Standing up for equality
Dr Anna Mokgokong, our Chairman of the Board, was honoured recently with a Lifetime Achiever Award at the Standard Bank Top Women Awards. She dedicated her award to the freedom fighters, to her family, and to every woman who has dared to dream.
The awards are organised by Topco Media and Standard Bank, and this year marked the 20th year of the annual event, that celebrates excellence in gender empowerment by recognising South Africa’s most accomplished women leaders and organisations.
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.
Dr Mokgokong’s acceptance speech resonated with a powerful call to action for societal change. She emphasised the importance of dismantling barriers that impede progress, particularly those related to gender and background. By highlighting the importance of fostering a society where everyone can thrive, she underscored the need for inclusivity and equal opportunities.
“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,” she said. “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. 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.
“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.”
