13 February, 2003, JOHANNESBURG: South African Airways (SAA)’ first black female pilot trainee, Asnath Mahapa, 23, has been nominated for this years’ prestigious Shoprite Checkers/SABC 2 Woman of the year award.
Mahapa’s nomination follows the organisers’ decision this year to include a brand new category, Science and Technology, in order to pay tribute to women who have made a contribution in this field.
The nominees have to be scientists, technicians or any other worker in this field, whose inventions or participation in a projects/programmes, have made a significant contribution to the progress and/or welfare of the South African society.
“It feels great to be one of the nominees. I hope that my nomination will not only be an inspiration to most girls but actually open doors to others, particularly in professions that were previously dominated by males”, said Mahapa.
SAA is the official carrier of the Shoprite Checkers / SABC 2 Woman of the Year Award, which is billed as the country’s premier accolade for achievement by women and a major initiative for National Women’s Day.
Altogether, there are eight categories for the award. These include health, education, sport, community affairs, arts & culture, media & communication, business entrepreneur & Science and Technology.
Winners, finalists and judges will be flown by SAA from a variety of destinations to Gauteng and Cape Town, respectively, for the judging and gala events of the prestigious Award.
The search for South Africa’s most inspiring and outstanding woman in 2003 is underway and the entire nation now has the opportunity to submit the Year Award.
Nomination forms are available from all Shoprite and Checkers stores nationwide, or via the Internet at www.sawoman.co.za, or by contacting the organisers at [email protected] or (011) 465 5225.
The closing date is Friday, 23 May 2003. The gala event, when the category winners and overall winner are to be announced, takes place in Cape Town on Thursday, 31 July 2003. The Award ceremony will be filmed and broadcast on SABC2 at 18h00 on Saturday, 9 August 2003 - National Women’s Day.
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