NBC managing director wins prestigious award

BY CORRESPONDENT

12th November 2013

From left: South Africa's Finance minister Pravin Gordhan, Zambeef CEO Francis Grogan, NBC managing director Mizinga Melu and CNBC Africa founder Rakesh Wahi at the (AABLA) finals.

National Bank of Commerce (NBC) Managing Director Mizinga Melu emerged overall winner of the Business Woman of the Year 2013 at the All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) finals held in Johannesburg at the weekend.

AABLA’s aim is to identify and honour exceptional leaders making a difference through innovation and inspiration in their industry sectors. It is organised and overseen by ABN Productions and sponsored by CNBC Africa.

Melu was nominated and went through the initial award process unopposed, winning the Southern Africa Business Woman of the Year 2013 in August this year. On Friday she was named overall Africa Business Woman of the Year 2013, amid stiff competition from some of the most prominent women figures on the continent.
Similar to the winner of the Southern Africa Business Woman of the Year, the winner of the Africa Business Woman of the Year category exemplifies outstanding leadership in business.

The NBC managing director has showcased positive financial results, has increased the bank’s shareholder value mainly thanks to having provided sound management.

She also exhibits proven corporate governance and has demonstrated innovation, best business practices and accountability together with intangible qualities such as integrity and vision, according to a press statement issued by the bank.

AABLA was launched in South Africa in 2011 with the first awards ceremony which took place in October the same year. As one of the most prominent award ceremonies in Africa, the AABLA ceremony is televised across Africa every year. The Business Leaders Awards was originally conceived by CNBC Worldwide.

Melu, who took over as the bank’s MD on May 20 this year, has worked as a banker in six African countries and boasts more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. Her key talents include formulating, implementing and developing business strategies such as the award-winning USD500m Microfinance Bill Clinton pledge of banking the unbanked.

The recent recognitions awarded to her include AABLA’s Southern Africa Business Woman of the Year 2013, CEO of the Year across all industries by the Zambia Institute Chartered Accountants last year, and Leaders and Achievers Outstanding CEO performance by PMR of South Africa earlier this year.

NBC boasts over 45 years experience in providing traditional banking and other financial services, and prides itself with an expanded branch network and footprint.

It has 52 branches, 285 Visa and Mastercard-enabled ATMs, and over 250 points of sales strategically located throughout the country. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN