Monday 31st March 2014 saw the highly anticipated culmination of the St Louis Export Top 40 Under 40 2013 season, a project which commenced in January 2013.

The Final 40, whittled down from up to 120 nominees, were announced before guests, receiving their official pins and certificates as a testament to their contribution as catalysts of change within their industries and their communities. Three of the finalists went on to receive the Judge’s Award, an honour bestowed upon them for having made the most outstanding contribution in their respective fields. Game ‘Zeus’ Bantsi, Shanti Lo and Monametsi Kalayamotho received the prestigious award.

“Our catalysts have been nominated by members of the public for having evidenced positive change in their communities and inspiring other Batswana to be their best. Our nominees are what we believe a St Louis Export consumer to be: inspirational, driven, passionate, and any number of elusive qualities that make them a catalyst for change and for greatness. Above all, they are community builders,” said Marketing Director Mr Sesupo Wagamang.

The Top 40 Under 40 platform strives to earth Botswana’s catalysts and heroes in the making, recognising their talents and achievements in working towards shaping the next generation of catalysts of Botswana. Nominations were accepted from the public during the course of the campaign, with the decision on the Final 40 made by independent judges Mr. Chandra Chauhan, Mr. Victor Senye and Mr. Solomon Monyame.

The heavy rains did not put a damper on proceedings, as both guests and catalyst were eager to celebrate the achievers, with performances from catalysts Zeus, Samantha Mogwe, and TJ Dema.

Concluded Mr. Wagamang, “We are incredibly proud of all of the nominees; they stand as a true testament to the calibre of talent and ambition in Botswana. We thank each and every one of the catalysts, our esteemed judges, the public for their votes and their support, and of course our valued media partners at Mmegi, Yarona FM and Gabz FM for a fantastic and inspiring close to the 2013 Top 40 chapter.”

The St Louis Export Top 40 Under 40 finalists, in no particular ranking, are:

The full list of catalysts list can be found at www.facebook.com/StLouisExport