Corporate Counsel Association of South Africa Achievement Award - Advocate Thuli Madonsela-Article-201610271118 Sponsored by ENSafrica

The recipient of the Corporate Counsel Association of South Africa Achievement Award 2016 was outgoing public protector Thuli Madonsela.

Madonsela stepped down from her role this October, having spent seven years leading countless investigations into alleged abuses of power and corruption within the South African government and administration.

Most recently, she completed an investigation into alleged undue political influence by wealthy business contacts of President Jacob Zuma. The report is the subject of an ongoing court battle and has fuelled anti-corruption protests.

Announcing the winner, Otsile Matlou, chief operations officer for practice integration at ENSafrica, described Madonsela as a "courageous crusader who has been a blessing to the country".

He added: "The public has been left in awe of her tenacity, fierce independence, bravery and dedication to her job. I'm sure that we will all agree that she has served the nation with distinction."

The award was accepted on Madonsela's behalf by Louisa Zondo, chief executive of the public protector's office (pictured).