Willingness to take risks is the common thread among the South African women featured on the third annual FORBES AFRICA Over 30 Under 50 list, a celebration of bold leadership, cultural influence and tangible impact across the continent.
The women recognised this year come from diverse industries, spanning business, entertainment, technology and the creative economy. Yet what unites them is a fearless commitment to betting on themselves. Whether building scalable companies, shaping global soundtracks or rewriting narratives in male-dominated sectors, these South African powerhouses are defining success on their own terms.
Among them are trailblazing entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and job creation, proving that African solutions can compete on a global stage. In entertainment, cultural architects, from comedians filling up arenas to Amapiano stars exporting South Africa’s sound worldwide — are turning passion into profitable empires. Meanwhile, tech pioneers are solving real-world problems through innovation, ensuring Africa remains part of the global digital conversation.
What makes this list particularly significant is its focus on women over 30 who are in a distinct chapter of their journeys, seasoned enough to have navigated setbacks, yet ambitious enough to still take audacious risks. They are choosing decisiveness over doubt, impact over optics, and sustainability over short-lived hype.
The FORBES AFRICA Over 30 Under 50 list is more than a ranking; it’s a reflection of a generation of African women who are reshaping industries while remaining rooted in their communities. And the South African names on this year’s list are proof that when women bet boldly on themselves, the returns extend far beyond personal success, they shift the continent’s narrative.
Here's a full list of South African women in Forbes 30 under 50:
Akhona Makalima
FIFA and CAF Professional Referee
Celeste Ntuli
Comedian and Actor
Dineo Lioma
Co-founder and CEO, Deep Medical Therapeutics
Dr Lungile Mhlongo
Founder and CEO, Numa Skin
“At 17, I lost my father to illness — a devastating moment that revealed the painful realities of healthcare inequality,” says Dr Lungile Mhlongo.
Watching her father suffer became the catalyst for a lifelong mission: to become a doctor “who not only heals but also bridges the… pic.twitter.com/iagUI3j9BW
Mandisa Radebe (DBN Gogo)
DJ and Music Producer
Popularly known as the Godmother of Amapiano, Mandisa Radebe reflects on her journey with FORBES AFRICA — from earning just R200 (about $12) at her first gig in 2017 in Pretoria, to becoming one of the most influential names in the genre.
— Forbes Africa (@forbesafrica) February 16, 2026
Her story is one of grit, growth and… pic.twitter.com/PDUEVS2rOH
Pelonomi Moiloa
Co-Founder, Lelapa AI
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