Barely weeks after Kgosientso Ramokgopa, a former chief executive officer of the Johannesburg Market, was crowned Young Business Achiever at the Van Ryn’s Black Business Quarterly Awards on 15 October, the rising star was thrust into the political limelight when he was elected Tshwane mayor on 1 November 2010.

Ramokgopa boasts a long list of accomplishments. He was named Boss of the Year in 2008 at the age of 33 years – one of the youngest to have won this coveted accolade.

The following year, he went on to become the CEO of the Year.

Academically, he is a Civil Engineering graduate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, in addition to holding two master’s degrees in Public Administration and Business Leadership.

Ramokgopa has undertaken a two-year course as a prerequisite for pursuing a PhD in Public Affairs, and at the time of going to press, he was busy with his thesis focusing on local government financing.

He cut his managerial teeth at Metropolitan Trading Company, a subsidiary of the City of Johannesburg, where he had his first stint as CEO.

As the First Citizen of Tshwane, the capital city of South Africa, Ramokgopa becomes the youngest executive mayor in the country.

Coincidentally, he took over the mayoral chain from his aunt, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa – now the deputy minister of Health.

At the time of this appointment, he was Tshwane regional chairperson for the African National Congress (ANC). Evidently, ANC blood runs in the veins of this politically active family – just one of many such kinships in South Africa.

Ramokgopa’s elevation to this high office highlights the unmistakable foresight displayed by the BBQ Awards judging panel, for having identified his achievements and obvious talents at an opportune time.

That the panel of judges overwhelmingly conferred the honour of Young Business Achiever on Ramokgopa, is a mark of the man’s pedigree.

This development caps a successful chapter in the career of one of South Africa’s youngest thought leaders.

High among the highlights of his fruitful reign at the Johannesburg Market, formerly known as Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, is undoubtedly his contribution to turning the entity from a R2.1-billion to a R3.2-billion business in the space of 24 months. That was a remarkable turnaround for a company that falls directly under the auspices of a local authority – the City of Johannesburg.

Under Ramokgopa’s unwavering stewardship, the Johannesburg Market consistently emerged as one of South Africa’s most admirable employers – thanks in large part to his penchant for staff development.

“When an individual is willing to learn and is given an opportunity to develop, their hidden talents are unveiled,” he told Best Employers South Africa 2010/11.

“At the Johannesburg Market, we aim to provide employees with an environment where learning and development are an essential part of everyday life, and where every individual is given the chance to fulfil their potential.”

And this is the mantra by which he lives.

Management, staff and associates of Cape Media Corporation are proud to have been affiliated with Kgosientso Ramokgopa over the years.

The entire team wishes him well in his new role, and we look forward to his distinguished service to the people of Tshwane in particular, and South Africans in general.

BBQ takes delight in the knowledge that our reigning Young Business Achiever is now seated in the capital city’s powerful mayoral office.

David Mwanambuyu