2024 Australian Awards Winners

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the inaugural South African of the Year in Australia Awards, presented by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). At SAICA, we understand that Difference Making has no boundaries. These prestigious awards are designed to celebrate and honour the remarkable achievements and contributions of South Africans living in Australia.

The SAICA South African in Australia Awards culminated in two days of judging, and the awards ceremony was held on 25 September in Sydney. The judges had the privilege of hearing the most incredible stories from the finalists. Filled with passion, resilience, kindness, goodness, and humility, the finalists’ journeys were truly inspiring. All proved not to be driven by recognition or glory but by a desire to make a difference. Well done to all the finalists and congratulations to our award winners!

These awards are more than just accolades; they are a celebration of the remarkable individuals who embody the very essence of South Africa. The finalists, winners and everyone involved in the awards all showcased the South African nation’s unwavering resilience, boundless passion, and deep-rooted spirit of Ubuntu. Their stories highlighted a common thread that transcends geographical boundaries: South African identity is a part of one’s DNA, a defining characteristic that cannot be erased, even by distance. We are uniquely woven together, a tapestry of shared experiences and values.

At the awards ceremony, all the finalists were recognised and the winners announced. Below we share some of the projects and initiatives in which the winners are involved.

Academic Award

Dr Bomikazi Zeka − Associate Professor at the University of Canberra, for her research on economic inequality and marginalised groups.

Dr Zeka’s research focuses on retirement planning for women, people of colour, and older adults. She obtained her PhD from Nelson Mandela University and joined the University of Canberra in 2018. Her academic career has been marked by several achievements and honours including the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in 2018 and the Dean’s Award for Academic Rising Star in 2019. In 2023, she won the Dean’s Award for Research.

She is an active researcher, textbook author, social commentator, and public speaker. As a vocal advocate for financial literacy, building financial resilience and empowering women through financial planning. She established Project WIRE (Women in Retirement Education) as a platform to connect women seeking to improve their financial education with financial advisors and financial education specialists. In 2023, she received funding for Project WIRE from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government to facilitate free financial education workshops run by women for women to improve women’s retirement outcomes in Australia.

Dr Zeka regularly contributes to media outlets in South Africa and Australia, including radio interviews and written pieces for publications such as News24, eNCA, Business Live, Times Live and the Sunday Times, to name a few.

Arts and Culture Award

Claire Jankelson − Founder and previous director of the South African Film Festival (SAFF) and board director of Education Without Borders (EwB), for promoting South African content and raising funds for disadvantaged communities in South Africa and Australia.

The South African Film Festival (SAFF) opened in Australia in 2019 as a cultural offering to showcase the best of South African film and multiculture through both screenings and events. SAFF is run by a committee of engaged multi-cultural volunteers and is the key conduit for raising funds for Education Without Borders, an outstanding after-school programme that supplements disadvantaged student learning in South Africa. SAFF maintain cross-cultural ties with the Canadians who initiated EwB in SA in 2002, and Australia has representation on the South African / International board of EwB for governance, education and fundraising.

This initiative has brought together key members of the South African diaspora to work towards a cause; it has made a significant impact in galvanising the South African community, including business and high net worth individuals, many of them expats and previously disengaged South Africans. Over the past six years, SAFF has allocated about R9 million for maintaining and developing EwB. Furthermore, SAFF has given the opportunity for South African culture to reach Australian audiences, fostering deepened understanding and engagement.

Says Claire: ‘I feel proud to have been at the helm of this festival and the many opportunities it has offered for forging bonds with South Africa. I’ve achieved a phenomenal education into the wonder and the beauty and the incredible hardships, the struggles that continue, its unique cultural landscape, the tenacity and the courage and the humour and the remarkable creativity that dwells in the country South Africa. For me it’s a process of re-looking at the history of South Africa. It’s a way of making sense of the evolution of a post-apartheid South Africa, what is working well and what is struggling to emerge in the country. I’m interested in aspects of identity formation; the place of the Khoisan people, the First Nations people of the country; that South Africa has 11 indigenous languages and what this means in the ongoing unfolding of culture in the country. This continuing learning journey has enriched and challenged my leadership capacities, albeit the subject of my formal work and academic life.’

Community Champion Award

Ronni Kahn AO − Founder of OzHarvest, for her impact in food rescue and environmental sustainability.

Ronni Kahn is a social entrepreneur and founder and visionary in residence of food rescue charity OzHarvest. Ronni is a passionate advocate and activist renowned for disrupting the food waste landscape in Australia. She appears regularly in national media, serves in an advisory capacity to government, and is a sought-after keynote speaker. Her mission to fight food waste and feed hungry people is supported by some of the world’s finest chefs.

Ronni is an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and was named Australian Local Hero of the Year. Her journey is the subject of a feature film, Food Fighter, and her memoir, A Repurposed Life, has recently been published. A Repurposed Life is the story of how Ronni found her voice, her heart and her deepest calling.

Ronni leads hundreds of staff and thousands of volunteers with the goal to nourish Australia. She serves in an advisory capacity to government and is an instrumental leader in changing federal laws to improve social justice and environmental policies.

Entrepreneur Award

David Shein − Partner at OIF Ventures, for his leadership in venture capital supporting high-growth businesses.

David’s passion is working as a business mentor to people that he enjoys working with, building highly motivated teams and adding value to staff, customers and shareholders.

For over three decades, he has founded, mentored and invested in exceptional start-ups, with a number of successful exits.

David sold the company he founded, Com Tech Communications − arguably Australia’s first tech unicorn − for an enterprise value of over $1 billion. He has extensive senior board experience and in 2021published his first book, The Dumbest Guy at the Table: How I Founded Australia’s First Unicorn, drawing on his experience and providing valuable advice to anyone looking to start a company.

David says that he would like to be remembered as someone with the utmost integrity who added value as a husband, father, business partner and investor.

Innovation and Technology Award

Sheryl Frame − CEO of Liquim Limited, for her contributions to commercialising innovative technologies and empowering female entrepreneurs.

Sheryl is an experienced company director, strategist and commercialisation adviser. She worked as a commercialisation adviser for the federal government’s accelerating commercialisation (AC) programme from mid-2011 until October 2020, and now consults on strategy and commercialisation through her own company, EDICT International Consultant. Sheryl is a director and CEO of Perth-based start-up Liquim Limited, having joined the company initially in a consulting capacity in parallel to her role as CEO of Inspiring Holdings. She is also a founding director of VentureX HQ − a position that enables her to ‘give back’ to upcoming entrepreneurs. Sheryl has worked internationally, starting her career in South Africa before she was head-hunted and brought to Perth in 2000 to take up the role of GM for a public listed company in the health space.

Having started four IT-related companies from two continents, Sheryl has demonstrated exceptional and progressive leadership over many years.

Sheryl is passionate about helping others, especially female entrepreneurs and innovators, and ensuring women in general are empowered to follow their dreams and dismiss perceived barriers. She has been involved in numerous organisations that help women in business; AWISE, Australian Women in IT, Science and Engineering, WiTWA, SBE Australia, AC, and several others. Most recently, Sheryl is a co-founder of VentureX HQ, an organisation focused on growing female entrepreneurs and investors. Sheryl has been a trailblazer in many ways, especially for young women in IT and in STEM.

Sheryl was recognised for her contribution to the ICT sector when she was named Australia’s ICT Professional of the Year for 2019 by the Australian Computer Society. In 2022 she was named Achiever of the Year at the WA Incite Awards.

Outstanding Professional Award

Dr Manny Pohl AM − Chairman of EC Pohl & Co, for his achievements in finance and philanthropy.

Dr Manny Pohl has over 35 years’ experience in investment. He founded Hyperion Asset Management in 1996 and was its CEO, managing director and investment committee chairman until 2012. He is also a member of the South African delegation to the annual meeting of the board of governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Dr Pohl holds engineering and MBA degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand and a doctorate in Business Administration (Economics) from Potchefstroom University. He is the founder of the Pohl Foundation, a master practitioner member of the Stockbrokers and Financial Advisers Association, a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.

Dr Pohl has received numerous accolades and honours. Amongst others, he was granted Freedom of the City of London in 2015 and was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia medal in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List (conferred 10 June 2019) for ‘significant service to the finance sector, and to the community’.

Social Impact Award

Janine Wood − Co-founder of No Limits Perth, for her dedication to supporting vulnerable communities.

Alongside two police officers, Janine began her journey in her lounge room with a $500 gift and a pre-loved Ute. Today, No Limits Perth boasts a large team of dedicated volunteers, transforming lives by providing food hampers, household furniture, toiletries, linen, and various other practical necessities and support programmes to those in need.

Janine also leads the community services support hub in Wanneroo and Joondalup, a collaboration of wonderful organisations offering free services like haircuts, mobile laundry, showers, doggie wash, clothing, animal checks, small book library, food hampers and more to support the homeless and other vulnerable members of the community.

Janine says that she may be the driving force with a vision, but without her colleagues and co-founders Belinda Hawes and Debbie Jordaan, the dedicated board who work with transparency and integrity, and heart and soul doing the daily work by the most selfless team of volunteers, none of this would be possible.

Her work has been recognised with several awards, including the 2019 Westfield Whitfords Local Hero, the 2021 Wanneroo Community Group Award, and the prestigious 2024 Michael Chin Humanitarian Award. In 2023, she was a finalist in the local hero category of the Western Australian of the Year awards and received the ECU Alumni Award for Community and Impact, as well as the Community Impact Award at the MBA Australasia Awards.

Ubuntu Award

Margaret Dreyer − Senior partner at Deloitte, for her commitment to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing in the workplace.

With an extensive 35-year career with both South African and Australian firms, Margaret has built a reputation as a trusted audit partner. She also spearheaded the inclusion, diversity, and wellbeing portfolio for Deloitte Australia. In August 2021, she was honoured to be promoted to the role of Deloitte AP diversity, equity, and inclusion leader, where she consults with board and executive leaders on all matters related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Throughout her career Margaret has been recognised as a highly regarded audit leader, advising some of the world’s largest multinational organisations. She takes great pride in conducting audits and providing advisory services to numerous not-for-profit organisations.

Since 1998, Margaret has dedicated a significant portion of her time to assisting South Africans in their transition to life in Australia. She has helped countless families and individuals successfully integrate into the Australian way of life and become active members of the community. Her support extends to building robust networks for both professional and personal growth, enabling these individuals to establish themselves as respected members of the business community and beyond. She serves as a patron of Southern Cross, an organisation that supports both South African women and business networking.

Her leadership roles within Deloitte included serving on the Deloitte Australia Board, the Audit and Assurance Executive Leadership Team, the Global Steering Committee for Inspiring Women, chair and founder of the Deloitte Australia Diversity Council, and a founding member of the Deloitte Asia Pacific Inclusion Council.

Margaret has championed numerous national diversity and inclusion initiatives, most notably leading the Inspiring Women programme since its inception. This programme aims to recruit, develop, and retain talented women within the company.

Margaret was named in the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence in the Board and Management category, which celebrates individual and organisational achievements in human resources and people management.

#DifferenceMaker Award

Gerhard Beukes CA(SA) − Co-founder and CEO of HiveQ, for his leadership in expanding Nearmap and contributing to its billion-dollar market cap.

Gerhard’s commitment to community and mentorship is evident in his career and personal life. As a dedicated father and mentor, he has consistently prioritised the development of impactful leaders, which aligns his professional endeavours with his core values.

With extensive experience in organisational transformation, Gerhard’s leadership has been a defining force in every role he has undertaken. At Nearmap, he played a pivotal role in transforming the company from negative gross margins with a market cap of some $7 million to a valuation exceeding $500 million. Through comprehensive restructuring, global strategy implementation, and securing critical partnerships − most notably a groundbreaking global map contract with Google − Gerhard’s impact on Nearmap was profound. Beyond these achievements, his close-knit connection with his team fostered their professional development, enabling many to advance in their careers.

Gerhard’s commitment to innovation continued with his role in launching Cleared, a well-being platform that operated in South Africa during the COVID-19 lockdowns. This initiative facilitated hospital patient processing, ensuring timely access to treatment. His work reflects a deep dedication to nurturing community and preparing future leaders to drive progress and create lasting impact.

Currently, Gerhard is the acting CFO at SpaceTalk, where he helps steer the company in delivering technology that keeps families connected and safe. SpaceTalk’s innovative devices integrate a GPS tracker, phone, emergency SOS button, and school mode into one watch.

As co-founder and CEO of HiveQ, Gerhard leads a holistic executive development group that empowers C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and aspiring board members. HiveQ’s focus on refining leadership and strategic expertise drives meaningful organisational change. Gerhard believes authentic leadership goes beyond skill development; it involves building strong communities, fostering connections, and encouraging continuous growth. His efforts have created a global community where exceptional relationships, innovative ideas, and transformative opportunities thrive. Additionally, Gerhard contributes as a board advisor at Reo Group, providing strategic guidance to support their mission.

Outside of his professional achievements, Gerhard gives back to his local community by coaching Subbies rugby. He spends his weekends on the field helping young players develop their skills and mentoring them in life.

CEO Award

Manana Johnson − Mental health nurse and community leader, received an award that was selected by the SAICA CEO for embodying diverse qualities in the areas of community builder, Ubuntu, wellness, social impact and youth engagement.

Manana is a dedicated mental health nurse and community leader sho is passionate about youth engagement and support. Every Thursday, she visits schools to address challenges faced by young people, offering counselling and mentorship. As the head of the youth department in her church and a project coordinator for the Mentor Me Reconnect Programme (MMRP) with the Organisation of African Communities in Western Australia, she advocates for at-risk youth, helping them navigate social challenges and avoid incarceration.

Her extensive community service includes providing marriage counselling, assisting homeless youth, and addressing complex immigration issues. Manana is known for her patience and tact in conflict resolution, and her compassionate approach has led to significant positive outcomes for many individuals, including over 50 young people she has mentored towards education and fulfilling careers.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Manana was awarded the Community Pillar Award in 2023. She is a unifying force in the African community, dedicated to fostering inclusivity and addressing shared challenges. Manana’s holistic and empathetic approach makes her a transformative figure who is deeply committed to making a lasting impact in her community.