Dina Soukop, CEO of Soukop Property Group, was delighted to receive the Business Woman of the Year Award at the Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries Business Excellence Awards in Johannesburg in November last year.
Growing up in a family that was passionate about property, Dina has worked in the property world for almost 40 years. Her achievements include a reputation for prestigious sales, as well as being nominated for and winning numerous awards including Top Agent, Top Franchisee, Standard Bank Business Woman of the Year and International Business Woman of the Year.
Dina also opened, Black Wave, the very first black hairdressing salon in Durban 32 years ago!
With her husband Fred, at the helm of Soukop Property Group, Dina has grown Soukop from a single office in Durban’s prime Morningside to an ever-expanding Group with a national footprint and branches countrywide.
Over the past 38 years, I’ve seen incredible changes both in the local property market and in the country as a whole, and I must say it excites me!
comments Dina.
“Regardless of the highs and lows in market conditions, I see phenomenal growth around us, and remain convinced of the fabulous investment value of property. We have so little to be negative about! Not only is our country a joy to those who live in it, with incredible offerings and amenities, but we also have so much to share, with pride, with the rest of the world.”
The 16thedition of the FNB Business Excellence Awards, FNB and the Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries recognised and awarded worthy businesses that have contributed to the economic growth of the country through their commercial achievements over the year.
The winners of the 2015 edition were:
• Business Enterprise of the Year: Enel Green Power
• Business Person of the Year: Dina Soukop – Soukop Property Group
• The Honorary Chairperson’s Award: Paolo Borzatta - The European House - Ambrosetti
• The Lifetime Recognition Award: Giuseppe Cimato - Founder of Efficient Engineering
• Chairman Award: Professor Franco Guidozzi.
CEO of FNB Business, Mike Vacy-Lyle, said: “We need more events of this nature in order to celebrate entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are the heroes creating jobs and growing the South African economy.
Every year we recognise businessmen and women that have gone the extra-mile to succeed in a challenging operating environment. Congratulations to all the winners.”
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the Ambassador of Italy to South Africa Vincenzo Schioppa Narrante, the Italian Consul General in Johannesburg Marco Petacco and Honourable David Makhura the Premier of Gauteng. The event was also used as a way to give back to the less fortunate. Little Eden, a home for people with mental challenges, benefitted through the sale of raffle tickets at the event and FNB and the Chamber were able to donate R100 000 to Little Eden.
