5TH ANNUAL STANDARD BANK RISING STAR AWARDS
Eskom’s Leon van Wyk Wins Energy & Environment Sector Rising Star Award.
The Sandton Hilton set the scene for an awards evening to top all others last night – after a long and vigorous process, the winners of the 5th Annual Standard Bank Rising Star Awards were announced.
The past four years have seen these awards grow from strength to strength, each year identifying, recognising and celebrating the young talent that South Africa has to offer. “We were thrilled to see the calibre of entrants this year – I am encouraged by the talent coming through the ranks across all industries in South Africa,” said Laura Barker, Managing Director of BlackBark Productions, organisers of the Rising Star Programme. “It has been wonderful to walk the journey with this year’s entrants, through the decision rounds and now to see them honoured as winners. I am proud of each and every one of them!”
The awards are for young, talented individuals in the 28-40 year age category, and form part of a unique platform where winners can go beyond just the recognition for work already done, and participate in a leadership and development programme throughout the year after winning. They also have a unique opportunity to network across industry sectors, with both their fellow winners, and top minds in the country through a mentorship programme.
Headline sponsor Standard Bank is a proud supporter of Rising Star, and has shown their commitment to developing young talent in their own sector through various initiatives. “We are always impressed with the young talent coming through the Rising Star programme, and we know that this year’s winners will go on to do great things,” said Standard Bank’s Global Head of Resourcing, Amelia Muller. “Every single one of these winners deserves their spot on the podium, and has worked hard to be here. Their futures are in their hands, and many opportunities now lie before them for growth, development and achievement.”
In the Energy and Environment sector, this year’s winner was Leon van Wyk, Air Quality Manager: Group Technology at Eskom Holdings SoC Ltd. Van Wyk holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering and is a registered engineering professional. He joined Eskom in 2011 and has gained his professional experience in flue gas cleaning, focusing on particulate matter control. Currently, van Wyk is responsible for overseeing all major Electrostatic Precipitator Plant, Fabric Filter Plant and Desulphurisation Plant projects in Eskom. He considers himself fortunate to be able to influence the South African economy and air quality through his endeavours at Eskom.
The awards were well-attended, with representatives from every industry excited to see which winner would represent their industry this year. Hosted by MC Siv Ngesi, the evening was opened by Standard Bank’s Lincoln Mali (Group Head of Card and Emerging Payments Across Africa in Personal & Business Banking), who encouraged this year’s Rising Stars to soar to great heights, but to always remain grounded and remember the lessons learned by those who came before them.
The guest speaker was Dr David Molapo, management consultant, educator and well-known motivational speaker, who shared his experience in dealing with challenges, and encouraging the audience to understand that a life without challenges is a life without strength, and that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
The evening was a night to remember, for none more so than this year’s winners. “I’d like to congratulate each and every winner here tonight, you are all an inspiration to young, talented individuals all around the country,” said Barker. “I look forward to working with you on the Rising Star network and programme, and seeing you grow into even bigger successes!”
WINNERS
Banking & Financial Services
Brian Mahlangu
Nedbank
Construction & Engineering
Charlene Joseph
Liviero Group (Pty) Ltd
Energy & Environment
Leon van Wyk
Eskom Holdings SOC Limited
Entrepreneur
Grant Gavin
RE/MAX PANACHE
ICT (Telecoms & Technology)
Gareth Kingston
Britehouse – A Division of Dimension Data
Manufacturing, Retail & FMCG
Lerato Legoale
Aberdare Cables
Media & Marketing
Tsoku Maela
Okuhle Media
Mining & Minerals
Rousseau Jooste
AngloAmerican
Professional Services
Dapo Adeyemo
Khonology
Service Public & Private
Nomthandazo Dlanga
Johannesburg Property Company
Tourism, Leisure & Hospitality
Thabo Ngoepe
Emperors Palace – Peermont Global
Transport, Logistics & Security
Ntsako Nukeri
Transnet Freight Rail
STANDARD BANK RISING STAR AWARDS SPONSORS
Sponsors for the 5th Annual Standard Bank Rising Star Awards include Standard Bank, ArcelorMittal, Sasol, merSETA, Transnet Freight Rail, Liberty Corporate, Hilton Worldwide, AJ Charnaud, Telkom, GradConnection, Vieple, Citizen Ecowatch and Mulderbosch wines.
ABOUT THE RISING STAR PROGRAMME
The Rising Star Programme is operated by BlackBark Productions, and is now in its fifth year. It recognises, celebrates and connects young talented individuals who have the capacity to excel in their chosen fields, and who contribute to the future of our nature in an inspirational manner.
Rising Stars are more than just top performers with technical expertise – they are polished, brilliant, and show tremendous promise as future leaders.
The Programme is a significant and sustainable vehicle through which organisations, our country and our continent can identify and nurture these “organisational and national assets” who are set to play a key role in shaping the future of our country and our continent.
The Rising Star Programme is establishing a living community of young African talent that will be developed, mentored and provided with platforms for development and communication, therefore enabling them to become role models, opinion leaders and the inspiration for other future African Talent.
Rising Star has successfully recognised over 200 talented young individuals over the past four years in its programme in both South Africa and Kenya.
Visit www.risingstarawards.co.za for more information or contact:
Cheryl van der Merwe
Media Liaison & Communications Director
eQ Online (Pty) Ltd
+27 72 174 9858
cheryl@e-q.co.za
cherylvdm@gmail.com
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