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Kaizer Chiefs director, Jessica Motaung, continues to cement her legacy as one of Africa’s most influential leaders. Earlier this month, she was honoured with the BPI Iconic Leadership and Excellence Award, adding to a growing list of accolades that highlight her impact in football, business, and leadership.
In May this year, Motaung was recognised in the Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100), a landmark initiative by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent), and the African Media Agency. The ACMO100 celebrates the 100 most impactful marketing, brand, and reputation leaders shaping Africa’s story, identity, and prosperity. Her inclusion in this inaugural list underscores her influence in redefining African branding and her role in ensuring Kaizer Chiefs remains one of the continent’s most admired sporting brands. The programme – held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Johannesburg – was organised by Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa.
The BPI Iconic Leadership and Excellence Awards ceremony is organised by the BPI Foundation. Its mantra is “Reinforcing ethical & impactful leadership across Africa.
In her acceptance speech at the ceremony, Motaung delivered a speech that reflected both her personal journey and her vision for impactful leadership across Africa.
“This recognition belongs not only to me, but also to my children, partner and family, who have stood by me and supported me throughout the years,” she said. “I began my journey a long time ago and have never looked back. There were many days and nights spent away from my loved ones, travelling around the world, yet they understood the sacrifices that had to be made.”
She also paid tribute to her many colleagues over the years, while stressing the importance of mentorship for the next generation.
“My work at CAF and FIFA has broadened my horizons across the continent and the world, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and leadership in advancing African football,” she commented.
In closing, she expressed gratitude to the BPI Foundation and acknowledged her fellow honourees, including Her Excellency, Dr Joyce Banda (former President of Malawi), Mr Edward Kieswetter (Commissioner – SARS), Mr Gerrie Fourie (former CEO of Capitec), Ms Hixonia Nyasulu (former chair – Sasol & former non-executive director – Anglo American), Dr Akinwumi Adesina (former president – African Development Bank), Dr Judy Dlamini (chair – Mbekani Group, chancellor – Wits University & businesswoman), Ms Connie Ferguson (director – Ferguson Films, actress, filmmaker, producer & businesswoman, Ms Prabashini Moodley (CEO – Old Mutual Life & Savings), Dr Imtiaz Sooliman (founder & chair – Gift of the Givers), and Ms Flora Jika (MD – Coca Cola Africa, Botswana).
Jessica Motaung’s dual recognition as one of Africa’s Top 100 CMOs and as a recipient of the BPI Iconic Leadership and Excellence Award emphasises her enduring influence in football, marketing, business and leadership.
SOURCED FROM THE CLUB’S WEBSITE.