The chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Dr Anna Mokgokong, was again recognised for her remarkable achievements as an industry stalwart when she received the Black Industrialist Pioneer and Legacy Award at the second Black Industrialist and Exporters Conference.

The conference was held at the Sandton International Convention Centre on Wednesday 20 March, and President Cyril Ramaphosa presented the awards.

The awards announced at the conference aimed at recognising the contribution of black industrialists towards driving economic growth, social transformation and in advancing inclusive entrepreneurship in South Africa.

Dr Mokgokong is the co-founder and executive chairperson of Community Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd., a company she founded in 1995. She was congratulated for her hard work and dedication that serves as inspiration for so many, as well as for her role she plays to promote the empowerment of women, amongst many other highlighted achievements.

In her acceptance speech, Dr Mokgokong reflected on her humble beginnings selling and designing handbags in townships. She remarked that thirty years ago, there weren’t any black industrialists, but this picture has changed through hard work and dedication.

“Let the next 30 years take us to greater heights. Let us build a South Africa that is inclusive. Inclusive of women and all the citizens of South Africa,” she concluded.

The principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, expressed his delight with Dr Mokgokong receiving this award, saying: “Dr Anna Mokgokong has not only been a flagbearer of the NWU, but one for all South Africans. Her story is inspirational and her legacy continues to grow. We are proud to call her our chancellor, and I know that all our citizens are proud to call her a fellow South African.”

Dr Anna Mokgokong, was recognised for her remarkable achievements as an industry stalwart.