Zanusi Brand Solutions' CEO, Nomahlubi Simamane, is ending 2009 on a high note after having been named Businesswoman of the Year at the annual Black Business Quarterly (BBQ) Awards.This latest award adds to Simamane’s accolades in 2009: just a few months ago the dynamic individual was named National Businesswoman of the Year at the 2009 National Business Awards, run by Topco Media.

“I am thrilled at being honoured for the second time this year,” a buoyant Simamane said. “To have been recognised amongst some of the country’s top businesswomen is a real honour and a great way to end the year – especially for a company that really is an SME.”The BBQ Awards took place on December 4^th at Vodaworld at an event attended by the who’s who of South African black business.

As South Africa’s premier black business publication for the past decade Black Business Quarterly (BBQ) has led the way in honouring and celebrating black company leadership. Since its inception in 2001, the annual awards have showcased individuals and companies that have shown true commitment to the transformation agenda of South Africa.

This year winners were selected by a panel of 11 individuals who have themselves made a substantial mark on South African business. They include Nolitha Fakude, executive director at Sasol Limited; Kganki Matabane and Executive Director - Transformation Policy at Business Unity South Africa (Busa) to name a few.

In securing the Businesswoman of the Year title, Simamane joins a list of prominent South African businesspeople who’ve been named winners in previous years including Mbhazima Shilowa (Platinum winner, 2005), Cheryl Carolus (Platinum winner, 2003) and Patrice Motsepe (Platinum winner,2002).“It is inspiring to be in the company of these individuals,” says Simamane. “I must give credit to my team for helping me turn Zanusi Brand Solutions into the successful company that it is.

We started a decade ago and the fact that we have been able to grow and now win awards is testament to the fact that SMEs can really compete against big players in the economy.”July 30^th saw Simamane named National Businesswoman of the Year at the 2009 National Business Awards which were first introduced by Topco Media in 2002 to recognise and honour the top performers of the year in both industry and commerce, for individuals and companies.

The awards add to an impressive 2009 for the Johannesburg-based Zanusi Brand Solutions which scored a coup when it was appointed to a three-year contract to run the City of Joburg’s Arts Alive programme earlier in the year.