TCA 2024: Honouring Sustainability, Innovation & Community Impact

The Corporate Awards 2024 held on November 29th in South Africa was an unforgettable event that brought together a diverse array of companies and individuals who have made outstanding contributions across various sectors. From sustainable practices to community empowerment, these awardees have set new benchmarks for excellence in their industries. Here’s a closer look at all the companies honoured and their inspiring achievements.

MTN South Africa: Business Sustainability and Innovation Award

MTN South Africa is a phenomenal leader in digital transformation, providing services to over 30 million users across education, business, and healthcare sectors. Through ICT and digital literacy programs, MTN has impacted 1.5 million learners, while also empowering over 15,000 entrepreneurs with training and financial support. Their mobile financial services have reached 10 million users, with 38% of leadership positions held by women, championing diversity and inclusion. MTN’s transformational services continue to drive progress in South Africa, and that is why they earned the Business Sustainability and Innovation Award.

African Union Holdings: Community Impact Award

African Union Holdings has made a lasting impact through its dedication to community development. The company has empowered over 10,000 students through scholarships, digital learning, and vocational training while improving healthcare for 20,000 individuals through free clinics and health kits. They also support over 3,000 small businesses, training 1,500 women entrepreneurs. Their efforts have extended to environmental sustainability, planting over 50,000 trees and providing solar solutions to 5,000 households. African Union Holdings’ holistic approach to community empowerment is a testament to their exceptional leadership in social impact.

Prudential Beneficial Insurance: Investment in People Sustainability Award

Prudential Beneficial Insurance has been a driving force in providing affordable life and microinsurance to over 50,000 low-income individuals. They have reached 10,000 community members through financial planning education and provided health insurance to 20,000 individuals, along with free medical screenings to 5,000 people annually. Their support of over 10 schools and healthcare facilities, combined with vocational training and disaster relief efforts, demonstrates a deep commitment to people management and sustainable community investment. This is why Prudential Beneficial Insurance was deserving of the Investment in People Sustainability Award.

Maviance PLC: Investment in People Sustainability Award

Maviance PLC has made remarkable strides in improving financial inclusion across Africa. Within just two years, they enabled 70% of rural populations to access financial services, boosting small businesses by 50% with digital financial tools. Their efforts have reduced financial exclusion by 60%, and they’ve supported a 40% growth in local businesses through better financial management. Maviance’s impact on economic empowerment and financial sustainability solidified their place as a leader in investment in people.

IHS Cameroon: Business Sustainability Pioneer Award

IHS Cameroon’s commitment to sustainability is evident through their partnerships with global renewable energy companies, which have led to a 20% reduction in energy consumption. They’ve transitioned 60% of their operations to renewable energy and have reduced waste by 40%. Their efforts have also provided internet access to over 100 remote communities and impacted 15,000 individuals through education, healthcare, and community support projects. With such transformative contributions, IHS Cameroon was a well-deserved honoree of the Business Sustainability Pioneer Award.

COTCO: HSE Excellence Award

COTCO has achieved significant strides in health, safety, and environmental excellence, boasting a 40% reduction in workplace incidents and a 25% improvement in safety compliance. Their sustainability-focused policies have led to a 50% reduction in emissions and a 30% decrease in water usage over the past five years. Through a $5 million investment in community development, COTCO has benefitted over 20,000 individuals. Their dedication to safety and community welfare was truly deserving of the HSE Excellence Award.

LionGuard Trading: Sustainable Health and Safety Personal Protective Equipment Award

LionGuard Trading has emerged as a leader in sustainable safety solutions across Cameroon and the CEMAC region. By exclusively distributing Dromex products, LionGuard has revolutionized personal protective equipment (PPE) with products that last 25% longer, thus reducing waste and replacement costs. Their dedication to sustainability is clear, having reduced landfill contributions by 50 tons annually. Moreover, they support over 50 companies and 10,000 workers with reliable, eco-friendly safety gear, contributing to a 30% reduction in workplace injuries, particularly in high-risk industries like mining and construction. This unwavering commitment to sustainable safety made them a deserving recipient of this year’s award.

CannAfrica: Community Award

CannAfrica has made an incredible impact on the lives of over 5,000 people by providing educational initiatives focused on the health benefits of cannabis. The company goes beyond education, employing 70% of its workforce from marginalized communities, fostering economic empowerment, and donating R2 million to community development projects. Their efforts have extended to training over 1,200 entrepreneurs, reducing waste by 25%, and actively supporting social development. CannAfrica's dedication to community well-being rightfully earned them the Community Award at The Corporate Awards 2024.

The Makoya Group: Business Sustainability & Innovation Award

With a mission to drive sustainable initiatives, The Makoya Group has impacted more than 50,000 individuals through programs focused on education, food security, and water access. Their employees play an active role in volunteer programs, and the company’s collaborative partnerships have been instrumental in effecting change. The Makoya Group has also empowered over 200 youth entrepreneurs through the Young Entrepreneurs Club. Their focus on both sustainability and innovation  made them a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

Vodacom South Africa: Sustainable Innovative Initiative Award

Vodacom South Africa continues to set the bar in environmental sustainability and innovation. Their dedication to renewable energy and a commitment to halving Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 underscores their leadership in environmental responsibility. In 2023, they recycled an impressive 1,273 tonnes of network equipment and championed the #CodeLikeAGirl initiative, empowering over 6,300 girls in STEM. Additionally, Vodacom’s Anani Call Centre, where 50% of employees are women, and their R8.8 billion investment in SME development solidified their place as a leader in sustainability and innovation. Their efforts have truly transformed industries, making them deserving of the Sustainable Innovative Initiative Award.

Bicks Engineering: Emerging Integrated Engineering Solution Award

Bicks Engineering has demonstrated exceptional innovation in process engineering, especially in the food and beverage sector. Their pioneering work in extending beer shelf life from 28 days to six months and reducing caustic chemical use by 70% in manufacturing processes is just the beginning. With operations across 25+ African countries, the Indian Ocean Islands, the Middle East, and North Africa, Bicks Engineering provides tailored solutions to diverse markets. Their contributions to industry sustainability and innovation made them an obvious choice for this award.

As these companies continue to lead by example, they inspire others to make a meaningful difference, creating a better, more sustainable future for all. Congratulations to all the honorees, and may your stories continue to inspire positive change across industries and communities.