A businesswoman of Hartbeespoort, whose company has since its inception in 2002 shown tremendous growth recently received a coveted award, honouring her for her achievements at the forefront of gender empowerment.

Joyce Opperman, Managing Director of NEO Technologies (Pty) Ltd based in Florapark near Laerskool Broederstroom said the nomination and invitation to attend the Top Women Awards gala-event, presented in Association with Top Women in Business and Government (TWBG) publication came as a big surprise.

Joyce received a beautiful trophy as winner of theTop Gender Empowered Company at the event held on 9 September at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The successful businesswoman, an IT training specialist started NEO Technologies (Pty) Ltd in 2002. She focused on supplying consumables for the corporate market but soon after its launch received requests to supply hardware. She started supplying in clients' specific needs and her business has since become well known as a supplier that serves Government, universities and banks nationwide. The prestigious event, hosted by Topco Media, was attended by 500 ministers; government officials; and top business leaders with the stage set for honouring and celebrating the achievements of corporate pioneers; government employees; and entrepreneurial heroes at the forefront of gender empowerment.

The passion; power; and leadership of the women of South Africa throughout our history, cannot be overlooked by those of us who have benefitted and continue to benefit from those achievements," says Tina Eboka, Director Group Corporate Affairs, Standard Bank Group and TWA judge.

"Today at the Top Women Awards Dinner, Standard Bank salutes a few of these women champions, because we know that South Africa would not be the success it is without you and many other women, and that our future is brighter and more secure because all women continue to strive to make South Africa a better place for all," she said. Joyce's success can easily be measured by her love for what she does, her passion to render an excellent service and for the close relationships that she shares with the company's 34 employees who are all skilled, certified and dedicated, attributes which she says has contributed to the progress that they have made. Neo Technologies currently holds a leve three BBBEE generic certification.

"All shareholders, the day-to-day employees of the company, have pride in the company, and share in its successes and help work through the challenges together," Joyce said. In eight years, Neo has been built into a multi million rand business and the company has now reached the stage where Joyce would like to move into more value-added services, specifically maintenance and training.