The 2012 Women of the Year Award has received high quality nominations from across the country

Nominations for the 2012 Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award have closed and the organisers said that top calibre nominations were received from all over the country to name South Africa’s most outstanding women of this year.

Recognition will go to exceptional and visionary women who have achieved in their own fields with the determination and foresight to make an impact on the future of many fellow South Africans.

A panel of judges, comprising of 16 high profile South Africans, now face the challenge of selecting those women with a vision on the future and who makes our nation proud in five categories, namely: Health Care-Givers; Educators; Socio-Economic Business Developers; Good Neighbours Against Crime and Youth Movers.

Two rounds of adjudication, chaired by High Court Judge Lucy Mailula, will determine the category finalists, who will be announced on Wednesday, 04 July 2012. The winners in each category will be announced on Saturday, 21 July 2012 at a spectacular gala evening at Emperors Palace in Gauteng.

This dazzling event will be broadcast on Wednesday, 8 August 2012 on Mzansi Magic, DSTV. The programme will be re-broadcast on the following day, Women’s Day, 09 August 2012.

The 2012 Women of the Year will be awarded with individual prize money while the Shoprite group will also give R100 000 towards the further development of winners' projects.

Furthermore the Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award will honour an esteemed South African whom during her or his lifetime has inspired generations.

The decision on who would be the Women of the Year is however not only up to the judging panel as the public will also able to vote for the women they deem most deserving of this accolade later in July.The public voting will account for 30% of the final score although the judges’ decision will be final.