Each of the 55 finalists, professionals under the age of 40 from a range of different professions, will now be exposed to a vigorous final judging process before the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Monday, 28 July at Hilton Sandton, Johannesburg.

Laura Barker, MD of BlackBark Productions – organisers of the Rising Star programme, says: “The Rising Star Programme serves as a platform to recognise and connect young talent who demonstrate exceptional capacity to achieve great success and contribute in an inspirational manner to the future progress of business and society.”

Barker adds that the Rising Star Programme is far more than just an awards ceremony, stating: “The programme will establish a living community of young South African talent that will be developed, mentored and provided with necessary platforms for development and communication. This will enable them to become role models, opinion leaders and the inspiration for other future South African talent. In short, the programme will nurture these organisational and national assets who are set to play a key role in shaping the country and our continent.”

The 2014 Rising Stars’ finalists for each business sector are:

Entrepreneur - Zuko Mandlakazi of Six Sib Inc; Asanda Saule of Fiction Imitates Reality; Harry Welby-Cooke of Action Coach; Anda Maqanda of AM Groups; and Justine Botes of Prize Voucher.

ICT - Noleen Ilunga-Muleya of Wipro; Thato Padi of Innovation Group; Clara Namnick of Business Connexion; Muthe Rambuwani of PCubed; and Tamika Mercedes of Innovation Group.

Banking & Financial Services - Marlon Reddy of Standard Bank; Sonja Pascoe of Standard Bank; Caren Robb of AFB; Isabella Marta de Langa of Standard Bank; and Mayandree Govender of Standard Bank.

Logistics & Supply Chain - Francois van Rensburg of Dovetail Business Solutions; Leeanne Soobramoney of The Point Of Purchase Warehouse; Olebogeng Sydney Seamrco of Transnet Freight Rail; Emma Gwala of Transnet Port Terminals; and Khanyi Mamba of DHL Express.

Energy & Chemicals - Mxolisi Bhebhe of Engen Petroleum; Lisa Ferraz of Engen Petroleum; Adriana de Beer of Sasol; Nobleman Kani of Engen Petroleum; and Nthabiseng Mutisya of Engen Petroleum.

Manufacturing, Retail & FMCG - Joanne Hodgson of Ellerine Holding Limited; Millicent Molete of Nestle; Andrew Jackson of DionWired; Kim Jensen of Aspen Pharmacare; and Werner Beukes of Ellerine Holding Limited.

Media & Advertising - Lee-Anne Coosner of Media24; Xolane Ngobozana of Viruz Empire Entertainment; Theogaren Moodley of Bonngoe.tv; Joey Legodi of SABC; and Wayne Hempe of TBWA\HUNT\LACARIS.

Mining & Industrials - Glen Nwaila of Sibanye Gold Limited; Neo Hutiri of ArcelorMittal; Brendan Marais of ArcelorMittal; Frances Phillips of ArcelorMittal; and Ronald Naidoo of ArcelorMittal.

Professional Services - Jutta Villet of DAV Professional Placement Group; Rohitesh Dhawan of KPMG; Silas Mohale of PwC; Angie Botes of Dante Personnel Recruitment; and Georgina Smit of Arup.

Public & Private Service - Wiebke Toussaint of Engineers Without Borders South Africa; Benita Olivier of University of the Witwatersrand; Thandeka Mazibuko of Sinomusanothando Community Development; Mashilo Mpya of MSC Business College; and Mandisa Singata of Effective Care Research Unit, East London.

Tourism & Hospitality - Marvin Theron of City Lodge Hotels; Dominic Fry of Hilton Hotels; Malcolm Fynn of Hilton Hotels; Craig Donaldson of Hilton Hotels; and Abia Rakoma of City Lodge Hotels.

Stefan Ferreira, commercial director of CEB South Africa (sponsor and managers of the rigorous judging process), says: “Initial results from the talent assessment process shows that this year’s applicants are a self-starting, entrepreneurial group that have the drive and desire to make rapid impact in the workplace. Organisations need to invest in identifying top talent and developing their potential to ensure they have the right talent to drive future productivity, innovation and performance.”

He adds: “We’re honoured to work with the Rising Star Awards to give young talent the opportunity to network with the country’s high-flyers, providing valuable exposure to secure top jobs in the future. It’s a privilege to help young leaders explore their own leadership strengths at this early stage in their careers.”

As one of the main sponsors of the 2014 Rising Star Awards, Standard Bank is demonstrating its support in recognising exceptional talent and further strengthening its position as an employer of choice by sponsoring the Financial Services award.

Says Tshepo Sibilanga, Global Head of Talent Management at Standard Bank: “The Rising Star Programme provides a great opportunity for aspiring individuals who are highly committed to achieving their goals and have the ability to innovate rapidly, as well as broaden their horizons through ongoing development and networking. We’re very honoured to be a part of this and especially excited that four Standard Bank employees have reached the finals. We wish them all the best.”

Funds for the GreenSmile Foundation, the official charity of choice, will be raised at the awards ceremony. Sought-after items will be auctioned, including a limited edition replica of the World Cup winning jersey and medal, of which only 200 were produced.

The 2014 Rising Star Awards is sponsored by, amongst others, Business Connexion, Sasol, Standard Bank, Hilton Worldwide, ArcelorMittal, CEB and ACSA. Partners of the Rising Star Awards include Upstage Productions, Rand Refinery, USB, Who’s Who, Mulderbosch Wine and Young & Able.

For more information, visit www.risingstar.co.za. Alternatively, visit and like the Facebook page, here and follow @RisingStarSA on Twitter.