Led by Aphiwe Madikizela (did not confirm if she’s related to ANC stalwart Winnie Madikizela Mandela), the company also pocketed R200 000 in the hotly contested services sector category.
She also praised the support the province’s leadership for aiding emerging entrepreneurs.
Other winners in 11 categories won R200 000, with finalists taking home R100 000 each in prize money.
The awards ceremony were held at Carnival City.
The 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr Sam Motsuenyane (in absentia), one of the founding fathers of the re-ignited African Bank. Last year’s recipient was ntate Richard Maponya.
In his address the Gauteng Economic Development and Rural Development MEC Lebogang Maile said they’re hard at work to increase the grand prize to R1m next year from R500 000m that drew applause from guests.
Meanwhile, the evening was almost spoilt when SLM journos were threatened to be thrown out of the after party.
This follows our freelance lensman Jacob Mawela’s attempt to take shots of both Maile and Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina, who had joined throngs of party revelers from their private suites.
Suddenly, we were confronted by three bulky bodyguards who wanted to order both Jacob and I outside the venue.
When asked what prompted this move they allege we wanted to take shots of Mayor and MEC without authorisation.
“You guys must live the venue now cos u wanted to take pictures, of which you aren’t allowed to,” they responded.
Asked who “authorized the order and what wrong did we commit”, they kept mum, only insisting we must live, that’s all.
This unfortunate incident happened in full view of some local Government officials and event organisers who did nothing to intervene. Sies…
Fortunately, one of the guards-whom I’ve seen in passing on numerous occasions- was very understanding and allowed us to stay after a serious convincing. “Did you take any pictures” he asked in bravado, and we responded ‘coolly’ No, and then he ordered that we turn of the camera and put it back in the bag.
On Sunday, Jacob alleged that a Ngobeni- from the office of Maile called to meet and discuss what unfolded. He then asked for a meeting this week to apologise.
It must be pointed that ours was to take social images just we did with others and nothing else, unless something untoward happened that prompted the unfortunate incident.
Press freedom, what happened to it?
We shall see if the meeting does take place?
