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The Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa has announced the winners of the 2014 Businesswoman of the Year awards, Roswitha Becker scooped the award in the corporate category whilst Nombulelo “Bea” Hackula walked away with the award in the government category. The awards took place last night at the Sandton Convention Centre.
 
“As we celebrate 35 years of courage, achievement and leadership, it brings us great joy to continue to see women breaking barriers, exhibiting their astute leadership and business capabilities,” says Liepollo Lebohang Pheko, Businesswomen’s Association (BWA) president.  “The awards that these phenomenal women have received are a testament to their courage in making a change in the socio-economic landscape.”
 
Roswitha Becker, 2014 Businesswoman of the Year Corporate winner, is a dynamic and engaging business woman.   Drawing from her wealth of international experience, she has been integral in building an organisation that exemplifies the possibilities of globalisation. Ms Becker is driven by a deep sense of making a difference as she believes in bringing change to the world.  She is not only a successful career woman but, also uses her mentoring work and CSI involvement at her engagements as a public speaker.   Ms Becker loves inspiring others to achieve beyond what they thought was impossible.
 
Ms Becker comments “It is such an honour to receive this award, I have always looked up to previous winners and today I am ecstatic to be counted among them. This encourages me to do more and hopefully this will inspire other women to fold their sleeves and immerse themselves fully in whatever calling they choose to pursue. If I can do it, anyone can.”
 
Roswitha Becker is currently the General Manager at Global Load Control, an organisation that ensures millions of passengers safely reach their destinations.
 
The 2014 Businesswoman of the Year Government category winner, Nombulelo “Bea” Hackula is regarded as one of the most influential woman leaders in the Eastern Cape.   Ms Hackula boasts more than 20 years leadership experience in both the private and the public sectors in the areas of strategy, supply chain and change management. She has held various leadership positions including Purchasing Manager (Daimler Chrysler SA), Deputy Director General (Office of the Premier – Easter Cape), Head of Department (Eastern Cape Department of Housing, Local Government and Traditional Affairs).
 
As an innovative, determined and action oriented individual, Ms Hackula has been intensely involved in championing women development issues, something she is very passionate about. Having chaired the Eastern Cape chapter of the Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa,  she has steered the Eastern Cape’s Department of Social Development to reach a threshold of 50% of women occupying leadership positions in 2013.
 
“I am highly motivated by this accolade and equally grateful for the recognition of my efforts in the public sector,” says Nombulelo “Bea” Hackula.  ”This being the new category in the awards, I believe many women will be inspired to do well and represent the public sector excellently. For me this does not mean I can rest on my laurels, but it is more of a challenge to do even better in the future.”
 
Nombulelo “Bea” Hackula is currently the Head of the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development.
 
The Businesswoman of the year awards are a brainchild of the Businesswomen’ Association of South Africa and have for the past 34 years been recognising women’s efforts and dedication in taking leadership roles in their workplaces and business.  To date more over 60 women have been recognised and have added to their credentials, the Businesswoman of the year awards.  We hope the winners will embrace being awarded this title and be role models to other woman in business.