Lucilla Booyzen Wins Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award

Photograph: Ivan Naude

The title winners of the new Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award which searched for exceptional and visionary women achievers, who with determination and foresight are making an impact on the future of fellow South Africans were announced this weekend (Saturday, 24 July 2010) in Johannesburg.

Receiving the Corner Shop to Big Business Makers Award, Ms Booyzen said the Award is an acknowledgement of the impact that SA Fashion Week has had on the SA public at large.

She added: “Our aim is to create awareness in the minds of the SA consumer to the vast creative design resources that are available to them through our emerging design industry and the unlimited opportunities to create thousands of jobs through building SMME’s and luxury brands which is the future of fashion in Africa”.

Ms Booyzen is a stalwart of the South African Fashion Industry and the woman who launched South African Fashion Week (SAFW). It was the first independent showcase for the country’s fashion designers and has contributed substantially to the growth and future of the South African fashion industry locally and abroad.

She has developed a distinctive South African design ethos and culture through SA Fashion Week, which now also incorporates a number of initiatives to encourage skills transfer, foster new partnerships and support empowerment.

The judging panel commented it was a difficult task to choose one winner as all the nominees are formidable and inspiring. “Ms Booyzen however embodied all the aspects of the criteria and has made an indelible mark in her field locally and internationally, not only for herself, but the individuals she has assisted and South Africa at large.”.

Text: Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Awards. For more information on the awards evening and other winners, please visit: www.womenoftheyear.co.za