Nomination guidelines

SAIPA Mastery Circle Awards
Submitting a winning nomination is your opportunity to shine – or help others get the recognition they deserve! Here’s everything you need to know to make your submission stand out.

Who Can Be Nominated?

  • SAIPA Members: Open to all active SAIPA members in good standing.
  • District Leadership Nominees: Must have served on a SAIPA district committee for at least one year.
  • Partner Award Nominees: Must be associated with an organisation that holds an MoU with SAIPA or has contributed meaningfully to SAIPA’s initiatives.
  • Emerging Catalyst Nominees: Open to young professionals 30 years and under.

Note: Self-nominations are welcome! Peers, employers, and colleagues can also nominate deserving individuals.

How to Submit a Nomination

  1. Complete the Nomination Form
    Fill out all sections, ensuring the information is accurate and complete.
  2. Attach Supporting Documents:
    • CV or company profile
    • Reference letters or testimonials
    • Evidence of key achievements (reports, presentations, published works, etc.)
  3. Submit Your Nomination:
    Email the completed form and supporting documents to awards@saipa.co.za with the subject line:
    Nomination for [Award Category] – [Nominee’s Name].
  4. Deadline: All nominations must be submitted by 7 March 2025.

What Makes a Winning Nomination?

Here are some key tips to ensure your nomination stands out:

  1. Be Specific and Provide Evidence
    • Avoid vague statements like “John is a great leader.”
    • Instead, say: “John led a successful project that improved client satisfaction by 30% in 2024, receiving recognition from senior leadership.”
  2. Align with the Award Criteria
    Carefully read the criteria for the category you’re nominating for and ensure your submission addresses each point. The judges will look for examples that directly connect to these criteria.
  3. Highlight Key Achievements
    Focus on measurable outcomes, significant milestones, and contributions that have had a meaningful impact.
  4. Tell a Story
    Bring the nomination to life with a story that showcases the nominee’s journey, challenges, and success. Personal and relatable narratives resonate with the judges.
  5. Use Strong Testimonials
    Include reference letters or quotes from colleagues, clients, or partners that speak to the nominee’s skills, character, and impact.
  6. Show Commitment to Ethics and Leadership
    Emphasise the nominee’s commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and integrity—values that SAIPA holds in high regard.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incomplete Forms: Double-check that every section of the nomination form is filled in and all required documents are attached.
  • Generic Submissions: Tailor each nomination to the specific award category. A one-size-fits-all submission won’t stand out.
  • Lack of Supporting Evidence: Strong nominations are backed by facts, figures, and testimonials, not just opinions.
  • Missing the Deadline: Submit early to avoid last-minute issues.

Judging Process

A panel of independent experts and SAIPA representatives will review all nominations. They will assess submissions based on:

  • Impact: How the nominee’s contributions have made a difference in their field or community.
  • Leadership: Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead others.
  • Ethics & Integrity: Commitment to SAIPA’s values of ethical and responsible leadership.
  • Sustainability: Long-term benefits and potential for continued success.

The judges’ decision is final.

Need Help?

For any questions or clarification on the nomination process, please contact us at awards@saipa.co.za.