Women in Charge: Momentum’s Qhawekazi Mdikane on the Invisible Codes of Success and Owning Every Win

As the Chief Marketing Officer for Momentum, Qhawekazi Mdikane is redefining what it means to lead with intention, strategy, and heart. From decoding generational mindsets to curating high-impact campaigns like Womentum, she’s giving South African women the tools to define and own their success on their own terms.

Success doesn’t always shout, it often whispers through the habits, values, and choices women carry every day. For Qhawekazi Mdikane, Chief Marketing Officer at Momentum, these “invisible success codes” are what make women’s stories powerful, complex, and worth amplifying. Now in its seventh season, Womentum has become more than a campaign—it’s a platform, a pulse check, and a rallying cry for women to define success on their own terms. In this exclusive interview, Qhawekazi takes us behind the scenes of one of South Africa’s most talked-about empowerment events, reflects on lessons from her own journey, and shares the one message every woman needs to hear this Women’s Month.

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Glamour: Please give us a glimpse into some of the behind-the-scenes conversations that went into curating an event of this calibre.

Qhawekazi: It’s our invisible success code because we start planning six months in advance. It begins with reviewing the previous season—what worked, what didn’t—and then diving into real research. Last year, we conducted the Success That Women Want to Report study, which gave us powerful insights. We then run collaborative workshops with cross-functional teams—insights, digital, media, campaign leads—all in one room. Our goal is to stay culturally relevant and grounded in what South African women really need to hear, not just what we think they want. From there, the theme starts to take shape. This year, we flipped the narrative on the “invisible load” and reframed it as “invisible success codes”—the quiet strengths passed down through generations that women should wear with pride.

Glamour: The keynote speaker always hits the mark. What goes into selecting your lineup?

Qhawekazi: We’re deliberate. The keynote must embody our brand values and resonate with our message. Vanessa has been on our radar for years, and this time we knew she was the right fit. Her values, her credibility, and her ability to own her success unapologetically aligned perfectly with our theme. In our briefing, she said something that stayed with me: “I love the insight behind this campaign—encouraging women to own their success boldly, without apology.” That’s exactly what we’re about. We also prepare thoroughly; we show speakers our past highlights, the calibre of women who’ve graced our stage, and our commitment to meaningful storytelling.

Glamour: Season seven! What conversations have evolved over the years, and how are you keeping the dialogue fresh?

Qhawekazi: Everything starts with our brand promise: enabling success. Whether it’s through our She Owns Her Success experience, the Science of Success festival, or Women Who Make Moves in Sports, it’s always about delivering advice that’s relevant, practical, and empowering. Each season is shaped by what’s happening culturally. We tell women: define success on your own terms. That means not comparing yourself to others, not seeking external validation, and staying on your own path. Because success looks different for each of us.

Glamour: We loved the generational success codes segment. Why was that an important topic?

Qhawekazi: Because we inherit behaviours, both helpful and harmful. But now we have the agency to keep what serves us and release what doesn’t. It's easy to blame our upbringing or background, but real growth means taking accountability. Yes, our parents may not have taught us about financial planning, but we have access now. Information is everywhere, there’s no excuse. You are responsible for your success. That’s why this campaign insists on practical empowerment, not just inspiration.

Glamour: So many moments landed deeply. What were some of your biggest takeaways from this season’s event?

Qhawekazi: Nonto’s five steps to owning your success really hit home. For me, it’s always progress over perfection. We delay our dreams waiting for the perfect moment, but success comes from starting. Another takeaway was the reminder that success has no pattern. We must reject timelines that don’t serve us. I waited intentionally to start a family—I wanted emotional, financial, and physical readiness. And I was calm when my daughter came, because I was prepared. That’s the invisible success code: agency.

Glamour: The campaign also touched on financial independence and planning. Why is this such a core message for you?

Qhawekazi: Too many women leave financial planning to their partners. “He’s got it covered,” they say. But do you know if the beneficiaries are updated? Do you know if there’s a valid will? There are billions in unclaimed assets in South Africa because people didn’t update details or inform loved ones. At Momentum, we call it the life folder—a place where everything is documented. Women must take responsibility for their financial futures. Ask the hard questions. Don’t be in the dark about your own life.

Glamour: What’s your message to South African women this Women’s Month?

Qhawekazi: You are responsible for your life. For your success. Don’t shrink. Don’t wait. Don’t ask for permission to be great. Whether it's your finances, your family, or your future—own it. Unapologetically.