Patricia Tshitema, founder of Bono Property Group scooped 2 awards at the Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 1 August 2025 – The prestigious 24th annual Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards took place yesterday evening at the iconic Sandton Convention Centre, celebrating over two decades of recognising excellence in transformation and empowerment in South Africa. The gala event brought together over 700 VIP delegates, including business professionals in transformation, CSR/CSI, procurement, and supply chain development, as well as black-owned business owners and managers.
The evening’s proceedings were expertly handled by MC Leanne Manas, the renowned broadcaster and television presenter known for her distinguished career in South African media and her expertise in facilitating high-profile corporate events.
Mandela’s Enduring Legacy
The Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards ceremony holds special significance as it carries forward the vision of transformation that Nelson Mandela championed throughout his life. Topco Media‘s commitment to organising this platform reflects Mandela’s belief that economic empowerment can heal and unite South Africa. The evening’s celebration of achievement and progress embodied the spirit of Mandela’s dream of a truly transformed and inclusive economy.
Background and Legacy
Established over two decades ago at the request of Cyril Ramaphosa, the Top Empowerment brand has grown into one of the country’s most well-respected transformation platforms. Known initially as Impumelelo, it was the first directory of top black-owned and managed companies in South Africa. Since then, the Top Empowerment brand has evolved to promote captains of industry, from page to stage and conference.
As the Platinum Partner for this year’s event, Nedbank reaffirmed its commitment to driving inclusive economic growth and supporting businesses that are making meaningful strides in empowerment, diversity, and transformation. The Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards honour companies and individuals who are setting the standard in B-BBEE, leadership, and sustainable transformation.
Inspiring Women’s Leadership: A Double Triumph
One of the evening’s most compelling moments came from Patricia Tshitema, founder of Bono Property Group, who exemplified women’s leadership excellence by winning two prestigious empowerment awards. As an inspiring woman in leadership, Tshitema claimed both the “Top Empowered Company: Fast Growth Black-Owned SMME of the Year” and the “Richard Fletcher Entrepreneur of the Year Award”—a “remarkable double victory that underscored her exceptional business acumen.
“South Africa is ready for women’s equality,” Tshitema declared as she reflected on her remarkable journey from Environmental Officer in the civil service to becoming a fully-fledged executive businesswoman. Without prior knowledge of the property industry and uncertain where to start, she made the bold decision to return to school and seek mentorship for two years in the property business. Today, she manages projects worth over R100 million, demonstrating the life-changing effects of determination, education, and strategic mentorship.
Her double triumph serves as a powerful testament to the potential of women in South African business. It highlights the critical role of skills development and mentorship in driving economic transformation.
Celebrating Municipal Women Leadership Excellence
The evening placed special emphasis on women’s leadership through the Municipal Women Leadership Excellence Award, sponsored by SALGA. Nine outstanding municipal leaders were honoured for their exceptional contributions to local government and community development.
- Cllr. Queen Xulu – uMlalazi Municipality
- Cllr. Mamedupe Teffo – Capricorn District Municipality
- Cllr. Nondumiso Buda – Frances Baard Municipality
- Cllr. Nomvuyo Patricia Mposelwa – Joe Gqabi District Municipality
- Cllr. Tunyiswa Manxila-Nkamisa – Mnquma Municipality
- Cllr. Zukiswa Ndevu – uMzimvubu Municipality
- Ald. (Dr.) Elna von Schlicht – Cape Winelands Municipality
- Ald. Antoinette Steyn – Breede Valley Municipality
- Ald. Jacqulique von Brandis – George Municipality
The 2025 Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards Winners
The evening showcased South Africa’s leading empowerment champions across multiple categories:
Organisational Empowerment Awards:
- Top Empowered Company: Fast Growth Black-Owned SMME of the Year: Bono Property Group (Patricia Tshitema, CEO)
- Top Empowered Public Sector of the Year Award: South African Revenue Service (SARS) (Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of SARS)
- Top Empowered Company: Enterprise and Supplier Development Award (Sponsored by Nedbank): Mondi Group (Nelly Ndlovu)
- Top Empowered Company: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace of the Year: Schneider Electric (Canninah Dladla, Cluster President – AAF)
- Top Empowered Company: Sustainable Business of the Year: Nestlé ESAR (Mamokhele Sebatane), with Highly Commended recognition to Isanti Glass (Pieter du Plessis)
- Top Empowered Company: Youth Development (Sponsored by Nedbank): Sanlam (Tougieda Hartley, Head: People Development)
- Top Empowered Company: Digital Transformation of the Year Award: Vaxowave (Karen Williams, Operations Executive)
- Top Empowered Company: Socio-Economic Development of the Year Award: Sasol (Gao Mothoagae, VP CSI & Sasol Foundation)
- Top Empowered Company: Job Creation of the Year Award: Geeks4Learning (Pty) Ltd (Marike Fourie, Chief Operating Officer)
- Top Empowered Company: Education and Skills Development of the Year Award: Mondi Group (Nelly Ndlovu)
- Top Empowered Company: Business of the Year Awards (Sponsored by Nedbank): Oceana Group Limited (Zodwa Velleman, Group Exec: Corporate & Regulatory Affairs), with Highly Commended recognition to Isanti Glass (Pieter du Plessis)
Individual Empowerment Awards:
- Richard Fletcher Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Bono Property Group (Patricia Tshitema, CEO)
- Top Empowered: Young Achiever Award (Under 40): Afrizan People Intelligence (Pty) Ltd (Beverley Siwisa, Director)
- Top Empowered: Business Leader of the Year Award: Pamodzi Unique Engineering (Sindisiwe Dlamini, CEO)
- Top Empowered: Public Sector Leader: South African Revenue Service (SARS) (Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of SARS)
Special Recognition:
- Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Legends 2025: bp Southern Africa, Foursight IT, FoodBev Manufacturing SETA, Methano Group, and National Housing Finance Corporation.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
Past keynote speakers and Lifetime Achievement Award recipients have included President Cyril Ramaphosa, former President Thabo Mbeki, and Mr. Trevor Manuel, underscoring the empowerment awards’ significance in South Africa’s transformation journey.
Being named a winner or finalist at the Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards places brands in a league of excellence—boosting investor confidence, attracting top-tier talent, and providing marketing firepower that translates into long-term growth.
This year’s participants included renowned names such as Old Mutual, Nestlé, Sasol, Sanlam, Mondi Group, and Schneider Electric, demonstrating the calibre of organisations committed to meaningful transformation.
The evening concluded with a renewed commitment to building a more equitable. It transformed South Africa, with attendees leaving inspired by the stories of success and the potential for continued progress in the country’s empowerment journey.
