Pansy Mekwa, the general manager for strategy, Total South Africa. (DAFF)
In our 13th sponsorship of the Female Entrepreneur of the Year awards, I take great honour in thanking the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries for allowing Total South Africa to be a part of this journey.
The company’s longstanding relationship with the department has roots that go back to the 1950s when Total South Africa took the strategic decision to focus on developing a non-urban network of fuel outlets in the far flung areas of this country. The sector supported this vision and subsequent effort.
Now, almost 60 years later, we have an opportunity to give something back and we further pledge our commitment to the future growth of the sector.
At the core of these awards is the important issue of food security, a vital topic that impacts the entire continent and its people.
We have seen an increase in the number of registered cooperative and formally organised groups of women putting forward impressive projects, which hold greater potential for uplifting more people.
This is a heartening and encouraging testament that these awards are inspiring women to achieve more.
These awards also recognise women who often reside in non-urban areas and coastal towns.
These are the parts of the country that do not always get as much attention and effort as the major cities.
But the people residing in those communities are vitally important to the future of this country.
Total South Africa is proud to have been part of this project since inception in 1999. Together we are changing the face of this country, each of us playing our part.
And to the women who have taken the bold step to enter an often frightening new arena — a place that requires not just entrepreneurial talent, but strong souls and dedicated commitment — we celebrate you.
Pansy Mekwa is the general manager for strategy, Total South Africa