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Avinash Govindjee, 35
Professor of Law, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Avinash Govindjee has proved his abilities as both a lawyer and an
academic beyond a shadow of a doubt. With a number of respected
academic publications and high-profile speaking engagements to his
name, the 35 year old was named Researcher of the Year in the NMMU
Law Faculty in 2011 and 2012. This is just the latest in a series of honours
which have included his appointment as Visiting Professor to the National
Law School of India University in Bangalore in 2011, and as a mentor
for both the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Programme and the Business
Women’s Association. Govindjee, who was admitted as an Attorney
of the High Court in 2002, serves as the Deputy Head of the Labour and
Social Security Law Unit at the university. He is also a consultant to Burmeister
de Lange Soni Incorporated, and a part-time Senior Commissioner
of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.
“Young business has the potential to transform the province through
socially responsible strategies which empower the disadvantaged,” say
Govindjee. “We bear the responsibility of changing the mindset of the
local business community.”
Babalwa Teka, 34
Regional Head – Personal Banking Channels, ABSA Bank
Babalwa Teka heads up 66% of the East and South Cape Region for Absa
Bank Retail (Personal Banking). At 34, she leads a team of 234 people on
all levels, and oversees an impressively long list of operations, including
revenue generation, sales management, customer experience, operations
and risk management, channels and footprint management. Her
business portfolio handles an annual turnover of R370 million in 63
branches.
Teka believes that her success has been based on a ‘people first’ strategy,
based on a culture of high performance and inclusivity. “Young business
leaders need to go back to basics,” says Teka, “and lead by example. We
need to go back to our roots and plough our expertise back into our
communities.” She is actively involved in supporting the Laphum’ilanga
Home Care Centre in Zwide, giving them her time and other resources
on a monthly basis. “It is not always about money, but about the time
and effort to impart skills for sustainability.”