Siyamthanda Maya, an energy sector specialist building a wholesale petroleum products business in South Africa

March 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Siyamthanda Maya, founder, ZAS Petroleum (South Africa)

Siyamthanda Maya is the founder of ZAS Petroleum, a licensed wholesaler of petroleum products specialising in imports of Crude, Diesel and Unleaded petrol, as well as exports of diesel and lubricants. She is a seasoned business professional in the energy sector with extensive experience in both Utility Management and the Oil and Gas sector. Siya is a personification of diligence, determination, and skill, attributes which have contributed to her current achievements. She has successfully founded and run two energy entities and led Multi-Billion-rand infrastructural programs. A big believer in credible skills transfer and development, Siya is a supporter of women skills development and community enablement. She holds a BTech in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.

Zenzile Silvia Mabitsela, an agrifood business focused on food security and sustainability in South Africa

March 2, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Zenzile Silvia Mabitsela, founder, Masana Generation Project (South Africa)

Zenzile Silvia Mabitsela is the founder of Masana Generation Project in South Africa, a poultry farming business specialising in broiler chickens, crop production, and rabbit production. She is a leader and social entrepreneur, a farmer, and a public speaker, who likes to work with local communities. Zenzile is passionate about her work and has an openness to learning and implementation in her business. She registered the business in 2014 and started operations full-time in 2018.

Ronel and Dr Marli Jooste, two impact-driven South African entrepreneurs on a mission to guide others on their journey toward holistic wellbeing

February 16, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Ronel Jooste and Dr Marli Jooste, co-founders, PhysEQFiT Wellness & Leadership Development (South Africa)

Ronel and Dr Marli Jooste, two sisters and co-founders of PhysEQFiT Wellness & Leadership Development, a business focused on Transforming People. Transforming Workplaces, and Transforming Leaders. The name, PhysEQFiT, implies the importance of overall wellbeing, including Phys = physical wellbeing (health, fitness, nutrition, brain health, stress management, burnout), EQ = emotional wellbeing (personal mastery and growth, whole-brain thinking, neurocoaching, mental health, team dynamics, mediation etc, Fi = financial wellbeing, and FiT = all these aspects need to be in balance to enhance your overall performance, leadership capacity, wellbeing and lifestyle. The business was founded in 2015 and employs 5 people.

Adonia Mankou Yanate, a South Africa-based interior designer creating functional, beautiful, and transformative environments

February 16, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Adonia Mankou Yanate, founder, Shumukh Design (South Africa)

Adonia Mankou Yanate, founder of Shumukh Design, approaches design as both an art and a philosophy—one that shapes how people interact with space and, ultimately, with life itself. She seeks to craft environments that are not only functional and beautiful but also transformative. Her design language is deeply rooted in texture, textiles, and color, drawing from African narratives while embracing a universal human experience. With projects spanning South Africa and the DRC, Adonia is building a brand that aspires to redefine luxury in an African context, proving that design can be both deeply personal and globally resonant.

Kim Williams, an award-winning top interior designer and behaviour strategist based in Cape Town, South Africa

February 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Kim Williams is an award-winning top interior designer and behaviour strategist based in Cape Town. With a unique approach that blends creative and behavioural strategies, Kim transforms spaces to positively impact people's lives. Her work spans residential and commercial projects, earning international recognition. Kim is also an inspiring public speaker and author, known for her commitment to mindfully design purpose-driven environments that shape lives.

Sonja Cilliers & Maryke Groenewald, co-founders focused on developing neuro-based resources specifically for legal practitioners

January 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Sonja Cilliers & Maryke Groenewald, founders, The Professional Mind Resilience Institute (South Africa)

The Professional Mind Resilience Institute, empowers legal practitioners to attain unparalleled excellence, find balance in their personal lives, and transcend the boundaries of traditional legal practice in South Africa. The business, which launched in 2024, is on a mission is to enhance cognitive abilities, personal resilience, and professional expertise through comprehensive courses and workshops tailored specifically for legal professionals.

Nonkululeko Williams, an entrepreneur building a South African-based skincare brand specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin

January 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Nonkululeko Williams, founder and CEO, Luminous Era (South Africa)

Nonkululeko Williams is the founder and CEO of Luminous Era, a South Africa-based skincare brand dedicated to addressing the unique skincare needs of individuals with diverse skin tones, focusing on effective solutions for issues such as sunburn, aging, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Her vision is to expand the brand internationally and tap into the pan-African market. With over six years of entrepreneurial experience, Nonkululeko has dedicated herself to researching the skincare industry, identifying her target market, and honing in on her passion and niche.

South African interior designer Kim Williams launches new RAKGADI African Toile Interior Range

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

South Africa’s vibrant heritage deserves to be celebrated every day, and the newly launched Kim Williams RAKGADI African Toile Interior Range powerfully encapsulates this essence. First unveiled at Decorex Cape Town in 2024, the range was born from the dynamic collaboration between esteemed Cape Town based interior designer Kim Williams and acclaimed fashion designer Jessica Jane Molebatsi. The collection, inspired by the essence of togetherness and the powerful role of South African women in our lives, beautifully blends the rich symbolism of local culture with modern design, showcasing a commitment to community, heritage, and beauty. Part of the stunning selection of home décor items includes elegant placemats designed to instantly elevate any table setting, along with a beautifully crafted carpet collection in partnership with Airloom.

Phindiwe Nqanqaru, a South African tech entrepreneur passionate about empowering women and girls with digital skills

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Phindiwe Nqanqaru, Co-founder & Director, BabesGotBytes (South Africa)

Phindiwe Nqanqaru is a passionate Full-Stack Developer, Co-founder, and Director of Operations at BabesGotBytes, an organization dedicated to teaching digital skills and coding to women and girls in underserved communities across South Africa. As a recognized Women TechMakers Ambassador and an award-winning leader, Phindiwe advocates for diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry and mentors aspiring developers. Driven by a love for tech and community impact, Phindiwe is shaping a brighter future for women in technology. BabesGotBytes was launched in 2019 and has created jobs for 9 people.

Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu, a social entrepreneur committed to skills development

January 11, 2025 Melanie Hawken

CLM Clothing & Textile, a South African social enterprise specializing in bulk cloth manufacturing and training development

Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu is the founder and director of CLM Clothing and Textile in South Africa, a social enterprise that specializes in bulk cloth manufacturing and training development. The business was started in 2016 and legally registered in 2020, and today employs 21 people. In addition to the production site, the business also has a training and development site, where accredited sewing training development skills programs are delivered. Creseldah is a passionate Community builder, Philanthropist and Innovative Social Entrepreneur. She is a multi-award winner both locally and internationally and was recently recognised with an Empowerment Award of the Year by the African Women Innovation and Entrepreneur Forum.

Taryn Blignaut, a seasoned entrepreneur building a legal consultancy to provide affordable legal solutions to SMMEs in South Africa

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Taryn Blignaut (founder) & Senamiso Moyo, Legal Ninjas (South Africa)

Taryn Blignaut is the founder of start-up legal consultancy, Legal Ninjas. Taryn is a corporate attorney with over 15 years in experience as in-house legal counsel for large listed companies including Coronation Fund Managers and Ninety One. Taryn is a seasoned entrepreneur who, through her interactions with other founders, spotted the gap between smaller businesses and legal services. Taryn decided to leave corporate life behind and launch a legal consultancy to provide affordable, commercial legal solutions to SMME's by matching up the skills of former in-house lawyers with the needs of SMME's needing legal expertise with flexible pricing.

Nomso Kana, a pioneer harnessing technology to drive positive change

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Simsciex Technologies, a leading provider of comprehensive broadband infrastructure solutions in South Africa

Nomso Kana, the founder of Simsciex Technologies in South Africa, is a distinguished nuclear scientist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in the field of technology and innovation. With a passion for harnessing technology to drive positive change, Nomso established Simsciex Technologies in 2014 to pioneer cutting-edge solutions in broadband infrastructure, driving economic growth and development. Today the company has created jobs for 15 people. In addition to her role as founder, Nomso is a renowned expert in nuclear science, energy, policies, and connectivity. Her extensive expertise led to her appointment as a Commissioner for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) within the Presidency in 2019.

Lusanda Omelo, a South African digital marketing and AI automation business helping SMMEs establish their online presence

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lusanda Omelo, founder, findaiforthat (South Africa)

Lusanda Omelo is the founder of findaiforthat, a digital marketing and AI automation business in South Africa. After many years in the corporate world, Lusanda embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. With a rich background in marketing, she has worked with both multinationals and startups. Her true passion lies in helping SMMEs thrive in their environments. In her exploration of AI, Lusanda developed findaiforthat.co.za, an online AI directory featuring over 1,000 tools designed to make business tasks easier. This platform is a testament to her commitment to leveraging AI to support businesses in achieving their goals. She has partnered with various international clients to ensure that these tools are used and easily available to Africans.The business started in 2021 and has created jobs for 3 people.

Veronique-Chantelle Mew, a South African entrepreneur building a superior quality clothing brand tailored for tall women

December 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Veronique-Chantelle Mew, founder, Tall Story (South Africa)

Veronique-Chantelle Mew is a Chartered Accountant, a certified Life Coach and Personal Trainer, a breast cancer survivor, and the founder of Tall Story, based in South Africa. While working as a Chartered Accountant in the corporate world, she felt limited by conforming to someone else's vision and knew deep down that she wanted to start something of her own. In 2016, she resigned from her directorship position at an international company, and decided to embark on her entrepreneurial journey. She was determined to pursue her passion, knowing that this was where her heart truly belonged. Veronique launched Tall Story in 2022.

Nonceba Ndukula, a South African social entrepreneur with a vision to break the cycle of poverty and gender based violence

November 17, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Nonceba Ndukula, founder, Nabai Foundation (South Africa)

Nonceba Ndukula is the founder of Nabai Foundation in South Africa, a social impact organization with a vision to break the cycle of poverty and empower underserved communities through education. The foundation's Afternoon Enrichment Program, mentorship initiatives, and community projects reflect Nonceba’ s dedication to making a positive impact. She is a GBV-F Survivor, Coach, Business Administrator, Philanthropist and Mentor and an inspiring individual whose life journey has transformed adversity into a beacon of hope. As the founder of Nabai Foundation, Nonceba is a passionate advocate for education, community empowerment, and survivor support. Her personal experiences have fuelled her commitment to addressing the root causes of GBV-F and providing support to survivors. She is a Nominee of Sociopreneur of the Year 2023, Finalist in Women of Stature Awards, and a Nominee of Leading Women of Africa Awards.

Mmakgabo Dlomo, a South African entrepreneur building a natural hair care brand for women with afro-textured hair

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Mmakgabo Dlomo, founder, iNtombi (South Africa)

Mmakgabo Dlomo is the founder of iNtombi in South Africa, an all-natural hair care line dedicated to empowering women with afro-textured hair. With a background in psychology and communications, as well as extensive experience working in mental health in both the UK and South Africa, she has a deep understanding of people and their needs. Driven by her own journey of self-acceptance and motherhood, Mmakgabo created iNtombi in 2022 to provide nourishing, high-quality hair care solutions that promote a sense of pride and connection to one’s natural beauty. Her mission is to change the narrative around afro-textured hair, fostering a community where women celebrate their uniqueness and embrace their identities.

Cecilia Birkenstock, an eventing and hospitality leader in South Africa

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Bright Idea Projects 2100 T/A Function Foods - Thembela Venue, a leading hospitality company and unique event venue in South Africa

At Thembela Venue in South Africa, the philosophy that true growth comes from stepping out of the comfort zone and into challenges which inspires greatness, and it is this philosophy that drove founder, Cecilia Birkenstock, to pursue her lifelong dream - of creating a unique venue on the North coast in KZN in South Africa. Recognizing a need for exceptional event spaces in the area, she set out to fill this gap with elegance and innovation. Cecilia is the founder and CEO of Functionfoods, and brings three decades of experience in hospitality to her business. With this wealth of experience, Cecilia embarked on her most exciting venture yet - establishing Thembela Venue. Thembela Venue is the culmination of Cecilia's dream. Through her dedication, innovation and clear vision, she has transformed her dream into a reality. Patrons place their trust in Cecilia and her team, confident in their ability to turn dream weddings into stunning realities. Cecilia's commitment to excellence ensures that every celebration reflects her client's vision, making Thembela Venue the ideal choice for unforgettable experiences where dreams truly come to life. The business, which was launched in 2008 has created jobs for 30 people.

Lucricia Malunga, a South African entrepreneur passionate about bringing technology and IT skills to underprivileged communities

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lucricia Malunga, co-founder and ceo, J Brew Solutions (South Africa)

From a young age, Lucricia Malunga, the co-founder and ceo at J Brew Solutions in South Africa, has been passionate about transforming lives and building a business empire. Today, she is driven by a profound desire to create meaningful change and build a lasting business legacy. At just 16, she set out on a mission to establish a diverse portfolio of businesses that not only thrive across various industries but also make a positive impact on communities.

Zaza Letsholo, a South African agripreneur building a business with community impact

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Zaza Letsholo, founder, ABM Farming Dreams (South Africa)

Zaza Letsholo is the founder of ABM Farming Dreams in South Africa. She is a passionate farmer and community builder specializing in livestock and dry bean production. Inspired by her late father, a dedicated farmer, Zaza grew up on a farm where she learned the values of hard work and resilience. In addition to her farming endeavours, she runs a safe haven for vulnerable individuals, including orphans. With over 12 years of experience in car sales, Zaza is also an award-winning top performer in her field. Her commitment to agriculture and community welfare reflects her desire to make a meaningful impact in her community.

Bophelo Mohapi, a South African mobile spa business builder bringing beauty therapy directly to her clients

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Bophelo Leah Mohapi, founder, ChamomileSpaAndBeauty (South Africa)

Bophelo Leah Mohapi is the founder of ChamomileSpaAndBeauty in South Africa, a growing mobile beauty treatment spa. She is solely responsible for running her mobile spa but has a team of 17 therapists that she hooks up with for gigs. Bophelo also has 7 promoters helping her reach more clients as part of her growth journey. ChamomileSpaAndBeauty has been operating since 2015, originally as a side hustle. The business started operating under the name of ChamomileSpaAndBeauty in 2022 and was formally registered in 2024.

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