HR Pulse

For the past four years, the Standard Bank Rising Star Awards have been identifying, recognising and celebrating young talent across all industries in South Africa.

The Awards are a unique opportunity for young, talented individuals in the 28-40 year age category to showcase their successes, as well as prove their commitment to development and growth – not only of themselves and their organisations, but also their industries and communities.

“We have a wealth of young talent in South Africa, and we need to recognise it,” says Laura Barker, Managing Director of BlackBark Productions, organisers of the Rising Star Programme. “What is great about our programme is that it is not just an award – it is a platform for young talent to establish themselves in a lifelong network of like-minded individuals, and grow exponentially by connecting with the top minds in the country.”

Standard Bank’s Global Head of Resourcing, Amelia Muller, says that Standard Bank is proud to be the headline sponsor again this year. “We have seen first-hand the significant role these awards play in identifying and celebrating talent across all industries,” she says. “They provide a unique platform for our young leaders to showcase the work they have done, as well as encourage us with their potential for reaching even greater heights. They also provide a cross-industry network of up-and-coming leaders that will soon be a powerful force to be reckoned with in the business world. Importantly, the awards are also putting Africa on the map when it comes to showing the global business community what amazing talent we have on the continent.”

Building a Network

Although an important milestone, the Awards are just the beginning. The top five in each category (now totalling over 200 dedicated individuals) form part of the fast-growing Rising Stars Network, a unique blend of the top talent in each industry sector, each focused on not only growing themselves, but others in the network.

“Personal development through the network is encouraged, and various social and professional events held throughout the year after the awards reinforce this crucial element of our programme,” explains Barker. “Another element of the programme is the Arcelor Mittal Rising Star Summit – a platform for past and current winners to take the stage and speak to corporate South Africa about the role young talent can and should play in a changing economy.”

Not only does the Rising Star programme develop young South African leaders who are eager to make their mark, it plays an important role in bringing the leading organisations of South Africa together to raise talent on the national agenda. “Sitting back and complaining about the lack of skills and brain drain we face in most industries is not conducive to crafting a solution,” says Barker. “Forward-thinking companies are realising that they have a responsibility to attract, develop and retain young talent. They will not be the only ones to reap the rewards – the economy as a whole benefits when organisations are committed to growing the skills pool.”

The Judges

Over the past four years, the judges for the Standard Bank Rising Star awards have represented the best in business, and this year is no different.

Over 40 judges will evaluate the candidates in the tough final round, and last year they included industry experts such as PwC South Africa’s Shirley Machaba, Britehouse Group CEO Scott Gibson, Managing Director of DHL Express Hennie Heymans, merSETA CEO Dr Raymond Patel, Shanduka Group CEO Phuti Mahanyele, Dr Wim Brits from the SA Reserve Bank Academy, Ndaba Ntsele – CEO: Pmodzi Group and President: Black Business Council, and Bahle Goba from ArcelorMittal South Africa, to name a few.

“It is a tough process, but it is rigorous for a reason,” explains Barker. “The Standard Bank Rising Star awards are aspirational, and representative of the cream of the crop where young talent is concerned. We know that these leaders really deserve to be winners, and that the award is meaningful as both a personal and professional recognition of their drive and determination.”

STANDARD BANK RISING STAR AWARDS SPONSORS

Sponsors for the 5^th Annual Standard Bank Rising Star Awards include Standard Bank, ArcelorMittal, Sasol and Hilton Worldwide.