Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s Managing Director, Velaphi Ratshefola has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in the country’s premier awards for leadership and innovation in sustainable transformation, the Top Empowerment Awards.

For the past 22 years, the Awards have showcased the businesses leading in transformation, and those who have inspired South Africa’s business elite. Ratshefola received the award for his work in transformation, diversity and economic inclusion, particularly of women since becoming the MD of CCBSA in 2016.

Upon receiving his award at the event which took place at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, recently, Ratshefola said the news had come as a surprise. “I am deeply humbled, considering some of the leaders who have also been awarded this honour – Ahmed Kathrada, former President Thabo Mbeki, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, to mention a few celebrated South Africans – who have made such a huge impact in our country.”

Ratshefola said that as leaders went about their work, crafting visions for their organisations, and rallying their people to support the vision, they did not think about accolades. “We must mull over how we are going to sustainably grow our businesses and make them profitable; how we are going to continue creating meaningful employment that will positively impact the quality of life for our people; and how we can create value for our suppliers, partners, and customers, while contributing towards our communities.”

Ratshefola said the award was a recognition that one’s efforts were not in vain and showed that business was pulling together to help empower and transform, “to help create a better, more equal, and more prosperous society.”
“It is no secret that our country’s challenges are enormous, but they give us an opportunity to step up and co-create solutions that will move us forward, towards a positive growth trajectory.”

While at the helm of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, Ratshefola said transformation had enabled him and the organisation, to be part of the solution. “I am immensely proud to say that – at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa – empowerment is truly a part of who we are. We must never cease to highlight how important diversity and economic inclusion is, to the long-term success of our businesses.”