Lesley Williams, CEO of the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, is the recipient of the French National Order of Merit award.
The award is bestowed on behalf of the president of the French Republic, highlighting great services rendered to France.
According to a statement, the award is in recognition of the close links fostered between Tshimologong, the Embassy of France and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS).
Ambassador of France to SA, Aurélien Lechevallier, who presented Williams with the award, applauded the CEO for her role in establishing major partnerships with key players in the South African and French innovation industries.
“With over 20 years of international business experience, we recognise and admire your clear and strong commitment to transformation, innovation and social justice,” says Lechevallier. “In addition, your ability to expertly manage dialogue facilitation, change management, address technology issues and develop successful stakeholder engagements is astounding.”
The ambassador noted that Williams is an advocate for the future of business and society, and someone who believes transformation requires the integration of personal mastery, organisational change, social and digital innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration.
“You also see living your full potential as a basic human right and you strive to create this opportunity in all the work you do.”
Williams, who is a member of the Friends of the French Institute of South Africa, has been CEO of the Braamfontein-based digital innovation precinct since October 2017.
Commenting on her award, she said it is an incredible honour, adding that Tshimologong’s partnership with the French Embassy, which launched in 2018, was innovative in nature, responding to both current market conditions and developing future markets for African creativity.
“Against international standards, African entrepreneurs are expected to have a higher rate of success before receiving investment − a symbol of low trust in our capabilities. It is this ceiling bias that I wish to smash, and the success we have had through the Digital Content Hub is testament to the excellence we have on the continent.
“The platform we have created is the first of its kind in the African creative and cultural industries and breaks down barriers for content creators to be fluid between local and international markets.”
Williams lauded Tshimologong’s partnership with IFAS and the French Development Agency, saying the partnerships and the process of activating them has created far-reaching benefits.
“May our continued partnership cast hope for deserving actors in the cultural and creative industries and enrich a mutually beneficial relationship between France and South Africa.”
The Tshimologong Precinct, its team and founder professor Barry Dwolatzky were also acknowledged for their passion, ideas and energy, delivering high-quality work in their respective roles while supporting Williams in her role as CEO.
“Thank you for bestowing this award on me; it far surpasses anything that I could have wished for my professional journey,” concludes Williams.
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