Unity in Action: Southern Africa Change Catalyst Awards 2024

On Friday, August 23, 2024, the Southern Africa Change Catalyst Awards (SACCA) 2024 ceremony made its debut in South Africa, hosted at the prestigious Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre. This marked the first time the esteemed awards were held in the country as part of their journey across African nations.

Trending

6 Places You Can Collect SASSA Grants Without Long Queues

The day began with keynote addresses from renowned speakers Maxwell Gomera, Director of the Africa Sustainable Finance Hub and Resident Representative of the United Nations Sustainable Development Programme in South Africa; Cuthbert Ncube, Chairman of the African Tourism Board; Matthews Mmpopi, expert on sustainability and mental health; and Lerato Kganyago, expert on gender equality and poverty. Their thought-provoking insights set the tone for a day of inspiration and knowledge-sharing.

I had the privilege of participating in the panel discussion on “Impactful and Sustainable Entrepreneurship,” moderated by Valentine Kuzondishora. During the discussion, I shared my insights on ensuring startups grow beyond the initial phase, highlighting the importance of:

• Embracing financial transparency and record-keeping
• Focusing on quality and customer satisfaction
• Building strong relationships with mentors, partners, suppliers, and stakeholders
• Prioritizing sustainable practices and social responsibility
• Continuously innovating and adapting to market changes

I also shared my personal story of how proper financial record-keeping unlocked new opportunities for my company, Matawuzeni BMG, and enabled us to contribute to the growth of the local steel and aluminum fabrication industry.

Other panels explored topics such as “Creating Changemakers through Sustainable Education” and “Building Impactful Business Empires in Small Towns.” The diverse range of discussions reflected the event’s commitment to driving progress through innovation and collaboration.

The highlight of the day was the award ceremony, where I was honored to receive the SDG9 award for my contributions to industry innovation and infrastructure, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This recognition is a testament to the power of unity and collaboration in driving positive change.

As we celebrate the successes of SACCA 2024, we are reminded that our journey towards sustainable development is far from over. Let us continue to champion unity, innovation, and progress, inspiring a brighter future for all.