Dr. Danisa E. Baloyi Nominated for the Clevenard Media Award 2025 – Palma de Mallorca, Spain

• Award Category: Leadership Excellence & Economic Empowerment Impact
• Professional Title: Executive Chairman, Glow Africa Investment Holdings (GAI)
• Event Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
• Venue: Calle Manacor, núm. 156, Palma 07007, Illes Balears, Spain

A Celebrated Leader and Visionary Trailblazer

A celebrated leader, businesswoman, and trailblazer — Dr. Danisa E. Baloyi is a strong proponent of equal education, inclusive growth, and ethical leadership. For decades, she has transformed communities through her visionary leadership in business, education, and public service.

She currently serves as Executive Chairman of Glow Africa Investment Holdings (GAI), a diversified group involved in petroleum, mining, transport, agriculture, leadership development, and government relations. Under her leadership, GAI has spearheaded projects that drive intra-African trade, youth and women’s empowerment, and sustainable economic growth.

Dr. Baloyi is widely recognized as one of South Africa’s most formidable and respected business and social leaders, known for her influence in international development, trade relations, and corporate governance. Through GAI and her extensive leadership roles, she has advised numerous political and business leaders across Africa, advocating for unity in action, good governance, and ethical economic transformation.

A Trailblazer in Leadership and Economic Empowerment

Dr. Baloyi made history as the first woman to be elected President of the Black Business Council (BBC) — South Africa’s largest business federation — where she shaped national economic policy, promoted gender equality in corporate governance, and expanded opportunities for historically disadvantaged communities.

Through her pioneering work, she has championed enterprise development, management consulting, and inclusive business practices across the African continent. Her efforts have contributed significantly to corporate transformation and the advancement of women in leadership.

She also played a key role in developing South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act, a landmark policy promoting economic participation and equity for Black South Africans.

Public Service and Institutional Leadership

• Dr. Baloyi’s distinguished public service record reflects her deep commitment to national and continental progress. She has chaired major public and private institutions, including:
• DENEL Limited, becoming the first woman ever to chair a global defence company, where she led subsidiaries such as DENEL Aviation, DENEL Infomatics, and DENEL Ground Artillery — makers of the globally renowned G5 and G6 artillery systems.
• The Road Accident Fund, National Skills Authority, National Skills Fund, Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (which she founded), National Research Foundation, and Gauteng Tender Board.

In the private sector, she has served on the Boards of ABSA Bank (then South Africa’s largest bank and a continental leader), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), African Merchant Bank (which she co-founded), Specialised Outsourcing, and Document Data Management Company, among others.

She also served as Deputy Chairman of the South African Chapter of the Institute of Directors and Deputy Chair of the Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund (SAEDF), a U.S.-based fund promoting regional enterprise and investment.

Her leadership extended into academia as Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare, alma mater of Nelson Mandela and other African liberation heroes.

A Global Voice for Corporate Governance and Development

Dr. Baloyi was a key participant in the development of the globally respected King Codes on Corporate Governance, where she contributed to shaping ethical board practices and director development across South Africa and Africa — a cause she remains passionate about.

As a founder member of BRICS, she represented South Africa on the BRICS Business Council, contributing to the formation of the New Development Bank (BRICS Bank) and establishing the BRICS Global Development of Leaders and Entrepreneurship for Africa initiative. She has also founded and led The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, advocating for gender inclusion and equitable economic growth in the Global South.

Her Danisa Baloyi Foundation continues this legacy by supporting education, leadership, and entrepreneurship initiatives that empower women and youth across the continent.

Academic and Professional Excellence

Educated at the University of the North (now University of Limpopo) and Columbia University (USA), with further studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Baloyi bridges academia, activism, and business.

She served as an Adjunct Professor at top U.S. institutions — including City University of New York, Rutgers University, Essex County College, and Teachers College, Columbia University — where she taught education policy, gender, and social justice. Her tenure with the Newark Board of Education saw her contribute innovative perspectives on global inclusion and intercultural education.

During her years in exile in the U.S., she became a prominent anti-apartheid activist, addressing the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid, the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus, and student movements globally. Her fearless leadership inspired international divestment campaigns and mobilized global solidarity for South Africa’s liberation.

Ethical Leadership and Continental Advocacy

Dr. Baloyi describes herself as an economic and social entrepreneur, dedicated to bridging the gap between the “haves and have-nots.” She remains a fearless advocate for truth, justice, and ethical leadership, unafraid to speak truth to power.

Her participation in the UN High-Level Panel on International Migration, led by former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, emphasized her belief that Africa’s progress depends on ethical governance, resource control, and unity in trade and migration policies. “If Africa gets migration and trade right,” she often says, “we will be unstoppable.”

Her vision is clear: a united, ethical, and economically empowered Africa led by Africans who believe in their people and their continent first.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Baloyi’s illustrious career has earned her numerous national and international honors for leadership, women’s empowerment, and economic transformation. Her influence continues to inspire generations of African leaders, especially young women, to lead with integrity, courage, and purpose.

Through her foundation and corporate initiatives, she continues to invest in leadership development, entrepreneurship training, and education, building a legacy that will endure for decades.

A Champion for the Next Generation

Driven by the belief that leadership is service, not status, Dr. Baloyi remains deeply committed to uplifting the next generation of African leaders. Through mentorship, philanthropy, and advocacy, she advances education, entrepreneurship, and inclusive participation in the global economy.

Her nomination for the Clevenard Media Award 2025 honors not only her exceptional achievements but also her enduring legacy of leadership that transcends borders, disciplines, and generations.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
• Venue: Calle Manacor, núm. 156, Palma 07007, Illes Balears, Spain
• Organizer: Clevenard SL (NIF B75809574)
• Contact: +34 631 279 811

About the Clevenard Media Awards

The Clevenard Media Awards, hosted by Clevenard SL, is an international platform celebrating individuals and organizations driving global progress through creativity, leadership, and innovation. With offices across Europe, Africa, and the UK, Clevenard specializes in media, marketing, and strategic storytelling — amplifying the voices of changemakers worldwide.

Through initiatives like the Clevenard Media Award 2025, Clevenard aims to bridge continents by connecting business, culture, trade, and entertainment — while honoring those shaping a better, more inclusive future.

Join the Celebration of Global Excellence

Be part of history as the world gathers in Palma de Mallorca to celebrate extraordinary leaders who redefine excellence.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, educator, policymaker, or advocate — this is your moment to connect, learn, and inspire.

Celebrate excellence. Inspire change. Shape the future.

Category:

Press release 

Oganisation:

Clevenard

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34631279811

Location:

Spain