Serithi Recognised for Contribution to the Industry

GVK’s Group Director scoops Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government and Titans: Building Nations award SADC South – 2019

Jabu Serithi, Group Director at GVK-Siya Zama, was named one of Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government and Titans: Building Nations Awards, which recognises African leaders at the pinnacle of their industry. The prestigious ceremony took place at the Hilton Sandton, on the 23rd of August 2019.

The awards, by Global CEO, are the leading African recognition programme honouring excellence in the private and public sectors covering a total of 23 economic sectors. The SADC South leg is the first part of the recognition programme where country and regional winners are identified from 8 regions across the continent.

Annelize Wepener, Chief Executive at CEO Global says that its recognition programme dispels the notion that Africa has a paucity of innovative and progressive leadership talent. “There are tremendously inspirational stories at the core of each winner’s professional and personal life story. They deserve the admiration and respect they are afforded.”

“Nominees undergo a rigorous multi-tiered judging process,” she continues. “The highest possible standard is maintained throughout the judging. Those individuals whom have been recognised as winners in their field can be assured that they have truly excelled.”

Serithi, who was recognised for her contribution and influence within the building and construction industry, says that she is grateful and humbled to win the award. “There are a number of hard working women making remarkable progress in this sector and I am truly honoured to be counted as one of them.”

I am also grateful for organisations led by passionate women like Annalize who take the time to recognise women making strides in their respective fields, she adds. “My wish is that awards such as these motivate and inspire other women to work together and not compete when it comes to reaching their true potential.”

“Unfortunately we live in a society that has a way of making women believe that only one of us can have a seat at the table,” she points out. “However, it is vital to know that when women support each other, incredible things happen, and those who are blessed enough to have made it should always encourage and enable others.”

When it comes to South Africa, Serithi believes that awards such as these also represent the hope we need as a country, despite all the difficult challenges we are faced with at the moment. “They shine the spotlight on positive achievements which can only inspire and motivate us to keep doing better. They also bring much needed awareness about what has indeed been achieved, but more importantly about how much more can still be done.”

With this in mind, Serithi says that the best is yet to come for South Africa. “I am reminded of a quote by the late American poet and writer Maya Angelou which says: ''Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better,” she concludes.