Coming into its fourth year in South Africa, the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award continues to celebrate women who are boldly reshaping the business landscape. The six finalists for 2025 are extraordinary women that all come from diverse sectors, showcasing a new era of leadership rooted in purpose, resilience, and innovation.
The judging panel includes past Bold Woman Award winners Amanda Dambuza and Morongwe Mokone alongside leadership and business experts. Winners will join a global network of visionary leaders who are driven in creating a lasting change in their industries and communities.
Bold Women Award
The Bold Woman Award recognises women in business who have built and sustained significant success, growth, and innovation for more than five years. The finalists selected this year are:
Botheo Lentsoane, Retang Phaahla and Sydelle Willow Smith.
Botheo Lentsoane (Khetho Healthcare) is innovating healthcare access for marginalised communities through tech and training.
Retang Phaahla (Setšong Tea Crafters), a social entrepreneur who is reviving Indigenous tea traditions while empowering rural women and collaborating with communities.
Sydelle Willow Smith (Sunshine Cinema) is the co-founder of Africa’s first solar-powered mobile cinema promoting youth entrepreneurship and social change.
Bold Future Award finalists
The Bold Future Award honours emerging leaders with less than five years in business who show bold innovation. The finalists selected this year are:
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, Phumzile Khoza and Vanessa Mhlom
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi (Hazile Group), a black women led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water.
Phumzile Khoza (Lathitha Biodiesel) is turning waste cooking oil into biodiesel and creating green skilled jobs and improving air quality.
Vanessa Mhlom (Pleroma Patch) is pioneering wellness through transdermal vitamin patches with a focus on accessible self-care.
These awards are Inspired by the legacy of Madame Clicquot, who revolutionised the champagne industry over 200 years ago despite societal barriers, this award recognises women who all share a fearless spirit. Madame Clicquot’s pioneering achievements continue to inspire female entrepreneurs worldwide.
