This Women’s Month, we celebrate the remarkable South African women who are leading the charge in business. These women don’t just participate in the business world; they are transforming it. They break barriers, lead with innovation, and shape the future of business in South Africa and beyond.
The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs
South African women embrace entrepreneurship at an impressive rate. Recent data shows that 57% of South African women identify as entrepreneurs, surpassing the regional average in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Furthermore, 71% of women express interest in starting their own businesses, and 89% of Gen Z women aspire to become entrepreneurs.
Despite the growth, many women face challenges such as limited access to funding, mentorship, and networks. However, their creativity, drive, and determination help them overcome these obstacles, proving that gender does not define capability in business.
Leading the Charge: Inspirational Women Entrepreneurs
This Women’s Month, let’s shine the spotlight on some incredible South African women who are leading the way in business. Their success, resilience, and passion set new benchmarks for future leaders.
Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela
Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela made history as South Africa’s first Black female brewery owner. She founded Tolokazi Brewery, blending traditional brewing methods with innovative techniques. Apiwe revolutionised the beer industry and created opportunities for young Black women by training them in brewing, an industry where women have been historically under-represented. She continues to open doors for future women entrepreneurs in the male-dominated craft brewing sector.
Nthabeleng Likotsi
Nthabeleng Likotsi became the first woman and the youngest person globally to establish a mutual bank. Through her Young Women in Business Network (YWBN), she empowers young Black women to access financial services and seize business opportunities. Nthabeleng helps women take control of their financial futures, creating a supportive financial ecosystem that uplifts women in industries where they have been traditionally excluded.
Sibongile Sambo
Sibongile Sambo founded SRS Aviation, South Africa’s first Black female-owned aviation company. Her journey from being rejected as a flight attendant to starting her own aviation company proves that resilience can break down barriers. Sibongile now offers essential services, including charter flights and medical evacuations, demonstrating that women can succeed in industries where men have traditionally dominated.
Mpumi Madisa
Mpumi Madisa made history in 2020 by becoming the first Black African woman to lead Bidvest Group, one of South Africa’s top 40 companies. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in corporate South Africa. Mpumi shows that women can rise to the highest levels of leadership in business. She continues to break barriers and pave the way for more women to lead in the corporate world.
Shirley Machaba
Shirley Machaba became the first Black woman to be appointed CEO of PwC Southern Africa, one of the world’s leading professional services firms. Her leadership challenges stereotypes and highlights the potential of women in top executive roles. Shirley leads by example and inspires future generations of Black women to aim for leadership positions in business.
Overcoming Challenges and Shaping the Future
Although these women have achieved remarkable success, they still face challenges such as limited access to funding, mentorship, and networks. Fear of failure also remains a significant barrier, with 52.5% of South African women entrepreneurs citing it as a concern, higher than the global average.
However, these challenges don’t stop South African women from thriving. Programmes like EntreprenHER provide women with resources, mentorship, and funding to formalise and scale their businesses. Similarly, organisations like ImpactHER bridge the financing gap by offering training and connecting women entrepreneurs with investors. These initiatives empower women to overcome obstacles and succeed.
South African women aren’t just surviving; they are thriving. They build businesses, create jobs, and drive innovation across industries. These women are shaping the future of business in South Africa and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. They continue to break barriers, challenge the status quo, and create a lasting legacy of empowerment, leadership, and progress.
Also Read: Women’s Month: Lungi Mkwani’s Story Highlights Barriers for Women with Disabilities
