TransUnion Backs SA’s Rising Stars
Information and insights company TransUnion South Africa has announced that it will be the headline sponsor of the annual Rising Star Awards for the next five years as it looks to foster the next generation of young leaders and professionals.
Now in its 11th year, the Rising Star Programme recognises, celebrates, and connects talented young South Africans who excel in their chosen fields and contribute to the betterment of the nation. Winners are named in a range of categories, including Banking and Financial Services, Entrepreneur, ICT, Media and Advertising and Professional Services.
TransUnion South Africa CEO Lee Naik – himself a Rising Star winner in the Professional Services category in 2015 – said the sponsorship reflected the company’s commitment to developing and supporting Africa’s youth and drive rapid growth.
“Almost 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, and it’s making us an important source of talent for businesses across the world as global companies look to us for our greatest resource of all: our people. By sponsoring this award, we’re looking to help build an entire generation of role models who are showing what’s possible every day,” said Naik.
Laura Barker, the founder of the Rising Star initiative and managing director of event operator BlackBark Productions, said the fact that the awards were growing every year highlighted the critical importance of recognising and developing talent across the private and public sectors.
“In our fast-changing business world, South Africa needs leaders with agility and the ability to lead teams; to embrace different ways of thinking; to identify and seize opportunities. Talented people make things happen, are highly committed to achieving goals, innovate very rapidly, and create a great deal of value for companies and the wider economy when this talent is spotted and harnessed. Our goal is to ensure that these talents inspire the next generation of young leaders,” said Barker.
The programme creates a community of young African talent that will be developed, mentored and provided with platforms for development and communication. To date, Rising Star has recognised more than 600 young individuals across South Africa and Kenya.
Other sponsors for the 11th Annual TransUnion Rising Star Awards include Accenture, Absa, Rand Refinery and Gautrain.
For more information and entry details, visit https://awards.risingstar.co.za.