Isanti Glass team members. From left to right: Shirish Sukdeo – Chief Operations Executive; Landeka Mashinini – HR Executive; Susan Scheepers – Learning & Organisational Development Manager; Zamani Ntshiza – Chief Financial Officer; Jane Mphekwane – Melting Manager; Philisiwe Ngubane – Executive Assistant; Siya Ngcobo – Marketing Manager; Ronel Cara – Sales & Marketing Executive; Pieter du Plessis – Chief Executive Officer; Nqobile Ndlovu – Procurement Manager
Held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 31st July 2025, under the theme “Defying Limits, Empowering Change,” the event celebrated organisations and individuals redefining the boundaries of transformation, inclusion, and sustainable growth in South Africa.
A celebration of empowerment and purpose
The Oliver Top Empowerment Awards, one of the country’s most respected platforms for recognising progress in transformation, honoured Isanti Glass for its leadership in sustainability, enterprise development, and empowerment-driven business excellence.
“Our journey has been defined by transformation that goes beyond compliance, it’s about creating a truly inclusive industrial ecosystem where sustainability, empowerment, and innovation intersect,” said Ronel Cara, Executive: Sales & Marketing at Isanti Glass. “Being recognised on a platform as prestigious as the Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards affirms that we are not just shaping a stronger business, but also helping to build a more equitable and sustainable South Africa.”
Empowering change through sustainable growth
Isanti Glass’s recognition in both the Sustainable Business of the Year and Business of the Year categories reflects its holistic approach to transformation, combining environmental responsibility with social and economic empowerment.
Key highlights of Isanti’s impact include:
- Sourcing over 90% of raw materials locally, supporting local value chains and industrial growth.
- Achieving Level 1 B-BBEE certification as a 100% black-owned manufacturer.
- Investing in enterprise and supplier development, empowering township-based SMMEs through mentorship and procurement opportunities.
- Driving circular economy innovation through cullet (recycled glass) partnerships, community recycling programmes, and green manufacturing initiatives.
- Creating opportunities for youth and women through skills development, bursaries, and YES learnership programmes.
Celebrating leadership and collaboration
CEO Pieter du Plessis’s recognition as a finalist for Business Leader of the Year reflects his role in steering Isanti’s transformation from the former Nampak Glass entity into one of South Africa’s most inspiring Black Industrialist success stories.
“This recognition is a reflection of our people, our partners, and our shared belief that empowerment must be lived every day,” added Pieter du Plessis. “Isanti Glass stands as proof that when local industry is empowered, transformation becomes a national growth engine.”
Proudly shaping South Africa’s empowerment story
Through its continued collaboration with customers, suppliers, and communities, Isanti Glass remains committed to redefining what transformation looks like in South African manufacturing, not as a tick-box exercise, but as a powerful catalyst for inclusive prosperity.
