COVID-19 lock down and the law in South Africa. What it means for your business.

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Aleshia van der Ploeg LLB. (RAU), Director VDP Legal Consulting (PTY) Ltd

The current worldwide crisis with Covid-19 and the latest announcement by the President regarding the upcoming 21-day lockdown has ALL South Africans in a spin. Everyone has questions regarding the personal impact, the financial impact and especially the legal impact of the impending lockdown.

Do business differently and be a disruptor

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Jolene Roelofse, Owner of Bludoor Market and Co-founder of Fluence

Given the current status quo globally and the State of Emergency declared this past weekend in South Africa, it is far from Business as Usual for businesses. But it is the ideal time to do business differently, change the course, be a disruptor, and use the current situation to your advantage.

How does one survive the chaos of the Corona Virus?

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

With many people going into self-quarantine, being asked to work from home, schools and businesses shutting doors to do their bit to try and contain the impact of the Corona virus, it also brings with it a lot of change, anxiety and fear. If you missed our discussion on the Expresso Breakfast Show, you can view it here.

What’s at stake for you with Coronavirus?

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Kathy Mann, Author & Speaker

Stress researchers define stress to be what happens when something we care about is at stake. This definition allows us to understand our values and motives and to uncover what’s happening beneath the surface when we feel stress or anxiety.

Entrepreneur Advice from Adenike Ogunlesi: How I find strength in difficult times

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble, Nigeria

On finding strength in the difficult times....

“Having peace around you, positive energy, people who are positive, who are doers and want to achieve. I love that energy so that it further energises me.”

- Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi is the founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble a leading designer, manufacturer and retailer of designer children's clothing in Nigeria. Nike started out modestly in 1996 selling the clothes she made from the boot of her car and in bazaars. Today, Ruff 'n' Tumble is an instantly recognisable brand in Nigeria and has a reputation for being one of the top manufacturers of children's clothing throughout West Africa. Ruff 'n' Tumble successfully caters to the unique fashion sense of today’s youngsters, from new born to age 16, happily mixing indigenous lifestyle trends with an international appeal.

Quote of the Day by Lizl Naude

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“In my experience, the most potent killer of creative thinking is fear! It can absolutely choke creativity…”

Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Selassie Atadika

March 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“The real sign of an entrepreneur is falling to the ground and being able to get yourself up, time after time. It can be a bitter sweet journey.”

Selassie Atadika, founder of Midunu Chocolates (Ghana)

Entrepreneur Advice from Candice Johnson: Stay grounded and centred

March 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Candice Johnson, founder of Miss Knitwear (South Africa) — **Candice Johnson,** founder of Miss Knitwear (South Africa)

Stay grounded and centred....

"My advice would be to know that you will go through ups and downs in your business and to let that be okay. Not to get swept away by the difficult times but to keep focused and know that those you can weather. There will be expansion on the other side. Keep going and don't worry too much about making mistakes. There will be many but staying grounded and centred can allow you to see that there is learning in each step of the way and to trust the process. If your heart is in what you are doing, then you will be supported by the universe."

Candice Johnson, founder of Miss Knitwear (South Africa)

Message of support from Melanie Hawken. As a Lioness of Africa, you are not alone!

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa

From Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa

What turbulent and uncertain times we are living in. The COVID 19 virus outbreak globally has created a new and challenging reality for us all. Businesses are feeling the pain already, and the true impact of the crisis is still unknown. As entrepreneurs, we are dealing with a multitude of issues, from managing cashflow, through to trying to get sales when the market is struggling. At Lionesses of Africa, we understand what our community of 1 million+ women entrepreneurs is going through, and we are committed to playing our part in trying to help.

Get It Developed: Design the Business of Your Dreams by Sorana Blackfoot

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Entrepreneur Sorana Blackfoot’s new book Get It Developed: Design the Business of Your Dreams brings experience and insights from eight experienced entrepreneurs who pool their collective knowledge and share their best personal tips with you, so you too can benefit from their journeys to success.

Vicki Bain, a South African artisan chocolate maker creating luxury and jobs

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

In Johannesburg, South Africa, true chocolate lovers who are constantly on the search for the purest of taste sensations and the highest quality ingredients, know there is one destination to choose for their chocolate fix. Chocoloza, the brainchild of entrepreneur and passionate chocolatier, Vicki Bain, combines the best Belgian chocolate with the finest local, fresh African ingredients. The result is a taste sensation unlike anything else you will taste in the chocolate world.

Coronavirus - Leadership is the number one superpower during times of crisis

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept.

Last week we looked at the most important aspect of any business when times turn tough - that of Cash Flow. Please note those practical steps have worked for our team in other businesses around the globe, and although not guaranteed to work in every case, will at least encourage thinking in our Lionesses to preparing for the threat coming.

Customer experience design and an agile approach

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Tina Playne, Managing Executive: Sectors and Segments, Private & Business Banking, Absa Retail and Business Bank

There is a marriage made in heaven between two practices that have been around for a while, and it is time to formally unite them. Welcome to the merger of Customer Experience (CX) and Agile management practices.

Anabela Marcos, an Angola entrepreneur on a mission to develop people talent

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Anabela Marcos, founder of Gestão Profissional (Angola)

Startup Story

Everyone knows the phrase, ‘a company is only as good as it’s people’. But developing, nurturing and connect people to the right career opportunities so they fulfill their potential is key to achieving that goal. In Angola, Anabela Marcos, founder of Gestão Profissional, has built a business that is helping both companies and employees alike with their talent development needs.

Darshani Persadh, a South African entrepreneur driving R&D innovation technology

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Darshani Persadh, co-founder of Darjyo (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Startup Story

As 4IR becomes the key talking point for business, ushering in the second wave of the internet, South African entrepreneur Darshani Persadh, co-founder of Darjyo (Pty) Ltd is bridging the gap between ideas and reality.

The boundary breakers

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane

We were taught to play safe and within pre-established limitations that brought blockages to our mindset and how we approach things in life. As a result we have those that are scared of taking risks to go after their dreams, especially when this requires breaking established behavioral patterns and unconscious boundaries.

Leading from the heart

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

Last week, I got an enquiry on my phone about us making a dress for a collection on Thursday - the problem was this message was coming in on a Tuesday. I immediately responded with the message that we unfortunately wouldn’t be able to make a dress by Thursday. This, of course was not a lie. The entire process of making a dress is just not possible in 1 day. Even one week is not enough. So many things can and will go wrong.

The first rule of sales. Listen.

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Clare Appleyard

Many entrepreneurs struggle with sales and often ask what is the secret to making that all important successful sale. Well, it all starts with the first rule of sales - listen!

Entrepreneur Advice from Eva Muraya: Don’t expect overnight success

March 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Eva Muraya, Founder and CEO of BSD Group (Kenya)

Don’t expect overnight success as an entrepreneur…

“I would apply the principles of the harvest, which is you must dig, clear the land, plant, water the crops… and then hopefully there will be a harvest and sometimes that harvest might be a little bit disappointing. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t go back and sow again.”

Eva Muraya, Founder and CEO of BSD Group (Kenya)

Quote of the Day by Karen Wessels

March 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"As entrepreneurs we have chosen the toughest journey… Make it through this and you’ll make it through anything!"

Karen Wessels co-founder of VA Connect & SnappSales (South Africa)

Download your FREE copy of the latest Playbook: Financing Business Growth

25 leading African women entrepreneurs share practical strategies, real experiences and advice. Playbook link

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Lioness GoTrade Podcast Episode 1

Episode 1: Lioness GoTrade Podcast: your go-to resource for growing your business beyond borders. Lionesses of Africa and DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa launch a new podcast series to help women-owned and women-led SMEs break into new markets through cross-border trade. Our launch episode features four remarkable women, each with a different view and experience of cross-border trade.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY

Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-

Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat

Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f

Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma

Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene

Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured

Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter

Book Review

Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

“Having peace around you, positive energy, people who are positive, who are doers and want to achieve. I love that energy so that it further energises me.”

“In my experience, the most potent killer of creative thinking is fear! It can absolutely choke creativity…”

“The real sign of an entrepreneur is falling to the ground and being able to get yourself up, time after time. It can be a bitter sweet journey.”

“I would apply the principles of the harvest, which is you must dig, clear the land, plant, water the crops… and then hopefully there will be a harvest and sometimes that harvest might be a little bit disappointing. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t go back and sow again.”

"As entrepreneurs we have chosen the toughest journey… Make it through this and you’ll make it through anything!"

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