Businessman Cyril Ramaphosa applauded for business acumen

Several leading South African business executives and guests packed the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Johannesburg to join leading businessman Cyril Ramaphosa as he accepted his award as the most influential black director of listed companies in the country, based on research by Empowerdex.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was the keynote speaker at the glamorous event. He discussed economic issues and stressed the importance of creating policies and a business environment that will promote job creation. He applauded the Trailblazers at the event and stated we need more such leaders to make the country a success.

Mr Ramaphosa received his accolade as the most influential black director with humility. The most powerful black director, Phuthuma Nhleko, was unable to attend but did send a video message in acknowledgement. Mr Nhleko was also voted by his Trailblazing peers as the most admired black director, the first time this category was added to the Trailblazer research project.

But the evening belonged to international speaker, Chris Gardner. Although many guests had seen the movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, based on his life – all commented how powerful it was to hear his personal account of the struggles he overcame and the triumphs he achieved.

His talk delivered many powerful and often humourous quotes which guests are likely to accept as guidance for their lives. A crowd favourite was “the cavalry ain’t coming; you have to make your own plans”.