A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to sit with the acting CEO of W&RSETA Mr. Sipengane regarding the Good Practice Awards.
Shortly after that the Awards Show took it up a notch with the announcement that Minnie Dlamini will host the awards.
I had a chat with Project Manager Martha Shingange and Minnie Dlamini to get a sneak peak on what we can expect from the show. #GPA2016
Photo Credit: Kelechi Amadi-Obi, StyleMania Magazine
We will start with Martha:
Q: Martha, as the official Project Manager of the Good Practice Awards, what made you decide to add the element of “glitz and glam”?
A: We wanted to give our stakeholders a memorable event. As we have termed this the “Oscars of the Wholesale and Retail Sector”, it is befitting to add all the glamour associated with such awards. It is one day in our calendar when we can come together as a sector and just celebrate.
And of course; one element of the sector is around clothing; so we can afford to dress up a bit.
Q: Why did you choose Minnie Dlamini to host the show?
A: Minnie is synonymous with glamour and high profile events. We were ecstatic when she confirmed her availability and interest to partner with us. She is a household name when it comes to awards and is the perfect choice for our event.
Q: The show will be online but not on television, was this a conscious decision?
A: Or should we say this is the second awards ceremony which is proving to be a key event for the Wholesale and Retail Sector and we are getting bigger and better each year. Who knows; we may be coming live to a TV screen in the near future.
We definitely welcome the opportunity and platform to showcase the awards, to share the successes of our sector with the rest of the country.
Q: Can you give us a small taste of what we can expect?
A: The 28th June will be a night of glamour, excitement and perhaps some nerves for the nominees.
We expect high captains of the industry as well as senior officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training.
We look forward to a truly special night of celebrating the stars in our sector.
Q: Who has been nominated in various categories? Are there categories that stand out most?
A: We have nominees from all company catgories from the sector from big players such as Woolworths, Dischem, Pick n Pay, DionWired, The Smollan Group, GP Retail to the smallest companies.
We also have some of the most influential in relail.
The finalists will be announced in the next few weeks.
Now with Minnie:
Q: You’ve become the queen of hosting award shows, but this one is a bit different. How does each show compare to the next?
A: Ah, thank you for the title Well, each show is different but there are similar components. I ensure that I’m prepared every possible outcome, positive or negative.
Q: How much preparation goes into each show?
A: It depends on the show, but usually about 3 days. The wardrobe, hair and makeup is another story, but my team is great and super efficient.
Q: It’s a tough crowd – what do you do?
A: You have to be professional and do your job. I can read my audience and they are usually welcoming. The Good Practice Awards will be filled with CEO and Government officials, fortunately I have learnt to navigate those relationships and interactions.
Q: How many outfit changes can we expect for this?
A: Well, we will have to wait and see. But the wardrobe will be more chic than dramatic. Maybe we will go for the 80s power woman theme?
Q: What’s something that people won’t see behind the scenes?
A: How awesome the people I work with. The fun we have behind the stage and all the jokes and silly behaviour. Perhaps they will see it one day too.
Q: What are you looking forward to from the Good Practice Awards?
A: I think the announcement of woman of the year. It’s such an empowering award and I’m excited to meet the nominees – they are all extraordinary women.
Photo Credit: Kelechi Amadi-Obi, StyleMania Magazine