse and other stakeholders.
The glittering dinner gala night was livened up by elegant entertainment dished out by a band called Quiet Storm. They caused quiet a storm (literally) on the dance floor each time they belted out one of their well-received songs on the night.
The master of ceremonies was not to be outdone; he did not allow anyone to steal his show, as in between the classy music and the excellent speeches; Kagiso Lediga lived up to his reputation and could not resist taking a dig at particular members of the audience from time to time.
One person in particular bore the brunt of most his jokes. No prizes for guessing here. The annual BBQ Awards ceremony has become one of the most sought-after social events in this country.
It owes its success to organisational excellence by the Events Management team at Cape Media who put it together. They spend months on end planning the occasion, ensuring every little detail is thought of.
The able sponsors are the catalysts for the overwhelming success enjoyed over the nine years the awards have been held. This occasion was made possible by Van Ryn’s, Emperors Palace, Absa Wealth, MTN, Transnet, Jaguar and Khula. Other sponsors were Seda, Lion of Africa, SANTA, Mail & Guardian, Cape Media and Absa.
Cape Media hastens to mention the hospitality and generosity of hosts Emperors Palace. Not only did they accommodate the Cape Media team but most of the judges and guests too.
The climax of the evening was the traditional presentation of prizes to deserving winners of various categories. The prize-giving is preceded by a vigorous judging process that takes place prior to the evening.
The judging panel this year compromised Tim Modise, Mkhululi Mazibuko, Kuseni Dlamini, Cynthia Mgijima, Kgomotso Lekola, Koosum Kalyan and Sandile Zungu, all of whom are accomplished individuals in their own right.
Black Business Quarterly is proud to have been at the centre of it all. It is hoped the publication will continue to serve the interests of black business at large, and that it remains the vehicle through which accomplishments and aspirations of black entrepreneurs are showcased and highlighted.
Over the 10 years BBQ has been published, it has sought to be as close to its target market as possible. The awards ceremony is Cape Media Corporation’s small contribution to the cause of transforming the economic landscape of South Africa, to ensure it reflects the demographics of this country.