HR leaders treated like royalty at 2022 CHRO Awards

CHRO South Africa

Industry professionals enjoyed an evening of great laughter, celebration and recognition of exceptional leaders.

The mood at the 2022 CHRO Awards was upbeat and electric from the moment guests arrived. The guests who rose to the occasion, were welcomed by the friendly CHRO South Africa team and were asked to have their photos taken before they registered, and later enjoyed a drink and a bit of mingling before the ceremony started.

Saxophonist Cathy Del Mei serenaded guests while they enjoyed canapés and networking.

Renowned comedian Loyiso Madinga was in his element as he kept everyone in stitches with his hilarious jokes.

The Johannesburg Queer Chorus provided additional entertainment: the guests ululated and clapped as they sang Siyahamba, Born This Way and other songs. As the choir left the stage Loyiso quipped, “I can be gay next year.”

Tendayi Viki, award-winning author and corporate innovation expert, delivered a keynote address titled “The Entrepreneurial CHRO”. He emphasised that innovation is a “ghetto” function in most organisations, as it is missing. This, he said, poses a challenge for the future.

According to Tendayi, the job of a CHRO is to bridge the gap of having limited innovation. He challenged HR leaders to give innovation legitimacy and power, as innovators do not often sit in executive positions.

“There should be a balance between the innovation team and the core business. If you don’t invest in any future innovation for your organisations, there will be nothing to pay your pension because the company will not exist. Innovators need to collaborate with their colleagues,” Tendayi said.

He said it is important to make sure companies put innovation teams in a position that allows them to win.

The evening ended with more networking.