If you needed a reminder as to how incredible our local women are, let me use Heritage Day as the perfect segue.
We’re in no shortage of powerful and influential South African women – and when it comes to business, it’s safe to say our local powerhouses understand the assignment.
From Beauty to tech, CEO statuses and those who’ve translated high-profile platforms into business audiences, meet the South African women who are killing it in entrepreneurship:
The business of beauty
Rabi Ghoor started a cosmetics brand at the tender age of fourteen. Inspired by YouTube makeup influencers, a young Ghoor created a blooming empire for local beauty – all from the corners of her four-square-meter bedroom. Swiitch Beauty has led her to win the Forbes woman Africa young Achievers Award, and it’s also one of the most inclusive local cosmetics brands we have in South Africa.
@rabiaghoor/Instagram
Tech entrepreneur
Nneile Nkholise was named the top female innovator in Africa back in 2016 and 2018. She secured her title on the Forbes Africa’s 30 under 30 list for her work and leadership in biotechnology as the Founder and Director of iMED Tech. Modest is an understatement when it comes to Nkholise, who shares that her experience lies in “crawling, walking, running, whatever it takes to keep going on.”
Nneile Nkholise/LinkedIn
Media personality meets business mogul
Award-winning media personality, Bonang (AKA South Africa’s Queen B) has earned her ‘royal’ title for good reason. Beyond being one of the most loved personalities in the country through her radio and TV presenter statuses, Bonang elevated herself to entrepreneurial avenues by capitalising on her personal brand with The House of BNG, AKA Queen B’s champagne. Not to mention, she was listed on Forbes Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women. We’ll cheers to that.
@bonang_m/Instagram
The brains behind business
Dr Judy Dlamini is one of the top business-minded icons in South Africa. The owner and executive Chairman of Mbekani group, Dlamini runs the show when it comes to numerous responsibilities from managing commercial properties, private equity portfolios, running the luxury fashion division and overseeing imports of surgical instruments.
She was awarded an honorary doctorate degree last year by NMU, adding to her academic praises including an MBA. She also serves as the Wits’ chancellor – talk about a mixed bag of inspiration!
@futurenationschools/Instagram
Influencers owning their business
Nadia Jaftha has quickly become the name to know in South Africa (and beyond) when it comes to content creators and influencers.
@nadiajaftha/Instagram
She was undoubtedly the star of the 2022 DStv Content Creator Awards (if you watch her content, you and the 568.k followers she has know why). However, Jaftha doubles as a savvy businesswoman on top of her fame. Icon status? She’s making her strides.
Jaftha’s got two businesses under her belt – Dusti, a swimwear company that doubles as a ‘love project’ between Jaftha and Lindy Lin and For Everyone Asking, Nadia’s clothing brand.
The wealthiest woman in South Africa
Philanthropies.org
Wendy Appelbaum is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to women to take notes from in South Africa. With a net worth of R2.6 billion, a heart of gold (as her myriad of philanthropic pursuits attest to) and an eye for opportunities that empower not just herself but many women, South Africa’s wealthiest woman can teach us all a thing or two, or four.
ALSO SEE:
4 lessons we can all learn from SA’s richest lady, Wendy Applebaum
Feature Image: @bonang_m/Instagram
