Winning an award is a fantastic achievement and I heartily congratulate Pertunia Sibanyoni, CEO of InspectaCar on her fourth place in the Positive Role Model, C-Suite category, in the Gender Mainstreaming Awards 2019, but have to comment the existence of the awards is a sad reflection of how far this country has to go in eliminating gender gaps in the workplace.

The Gender Mainstreaming Awards, now in its seventh year, acknowledges those companies and individuals who have actively worked towards gender diversity at executive and board level. These companies have successfully transformed their boards while ensuring aspiring female directors are judged on their corporate governance skills and experience, and not their gender.

“I am honoured to be placed as a finalist in this prestigious award and would like to thank my family, friends, colleagues and my mentor Tony Frost for always being supportive in my journey. Sharing the stage with phenomenal women such as Dr Judy Dlamini and Prof Shirley Zinn amongst others is truly humbling,” says Sibanyoni.

“This award means so much to me. As women, we are stretched in so many directions. In this demanding environment it is about saying, I have been there, how have I walked, what have I learned being there? It is also about learning from others, both internal and external stakeholders (dealers, industry bodies and colleagues). And importantly, one cannot be pompous and think you know it all. It’s important to have an attitude of learning. You lift as your rise by empowering your team and others and give them the autonomy to showcase their skills,” she adds.