Due to the recent launch of the BPESA and City of CT Awards in the Western Cape this year, it is with regret that after a substantial financial investment in the set-up, the licensing of the system, and a national roadshow to mark the launch of our 2019 awards, the CCMG, the Contact Centre Professional Body, and the Employers’ Association have taken the decision to cancel the 2019 Africa’s Calling Awards.

Our decision, in the main, is based on the rather concerning reality that our industry is fragmented, and has been for far too long; and that decisions like initiating more than one awards event to honor trendsetters and innovators will unfortunately continue to cause division instead of promoting unity. The CCMG feels strongly about uniting, and more importantly, professionalising our industry, and we are dedicated to fulfilling our mandate as your professional body. 

We believe that two separate events will cause confusion, has the potential to tarnish credibility, and water down the contribution of those individuals and organisations who will be celebrated who work tirelessly to promote professionalism and bring about transformation in our sector.  Furthermore:

• We recognise the enormous amount of work and preparation that the individuals and companies put into entering the awards, and feel that it is unfair to ask them to choose between two awards processes which are essentially celebrating the same achievements.  This would simply duplicate efforts and strain resources.

• We cannot prejudice the national awards by having one region that will possibly not be fully represented due to an alternative awards event.

It is regrettable that the awards, after a successful 9-year run, will have to be shelved this year.  Please be assured of our commitment to do all that we can to foster co-operation of all stakeholders in order that the awards might be re-instated in 2020.  

Listen to the interview on Contemporary Business: The CCMG, Professional Body and Employer Association bring calm to Award Confusion

The CCMG will always put the industry first, and we trust that all our partners will be supportive of this very tough decision we have had to make given the reasons outlined in this communication.

We remain committed to our promise to channel all our energy into events and functions aimed at uplifting skills, developing competence and recognising talent in order to firmly place South Africa on the world map as a contact centre destination of first choice. We welcome any input and feedback from the Contact Centre Industry and you are welcome to reach out to us and share your thoughts.

Kind Regards

Sharon Haigh
CEO