According to ForgeAhead, an organiser of the awards, Ngcaba was nominated a number of times for the top black individual of the year award, and was short-listed as one of the finalists.

However, on the basis that he won the lifetime achievement category at last years awards, Ngcaba declined to be short-listed as a finalist.

I was honoured that my contribution to the industry was recognised last year, being awarded the Lifetime Achievement award at the African ICT Achievers event.   I am equally honoured that I have been nominated this year for top black individual of the year award. I have, however, decided to withdraw from the nominations, Ngcaba says. 

There are a number of high-calibre, experienced leaders within the industry, who are making significant contributions to its growth, and it is important that these leaders, who are achieving great things, should be recognised for their contribution, just as I have been in the past, he says.

Another nominee therefore qualifies in the category of top black individual of the year, and has been interviewed by the judges today.

Judges have reportedly been interviewing the 42 finalists in the 14 categories this week and will complete the process today.

The auditors of the process, Khulisa Incorporated (formerly Fazel Sondiyazi Incorporated) and KPMG, will then tally the votes cast by the judges and determine the winners in each category.

ForgeAhead says that the finalists will be announced at the finalists breakfast to be held on October 13th at Siemens Business Services offices in Midrand.

Siemens Business Services is the platinum partner of the African ICT Achievers Awards and will be handing out the awards in the top black individual of the year and top black company of the year categories.

The winners will then be announced at a gala dinner on November 6th at the Dome, Northgate.