Santam, South Africa’s foremost short-term insurer, in collaboration with FAIRLADY and TRUELOVE magazines, is delighted to unveil the finalists for the 10th annual Santam Women of the Future Awards. This prestigious event celebrates women entrepreneurs who are making significant contributions to the South African economy and society through their innovation, resilience, and leadership.
This year’s finalists, selected from a diverse group of talented candidates, embody the dynamic spirit and entrepreneurial excellence of South African women. These remarkable women are leading various industries and are set to shape the future.
After a rigorous selection process, a distinguished panel of judges has chosen the nine finalists. The panel includes Professor Thuli Madonsela (Director of the Centre for Social Justice in the Faculty of Law and the Law Trust Research Chair in Social Justice at Stellenbosch University), Nondumiso Mabece (Santam Head of Brand), Dawn Nathan-Jones (entrepreneur and CEO of Over the Rainbow), Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe (CEO of Quadcare), Suzy Brokensha (FAIRLADY Editor-in-Chief), and Mbali Soga (TRUELOVE Editor-in-Chief).
Gugu Mtetwa, Group Chief Operating Officer at Santam, remarked:
“We are proud of this initiative, which aims to equip women in business with the necessary tools to succeed and level the playing field. The Women of the Future Awards recognise and showcase the incredible roles women entrepreneurs play in solving societal problems and driving sustainable economic growth in South Africa. We believe it is our duty to help promote local enterprises to survive and thrive, especially in these challenging economic times.”
Introducing the 2024 Santam Women of the Future Awards Finalists!
WOMAN OF THE FUTURE
These entrepreneurs have businesses that are more than 1,000 days old and are on the path to establishing extensive enterprises.
Glynn Mashonga of Globescope
Globescope offers a comprehensive portfolio of security services, setting industry benchmarks with its pricing and service excellence. The company provides cutting-edge security and surveillance solutions.
Lilian Kistan of Tekwecomm
Lilian turned the struggling telecommunications company Tekwecomm into a success. The company offers specialised services and products for the telecommunications sector and has recently expanded into the steel fabrication industry, supporting the construction sector.
Shantelle Long-Booysen of Elim Spa Products
Elim Spa Products formulates and manufactures medical pedicure products. The company exports to countries such as Australia and New Zealand and holds registrations for all their formulas in the UK, EU, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and the US FDA.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR
These entrepreneurs run non-profits that have survived the first 1 000 days and make a real difference in their communities.
Candice Potgieter of The Unlimited Child
This non-profit addresses early childhood development (ECD) interventions by training ECD practitioners and supporting ECD centres. The Unlimited Child empowers women to run viable micro-enterprises and ensures children are school-ready. It supports over 2 million children and 5 000 micro-enterprises across South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Yemen.
Lamise Inglis of iKasi Creative
iKasi Creative addresses the underrepresentation of marginalised voices in the media industry. With offices in Thembalethu, George, and Bellville, and expansion into the Eastern Cape, it prepares young people for careers in digital media through comprehensive training programmes.
Nombuyiselo Jongqo of COOKtastic
Established in 2019, this non-profit is a hospitality hub for disadvantaged youth in Cape Town. It aims to bridge the gap between the demand for skilled culinary professionals and the limited opportunities available to marginalised young people through a comprehensive culinary training programme that also focuses on personal development and job placement in the hospitality industry.
RISING STAR
These entrepreneurs are aged 35 or younger, and their businesses have surpassed the six-month milestone. The judges believe they will flourish beyond the critical first 1,000-day period.
Mpho Hlongwane of MH Automotive Engineering
An industrial engineer, MBA graduate, and PhD candidate, Mpho is the founder and managing director of MH Automotive Engineering, which assembles and sequences automotive components for clients such as Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok. The company has created jobs for over 70 young people in Mamelodi and the surrounding area.
Selanei Doorasamy of Vestara
Inspired by her own professional challenges, Selanei founded Vestara, a platform connecting women with remote work opportunities as virtual assistants. Vestara has helped several women from diverse backgrounds thrive despite challenging circumstances.
Zanele Njapha of The UnLearners
A former teacher turned CEO, Zanele helps organisations build cultures of learning, unlearning, and relearning. Through facilitation and workshops, Zanele and her team empower companies to discard obsolete practices and adopt innovative strategies. They have delivered 200 keynote presentations and supported the unlearning journeys of over 100,000 people.
Suzy Brokensha, FAIRLADY Editor-in-Chief, expressed:
“What struck me about this year’s entrants is that South African women are increasingly becoming integral to every sector of the economy, from STEM and education to heavy industry and the creative and marketing sectors. This makes me incredibly proud and optimistic about our future!”
Mbali Soga, TRUELOVE Editor-in-Chief, added, “It is an honour to be part of a platform that celebrates and rewards the remarkable efforts of female entrepreneurs in South Africa. The inventive ways in which the finalists are creating wealth are truly eye-opening. I am excited to meet all the participants and witness the profound impact they have on their communities.”
The winners will be announced at a glittering gala luncheon in Johannesburg this October. This year, winners will share over R692 000 in prizes and gain access to the 105-year-old business expertise of Santam, and the extensive networking reach of FAIRLADY and TRUELOVE, which will elevate their businesses to new heights.
The Prizes
- R125,000 in cash to the Woman of the Future and R7 ,000 in cash each to the Rising Star and the Social Entrepreneur from Santam
- A luxury beauty hamper worth R10 000 from Lancôme, our beauty partner
- A full-page advertisement in FAIRLADY or TRUELOVE to promote the business, social enterprise, or NPO
Invaluable mentorship with one of the judges - An online masterclass worth R4 100 from the Gordon Institute of Business Science
- A hamper from the IV Bar, including a Jetfuel drip, worth R7 330
- A women’s dress watch from Seiko worth R7 000
- Business printing worth R5 000 from Lithotech
- A STACKD spinner and Weekender cosmetic case worth a total of R6 498 from Samsonite
- A spa voucher worth R5 000 from Camelot Spa
- Lancôme, our official beauty partner, shares our commitment to empowering women and recognises the importance of acknowledging their accomplishments.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Award is now open. To cast your vote, visit www.womenofthefuture.co.za or SMS the name Candice, Glynn, Lamise, Lilian, Mpho, Nombuyiselo, Selanei, Shantelle, or Zanele to 35409. SMSes cost R1.50.
