Valecia Sambo, a pioneering sustainable water management business builder empowering local communities in South Africa

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Valecia Sambo, founder, Daily Sambo Services (South Africa)

Startup Story

Valecia Sambo is the visionary founder of Daily Sambo Services, a South African-based company revolutionizing sustainable water solutions. With a proven track record as a seasoned entrepreneur, Valecia's business has been making waves in the industry since its inception in 2023. As a pioneering plumber, Valecia is breaking barriers in the male-dominated construction and plumbing sectors. Her commitment to empowering local communities is evident in her business, which employs seven individuals, including women from the surrounding areas.

Inez Ferreira, an entrepreneur building a one-stop-shop for property solutions in South Africa

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Inez Ferreira, founder, IF Property Solutions (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Startup Story

Inez Ferreira is the founder of IF Property Solutions (Pty) Ltd in South Africa, a business with over 75 years of combined experience, and a trusted partner for all property-related services. This expert team excels in everything from building plans and town planning to architecture, engineering, and sectional title management, with clients’ glowing feedback speaking to the company’s commitment to excellence and quality. Inez launched the business in 2024, creating jobs for 8 people.

What we're loving this week

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

What we’re loving this week

In this week’s spotlight on all things Woman Made In Africa, we are showcasing Africa’s talented and innovative women entrepreneurs who are creating sustainable, quality products that discerning and impact-driven customers want to buy. Catching our attention this week are: Harem in South Africa, founded by Rayana Edwards, a business creating a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics; The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano, an online store creating customized gift items and eye-catching potted plants, all locally sourced and made in Kenya; Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde, a luxury fashion brand renowned for its signature soft silks and ethereal chiffons that form delicate drapings and flowing silhouettes; Dokmai Rwanda, founded by Bernadette Umunyana, a business producing a range of high quality leather fashion accessories that are proudly made and designed in Rwanda; and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, a fruit processing, packaging and distribution company focused on being the 'leading fruit agribusiness in Nigeria’.

Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Book review

Adeolu Adewumi-Zer’s new book, Afro-Optimism Unleashed, is just what the African continent’s women entrepreneurs need right now during these challenging and uncertain times. For all those women business builders who are passionate about driving their African businesses forward, but feel like they’re stuck in neutral, this is the book for you.

World Backup Day: Who Makes Decisions Regarding Your Data Protection and Organisational Integrity?

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

World Backup Day, observed on the 31st of March, reminded businesses globally, to protect their data from theft, loss or corruption and focuses on how essential it is that data protections are as comprehensive as possible.

The Hidden Mental Health Toll of Geopolitical Disruptions

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up approximately 90% of businesses worldwide, and play a pivotal role in economic development and employment. Given shifting geopolitical landscapes—from trade tensions to international aid cuts—these businesses must recognize and address the emotional and mental well-being of their stakeholders. This is particularly crucial at a time when geopolitical changes are already having an impact.

Creating a legacy through mentorship and leadership

April 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Ntsoaki Sibiya

Have you ever paused to think about the impact you are making—not just today, but in the years to come? Legacy isn’t just about wealth or status; it’s about the lives you touch, the lessons you pass on, and the path you pave for others. True leaders don’t just build businesses or careers; they build people. And the most profound way to do that is through mentorship.

Performance Management: The Role of Metrics in Process Improvement

April 12, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” – Peter Drucker

Processes are the foundation of operational efficiency, but without measurable data, businesses risk making decisions based on assumptions rather than insights. Metrics provide a clear, objective view of how well processes are performing and where improvements are needed. By tracking the right metrics, one can identify inefficiencies, enhance performance, and drive continuous improvement.

Lioness Launch / Feelgood Health, South Africa’s leading natural remedies company, launches new website for the holistic treatment of ADHD in children

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Michele Carelse, Founder, Feelgood Health and Clinical Psychologist (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

Feelgood Health is a natural remedies company that specialises in herbal and homeopathic remedies and essential oils for babies, children, adults, and even the family pet. The company’s mission is to make natural alternatives widely available to everyone and to promote the use of safe, natural holistic alternatives for better health outcomes. Feelgood Health products are available online as well as in health shops, pharmacies, vet shops and retail stores throughout South Africa.

What we're loving this week

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

What we’re loving this week

In this week’s spotlight on all things Woman Made In Africa, we are showcasing Africa’s talented and innovative women entrepreneurs who are creating sustainable, quality products that discerning and impact-driven customers want to buy. Catching our attention this week are: Brincadeira, a vibrant earrings brand with an exclusive design approach, located in Maputo, Mozambique and founded by Nuria Arbelo; Dounia Home the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper; Mariée Eventos, the specialist wedding planning and eventing business based in Mozambique, founded by Iris Lezi Munguambe; Mulandi Brindes, a niche floral design company based in Mozambique and founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete; and artisan chocolatier Mon Choco based in Cote d’Ivoire, founded by Dana Mroueh.

Nokuphila Gumede, an impact-focused entrepreneur integrating drone technology with precision agriculture to help farmers improve their businesses

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Nokuphila Gumede, CEO and founder, Field Tech Environmental Solutions (South Africa)

Startup Story

Nokuphila Gumede is the CEO and founder of Field Tech Environmental Solutions, a pioneering South African company that integrates advanced drone technology with precision agriculture. Since founding the business in 2021, she has led its growth, providing farmers with cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable solutions for crop management. Under her leadership, Field Tech has expanded to employ 10 permanent staff and deliver services such as pesticide spraying, fertilizer application, and farm mapping. A recognized leader, Nokuphila has won numerous awards, including the 2024 Green Youth Innovators Pitch, and was a finalist in both the Standard Bank EmpowerHer Awards and National Presidential Awards.

Pretty Kubyane, a South African award-winning techpreneur transforming Africa’s agricultural supply chain

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Pretty Kubyane, Co-Founder, eFama App (South Africa)

Startup Story

Pretty Kubyane, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and Tech Lead, is the Co-Founder of eFama App, launched in 2023. Inspired by her late father’s business ventures, she began her entrepreneurial journey at six. Holding 20+ certifications in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and blockchain, she leads eFama in transforming Africa’s agricultural supply chain. Under her leadership, eFama has secured backing from major companies in the USA, UK, and South Africa, including banks and tech firms. Named a Rising Star in 2022, Pretty drives innovation and social impact across Africa, together with her team of 7 employees, supported by a strong network of industry experts, investors and advisors.

No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

In her new book, No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back, author Catherine Cowart Roe challenges the expectation in society that, as entrepreneurs we need to be available 24/7. She says, this isn't true! Being on call for your business is actually undermining your growth and productivity. Setting and maintaining boundaries and limits is the key to success. No More 24/7 provides a path with actionable steps for busy entrepreneurs like yourself to reclaim your freedom. Through these practices, you will take control of your life and become more efficient than before.

Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Moli & Mela Group, a business providing innovative and sustainable waste management solutions in South Africa

Tshego Molefi is the co-founder and Managing Director of Moli & Mela Group, a specialist waste management business in South Africa, founded in 2017 and today employing 60 people. A former journalist turned business leader, she is now an award-winning entrepreneur, fostering change in the male dominated waste management industry. She is bold, resilient, and driven by faith. Her success goes beyond business—it’s about impact. Her humble beginnings have inspired her philanthropic work, particularly in the education sector, where she uses her resources to provide education for those that are less fortunate. She believes education is indeed the key to success.

Does your employee screening policy address cyber crime risks in your organisation?

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

As cybercrime continues to surge in South Africa, the importance of effective employee screening to address this risk is paramount.

In 2024 alone, Interpol reported over 3,300 global cybercrime incidents affecting governments, banks, and the general public each week, reflecting a growing threat landscape. With cyber threats increasingly targeting organisations across South Africa, businesses must prioritise comprehensive screening processes to safeguard against potential breaches stemming from internal and external sources.

Navigating Geopolitical Shifts – The SME Perspective

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr. Memuna Williams, DBA

The Inspiration: Seeing the Impact of Geopolitics Up Close

I had the privilege of attending NBA All-Star 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area as a guest of NBA Africa. There I joined the annual Newsmaker Breakfast. The session discussion was moderated by journalist Stephanie Ruhle and featured media giants Tom Friedman, Rashida Jones, and David Brooks. It resonated deeply and Roland Martin and Michael Eric Dyson were in the room. However, it was the question "How does what is happening domestically in the U.S. reflect globally?"—posed during the Q&A—that struck me.

Performance Management: Aligning Processes with Business Goals to Drive Performance

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Dr Michélle Booysen

“Every process is an opportunity for performance improvement.” – Michael Hammer

Over the past ten blogs, we have explored how processes play a crucial role in delivering outstanding customer service. The next series shifts focus to how aligning processes with business goals drives performance, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

Think Like a Designer: Design Thinking for Legal Professionals

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Sonja Cilliers and Maryke Groenewald

The legal profession is facing an era of unprecedented change. Rapid technological advancements, evolving client expectations and increasing regulatory complexities demand that legal professionals adapt and innovate. Traditional legal problem-solving methods, while effective in many respects, can often be rigid and slow to respond to modern challenges. Design thinking, a human-centred, iterative approach to problem-solving, offers legal professionals a fresh perspective to enhance client service, improve efficiency, and drive meaningful innovation.

What we're loving this week

March 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

What we’re loving this week

Lioness Launch / Cabinet International Kaizene launches new Bold4Growth professional development for women leaders

March 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

Kaizene International was founded by Mrs. Lynda Aphing-Kouassi, a recognized leader committed to skills development and business transformation. Her experience and expertise have allowed her to build a strategic network of financial and institutional partners, significantly enhancing the impact of the programs deployed. Thanks to her vision and leadership, Kaizene International has become a key partner for businesses and institutions seeking growth and structured development.

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