When you think of HR excellence in action, whose leadership immediately comes to mind? Well, now is your chance to let us know as nominations for the 2026 CHRO Awards are officially open.
This is an invitation for you to recognise South Africa’s most exceptional HR leaders for the impact they’ve made over the past year.
In times where CHROs are navigating seismic shifts in talent, technology, culture and performance, the “Oscars of HR” remains the definitive stage where the profession’s trailblazers are celebrated.
Submitting a nomination couldn’t be easier – simply click here and put forward the HR executive whose work has shaped people, business and the future of work in meaningful ways.
Nominations close at the end of March 2026!
Every nominee will participate in a rigorous interview and evaluation process, with winners revealed at an elegant gala evening on 17 November 2026, at the Polo Room, Inanda Club.
Nominations can be submitted by a colleague, employee, partner, or customer. To qualify, nominees should have held their current HR executive role for at least 18 months. For the Young CHRO of the Year Award, nominees must be 40 years of age or younger.
CHRO South Africa also recently introduced a brand-new category that shines a well-deserved spotlight on the unsung heroes of government HR strategies – the Public Sector CHRO of the Year Award. The Public Sector CHRO of the Year award honours an outstanding leader driving innovation in government HR.
This year’s categories include:
- CHRO of the Year
- Public Sector CHRO of the Year
- Young CHRO of the Year
- Strategy & Leadership Award
- Transformation & Empowerment Award
- HR & Technology Award
- Learning & Development Award
- Talent Management Award
- Employee Value Proposition Award
Could your nominee be the one lifting one of these trophies in 2026?
In 2025, Absa’s group chief human capital officer, Jeanett Modise, was crowned CHRO of the Year, celebrated for her leadership in driving the Pan-African One Absa initiative, enhancing HR–IT collaboration and introducing continuous learning programmes through senior leaders serving as job-family experts.
To relive the previous Awards’ glitz and glam, visit the CHRO Awards website and immerse yourself in the signature glamour that continues to make this event one to highlight in the HR calendar.
The CHRO Awards continues to honour exceptional HR leaders across JSE-listed companies, major corporates, state-owned enterprises and government institutions. The gala brings together top CHROs, VIPs and business partners for an unforgettable evening of networking, celebration, clapping, entertainment and fine dining.
