Victoria Mgojo receives ICON OF THE YEAR honour at the 2016 WOMEN: The Real Architects of Society Awards
Former Miss South Africa, now Businesswoman Joan Ramagoshi Madibeng announced the thirteen winners of the inaugural WOMEN: The Real Architects of Society Awards which were presented last night at the Kyalami Theatre on the Track. WOMEN: The Real Architects of Society Awards recognize visible accomplishments of women who have made inroads in various fields of Business, Arts, Culture, Sport, Society and Community. The awards provides an opportunity for women come together to celebrate women’s contribution in society. The winners were announced at a black-tie gala ceremony hosted by Motivational Speaker and Metro FM’s host Chriselda Dudumashe and Destiny Man’s editor Thabiso Tema.
Gloria Bosman kicked off the evening with a rendition of Miriam Makeba’s Pata Pata. This was followed by a tribute performance, singing repertoires onJoy Paradise Road, Mango Groove Special Star, Brenda Fassie Weekend Special with Afro Pop star Thembesile Ntaka and South African Idol finalist Mmatema. Backed by fabulous ballet dancers and a live band, the stage abruptly turned into a festive feel which brought the house down.
“We warmly congratulate all those honoured tonight for their outstanding contribution that they have made in their respective fields,” said Joan Ramagoshi Madibeng, Founder of RealArchitects. “We are extremely very proud to be celebrating our mothers and daughters who continue to advance change in this country. Everyday there are truly dedicated and committed women who go out of their way to uplift others. These women don’t do it for the glory or spotlight, but they do it to drive change, these are what we call unsung heroines, and I’ve very privileged to walk this path with these incredible women who make our country a better place.”
The three performers proceeded to wow the audience as they bid the night with Whitney Houston I’m Every Woman paying respect to all the nominees and winners. Guest of honour included Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba & his wife Norma, Former SAPS National Commissioner Riah Phiyega, Celebrity guest presenters Sophie Ndaba, Penny Lebyane, Masechaba Lekalake and Nyalleng Thidedi.
WOMEN: The Real Architects of Society Awards 2016 are brought to you by City of Joburg, Department of Arts and Culture, SAP and Destiny Magazine
The winners of the 2016 WOMEN: The Real Architects of Society Awards are:
Tumelo Ntlethiba – Education Excellence Award
Sheena Janiston – HealthCare Excellence Award
Mina Naidoo – ICT Excellence Award
Victoria Mgojo – Music Excellence Award
Dawn Lindberg – Drama Excellence Award
Kelsey Middleton – Dance Excellence Award
Caster Semenya – Athletic Excellence Award
Mmabogatso Matlou – Community Excellence Award
Sibongile Sambo – Entrepreneur Excellence Award
Gigi Laymaine – Youth Excellence Award
Gigi Laymaine – Rising Star Excellence Award
Sibongile Sambo – Unsung Excellence Award
Victoria Mgojo – Icon of the Year Excellence Award
ABOUT Women: The Real Architects of Society Awards
Women: The Real Architects of Society Awards (WRASA) exist to recognize accomplishment of South African Women by celebrating those individuals who have excelled in the past year. The event which has been honouring women since 2011, is intricately woven into the spirit of African women and combines dialogue, networking, music, fashion and arts.
ABOUT Joan Ramagoshi Madibeng
Joan Ramagoshi Madibeng is a former Miss South Africa and businesswoman. She has been at the helm of Communications in Soccer, having worked for one of South Africa’s celebrated soccer club Mamelodi Sundowns FC as head of Marketing. Madibeng is a co-founder of RBJ Marketing, Director of Terra De Africa, Philanthropist, Brand consultant, Motivational speaker and most of all a wife and mother to two beautiful children.
