Standard Bank announced its sponsorship of the Top-35-Under-35 awards competition in partnership with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants today. As Africa’s leading financial services provider, this is testament to their commitment to supporting the entrepreneurs and business leaders of tomorrow.
The sponsorship will see the bank take an active role for the duration of the competition, helping to facilitate networking events throughout the country, and participating in the lead up to the final adjudication and declaration of this year’s winners in November. Entry and nomination applications for the competition are now available, until the end of August.
“For years, the SAICA Top-35-Under-35 awards have honoured South Africa’s leading business and accounting talent; people who have gone on to head up prominent industries and brands. We couldn’t be more excited to be working with this prestigious initiative to help elevate and celebrate the best of today’s young professionals,” said Schalk Kotze, Head of Affluent Affairs at Standard Bank South Africa.
Launched in 2014 as SAICA’s flagship event, the Top-35-Under-35 competition recognises young Chartered Accountants (CAs) who not only excel as professionals, but also work to make a meaningful difference in society and in their respective communities. The competition receives hundreds of entries every year, with CA trainees and institute members constantly aspiring to become finalists.
“At Standard Bank, we take pride in offering financial products and services that are tailored to the needs and aspirations of all South Africans. By taking a proactive stance and honouring young CAs, we are putting the spotlight on those that will help propel the country forward and into a better tomorrow,” Kotze added.
Previous overall winners have included CFO of African Operations and MD of Escolha Do Povo (EDP) Mozambique, Manuel Rodrigues, and CEO and co-founder of The Invigilator smartphone app, Nicholas Reimer. In addition to the grand prize, the competition also awards candidates that have demonstrated excellence in specific categories related to business development, influence, and leadership.
As part of the winner selection process, 35 finalists are selected during six rounds of initial judging, after which each entry is subject to a compliance and disciplinary review process to ensure the candidate’s good standing. Each candidate must submit a portfolio of evidence and a video of their work, and will be given 20 minutes on the judging day to take questions from the judging panel.
The 2022 panel will feature several of South Africa’s most notable business leaders, including CEO of Khumalo.co, Andile Khumalo, CA and specialist in leadership development, Dineshrie Pillay, and co-founder of Thamani Consulting, Abed Tau. Judging will take place on 23 and 24 November, followed by the winners’ announcement on 25 November.
“As South Africa’s pre-eminent accountancy body, SAICA is well positioned to seek out young people that have the potential to transform the country through their unique ideas and impressive drive. With Standard Bank as one of our partners, we are working together to host a memorable year and showcase those that demonstrate a desire to put society first, and exhibit the values of innovation and leadership that we all aspire to,” said Gerinda Engelbrecht, Project Director at SAICA.
In addition to the competition, entrants and other CA trainees have the chance to attend several high-profile networking events. These events take place in cities across South Africa and the UK and are hosted by Andile Khumalo. They also feature previous competition finalists and winners as panel members. The events will offer entrants an opportunity to ask questions and receive advice from the panel, as well as a chance to engage with panel members and other stakeholders afterwards. The dates, times, and locations for the networking events include:
- Durban – 2 August @ 18:00 (Premier Hotel Umhlanga, Umhlanga Ridge Blvd, Umhlanga, Durban, 4319)
- Cape Town – 18 August @ 18:00 (President Hotel, 4 Alexander Rd, Bantry Bay, Cape Town, 8001)
- Johannesburg – 1 September @ 18:00 (The Venue, 17 The High St, Melrose, Johannesburg, 2019)
- London – 9 September @ 18:00 (Chancery Lane, 50-52 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1HL)
For more information on the SAICA Top-35-Under-35 awards competition, upcoming networking events, and entry details, visit www.top35-under-35.saicaevents.co.za
