Dr. Anna Mokgokong, a trailblazer in the business world, was honoured with the Lifetime Achiever Award at the 20th anniversary of the Standard Bank Top Women Awards, held on Tuesday, 7 November 2023, at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre.
The awards theme was ‘My Africa’ – a tribute to the strength, diversity, and achievements of women across the continent.
Dr Mokgokong was celebrated for her outstanding contributions to society.
Her inspiring journey from overcoming overwhelming odds to establishing her presence in a male-dominated industry serves as a beacon of hope and resilience.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Mokgokong emphasised the need to continue dismantling barriers and working towards a society where everyone, regardless of gender or background, can thrive. She dedicated the award to freedom fighters, her family, and every woman who has dared to dream.
“This recognition carries with it not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the collective resilience of a nation that has traversed the tumultuous journey from apartheid to democracy,” stated Dr Mokgokong.
“I am reminded of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters, those brave souls who laid the foundation for the democracy we now enjoy. Their spirit guides us, urging us to create a better South Africa for all its citizens.
“My own journey, marked by struggle and determination, mirrors the challenges faced by millions of our people. As a woman in a male-dominated society, I had to navigate through overwhelming odds to establish my presence in the business world.”
She further said: “The echoes of apartheid still reverberate in our lives, reminding us of the inequality that persists. The mainstream economy, despite the strides we have made, remains dominated by a privileged few. For African entrepreneurs, and especially women-led companies, the path is fraught with obstacles and potholes.”
Dr Mokgokong said South Africa is a remarkable country, and its people deserve to reap the rewards of its wealth.
“Together, we must dismantle the barriers that hold us back, working tirelessly to create a society where everyone, regardless of gender or background, can thrive.
“I dedicate this award to the freedom fighters, to my family, and to every woman who has dared to dream.
“Let us continue this journey, hand in hand, until every corner of our nation basks in the light of equality and prosperity.”
The 20th Annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards also acknowledged other women leaders for their commitment to strengthening the voice of women in the workplace and in communities.
Top Women Business in Resources, Construction & Infrastructure Development 2023
- Winner: Sibanye-Stillwater
- Highly Commended: Tshepa Basadi
Top Women Business in ICT 2023
- Winner: Mint Group
- Highly Commended: Etion Connect
Top Women Business in Retail and E-Commerce 2023
- Winner: Takealot
- Highly Commended: The Foschini Group
Top Women Business in Health & Pharmaceuticals 2023 Sponsored by Sanofi
- Winner: ICAS
- Highly Commended: Biovac
Top Women Business in Biodiversity, Conservation & Environmental Management 2023 Sponsored by SANBI
- Winner: Nestlé
Top Women Lifetime Achiever 2023 Sponsored by Standard Bank
- Dr Anna Mokgokong
Top Women in Sport 2023 Sponsored by Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport & Recreation
- Winner: Kirsten Neuschäfer
Top Women Business in Public Service 2023
- Winner: NYDA [National Youth Development Agency]
- Highly Commended: FASSET SETA
Top Women Business in Corporate Citizenship 2023 Sponsored by Harmony Gold Mining Company
- Winner: PepsiCo
Top Women Owned Business SMME 2023 Sponsored by Gauteng Tourism Authority
- Winner: Green Door Environmental
- Highly Commended: Revio Pay
Top Women Business in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 2023 sponsored by Kia South Africa
- Winner: In2Food
Top Women Business in Youth Development 2023
- Winner: Liquid Intelligent Technologies
Top Women Business in Skills Development 2023 Sponsored by Harmony Gold Mining Company
- Winner: Dimension Data
Top Women Gender Icon Awards 2023
- FedEx
- Exxaro
- Kellanova
- Microsoft
- Sasol Limited
- JSE [Johannesburg Stock Exchange]
- Sun International
- British American Tobacco
- Gauteng Convention & Events Bureau
- Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
Top Women Business of the Year 2023 Sponsored by Procter & Gamble
- Winner: JSE [Johannesburg Stock Exchange]
- Highly Commended: Institute of Directors SA
Top Women in Professional & Support Services 2023
- Winner: Mandate Molefi – Nene Molefi
- Highly Commended: Nutun Group – Dineo Sekwele
Top Women in Property 2023
- Winner: Liberty Two Degrees – Amelia Beattie
Top Women Leader in STEM 2023 Sponsored by WIPRO
- Winner: Maponya 911 – Simphiwe Mamvura
- Highly Commended: University of South Africa (UNISA) – Prof. Usisipho Feleni
Top Women Leader in Public Sector 2023
- Winner: INSETA – Gugu Mkhize
Top Male Leader Driving Gender Empowerment 2023
- Winner: Smollan – Michael Power
- Highly Commended: MetroWired – Tinashe Nyahanana
Top Women Media Personality of the Year 2023
- Winner: Amanda du-Pont
Top Women Media Icon of the Year 2023
- Basetsana Kumalo
Top Women Young Achiever 2023 Sponsored by Standard Bank
- Winner: Sue Phalane Trading and Projects – Portia Phalane
- Highly Commended: Takealot – Dikeledi Sathekge
EmpowHER Entrepreneur Sponsored by Standard Bank
- Winner: Durban: Ntokozo ‘Melo’ Ntleko, Takkie Wash
Top Women Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 Sponsored by Standard Bank
- Winner: OMI Solutions – Robyn Mellett
- Highly Commended: Family Matters Fertility Centre – Dr. Qinisile Cele
Top Women Business Leader of the Year 2023 Sponsored by Standard Bank
- Winner: BP Southern Africa – Taelo Mojapelo
- Highly Commended: Institute of Directors SA – Parmi Natesan
