As the premier platform for advancing human capital management, the annual event offered a space to celebrate excellence in HR strategy and leadership.
Delivering a powerful keynote address, Dr Mathews Phosa urged business, government, labour, and education sectors to unite around shared national priorities. He emphasised the need for decisive leadership, accelerated skills development, and collaboration across industries to drive South Africa’s progress.
“We cannot wait for someone else to solve our skills crisis,” he said. “Our people are ready to learn, and we must teach them quickly, inclusively, and purposefully.”
Dr Phosa challenged HR professionals to lead with urgency and agility, building diverse, innovative organisations that thrive in the digital age.
The evening’s Awards ceremony honoured trailblazers who are redefining HR as a strategic, innovation-led function aligned with organisational purpose. Among the highlights was the announcement of the HR Icons, Employer of Choice and the Best HR Person.
The “HR Icons” category saw the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) take top honours. Accepting the award, Dr Govender, UMP’s Executive Director for Human Resources Management, expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, saying, “It is such an honour for us to be recognised for the contribution that we make, not only to a democratic South Africa, but also to the families, the people we employ, and the communities we serve.”
Receiving the award: Dr Govender extended gratitude to her family, the UMP HR team, executive management, and the Council.
She extended gratitude to her family, HR team, executive management, and the university council. She concluded by saying that “The work we do in HR is the most challenging, and yet the most rewarding.”
The Future of HR Awards recognises the crucial role of HR in South Africa’s evolving business landscape. The event brings together industry leaders to share insights, explore emerging trends, and develop innovative approaches to employee engagement, talent acquisition, and leadership development.
The 2025 Future of HR Awards not only celebrated excellence but also reinforced the importance of organisations stepping up and embracing the future. Through innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership, HR professionals are at the forefront of powering a nation ready to thrive in the workplace of tomorrow.
Story by Glen Sambo. Pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP