BLSA’s CEO Busi Mavuso, is the second runner-up in the Daily Maverick’s Business Person of the Year award.

Mavuso is described by the online publication as a thoughtful and articulate leader who is not afraid to speak truth to power – which she does regularly in her Business Day and Fin24 columns, as well as in her weekly newsletter.

“Whether Mavuso is encouraging the adoption of vaccine passports, talking about the importance of institutional integrity, suggesting a review of South Africa’s labour legislation, or banging a drum for structural reform, her views are informed, robust and always on point,” the Daily Maverick says, adding that Mavuso enjoys the support of her constituency – big business – “probably because they can cheer her on from the safety of their offices while she goes to war on their behalf.”

Mavuso’s greatest passion lies in advancing the young black African women’s agenda and the broader women’s agenda. “As the oldest daughter of a single-mother teacher, she was determined to study, which she did by correspondence, finally achieving her CA 23 years after leaving school. She understands how difficult it can be to overcome the limitations of one’s background,” the publication adds.

 

The winner of the Daily Maverick’s Business Person of the Year award were spaza shops that mobilised to develop a voucher system to distribute food parcels and other relief for those most affected by the lockdowns.