PPC’s Executive scoops the 2012 BBQ Transformation Champion of the Year Award

PPC Ltd’s Nolwandle Mantashe was named Transformation Champion of the Year at the 2012 Van Ryn’s Black Business Quarterly (BBQ) Awards, held at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg on Friday, 19 October 2012.

Mantashe is PPC’s Executive for Transformation and Government Relations, a position she has held since December 2009. Her role comprises corporate transformation strategies as well as implementing community and government stakeholder relations strategies. Prior to this position, Mantashe was PPC’s Group Transformation Manager.

The BBQ Awards, launched in 2002, seek to promote the understanding that Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) has a potential to redress inequality, boost economic growth and create a better life for all. The event was a celebration of businesses and individuals that have lived up to the objects of BBBEE.

“I am delighted to be recognised for this award by my colleagues and peers in the industry. Transformation and empowerment plays a crucial role in the economy, is a method for fighting poverty in the country and helps establish a healthy, prosperous society,” Mantashe said.

Mantashe has been instrumental in driving two BEE deals for PPC. The first BBBEE empowerment transaction initiated in December 2008 achieved a 15.3% BEE ownership. The second deal placed an additional 39.3 million ordinary shares under black ownership, increasing the total BEE ownership to 26%.

Opening the awards ceremony and keynote speaker at the event was Susan Shabangu, Minister of Mineral Resources. She said, “The theme for this year’s event aptly captures the essence of transformation in South Africa, namely ‘Creating a legacy and building a future’, which is consistent with the national plan of harnessing the development of entrepreneurs/and black industrialists to facilitate economic growth and subsequently reduce poverty.”

Over the last decade, the path for female employees at PPC has expanded with the company increasing in its female employee ratio by 67%. To date, more than 400 females are employed by the company in South Africa alone. PPC strongly believes that providing equal opportunities for employees is fundamental to its success and the cement supplier has implemented various processes to attract females in a once male dominated industry. The company further aims to develop and nurture its existing female employees’ skills and talent.

Mantashe has been instrumental in PPC’s Ntsika Fund, a formal vehicle for financial support and active mentorship to black-owned enterprises. Mantashe is also the trustee of PPC Community Trust where declared company dividends are distributed to 10 communities. She is responsible for engaging with the community and identifying the project and community needs through forums. Some of the projects include a Digital Doorway Computer in Diepsloot and a food garden in Mafikeng.

Mantashe has demonstrated strong leadership characteristics throughout her career and possesses excellent communication skills. Her competency and ability to be a strong team player, and her attention to detail leaves her standing well above the rest in the industry. Mantashe’s thorough knowledge of human resources legislation practices, coupled with a clear vision to accomplish her desired goals, has lead her into the influential position she holds today. She holds a Business Management Programme Certificate from the Wits Business School and a BA Honors Degree in Industrial Sociology from the University of Johannesburg.

Prior to joining PPC, she was a Human Resources Unit Manager at Gold Fields Limited, Driefontein mine, Carletonville, where she played a significant role in mining conversions.

Now in its 11th year, the BBQ Awards promote sustainable black business in South Africa. According to Kekeletso Khena, Director of the 11th annual Van Ryn’s BBQ Awards, the awards were born as a result of a need to recognise, honour and celebrate black business excellence at a time when black business was synonymous with informal township trading.

“The awards continue to offer a platform to celebrate and showcase those individuals and organisations who are at the forefront of advancing the transformation and empowerment of black business in South Africa,” said Khena.

L-R Kekeletso Khena, Director of the 11th annual Van Ryn’s BBQ Awards; Nolwandle Mantashe, PPC Ltd’s Executive for Transformation and Government Relations and 2012 BBQ Awards Transformation Champion of the Year; Debbie Lieberthal, Managing Director at Umkhonto Labour Holdings.