As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month this August, it’s a timely opportunity to reflect not only on how far women have come, but on how courageously they are carving new paths for leadership, resilience and impact. At the forefront of this evolution are the recipients of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award from 2023 to 2025 – six remarkable entrepreneurs whose journeys offer a powerful lens into the changing landscape of female entrepreneurship in South Africa.
Now in its third edition, the International Bold Barometer by Veuve Clicquot provides a data-rich perspective on the realities, ambitions and challenges of women in business. In South Africa, the findings reveal a striking truth: a new generation of women are rising. They are bold, future-focused and unapologetically purpose-driven. While the study paints a promising picture, the landscape for female entrepreneurs is not without its challenges.
To humanise the data, we look to the women driving the change; the growing network of Bold Woman and Bold Future Award winners, whose stories echo shared values, common hurdles and a relentless commitment to building an inclusive, thriving future. Now concluding its fourth year in South Africa and 53rd globally, the Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot has become a powerful marker of progress for female entrepreneurship. These are not just leaders of today; they are architects of tomorrow.
On Challenging Gendered Expectations: Redefining Leadership on Their Terms
Unsurprisingly, the intense scrutiny experienced by female entrepreneurs can oftentimes lead to women altering their approach and behaviour in the workplace. While the 2023 Bold Barometer reported that 57% of women believe they must ‘act like a man’ to succeed in business, encouragingly, that sentiment doesn’t ring true for many modern entrepreneurs today.
Retang Phaahla, Co-Founder of Setšong Tea Crafters and the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award winner, says she’s never aspired to lead like a man. “Doing so would strip away the heart, intuition and flair that comes with leading like a woman,” she explains. “I’ve embraced the opportunity to lead authentically.” Leading a team that’s 92% women, she’s shaped a supportive leadership style while remaining steadfast in her core values. “For me, success means showing up fully in my truth and creating space for others to do the same,” Retang continues.
Leading by example is a principle that resonates with Claire Blanckenberg, Co-Founder of Reel Organisation and the 2023 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award winner. “Reel’s success shows that empathetic, collaborative leadership can outperform old playbooks,” says Claire. “I lead with empathy, transparency and data. Success, to me, is measured in hectares of food gardens started and livelihoods created, not in a performance of toughness or challenging gendered expectations.”
Dr Phindile builds on this idea, noting that success shouldn’t require women to abandon their femininity. “I’ve proven that empathy, collaboration and intuition aren’t weaknesses; they’re strategic strengths.” Similarly, Zama echoes this sentiment, adding that “bringing a feminine energy into the mix doesn’t disqualify you from respect or success.”
Even in male-dominated sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, these businesswomen are carving out space not by conforming, but by showing up fully as themselves, proving that perspective and authenticity are powerful tools in any environment.
On Navigating Criticism: Leading with Purpose in a Culture of Critique
According to the 2023 Bold Barometer, 82% of South African women entrepreneurs’ report that they are more challenged and criticised by peers and employees than their male counterparts. This is on the higher end of the scale, when compared to other countries’ responses and reflects an ingrained disregard towards women in South Africa and reveals how entrenched biases still shape perceptions of female leadership.
The 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award winner, Founder and CEO of Hazile Group, Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi knows that criticism often comes with the territory for women entrepreneurs. She adds that her experience with criticism often comes disguised as advice. “The criticism I’ve received has often been personal, shaped by assumptions about what women like me or at my age should be doing,” she explains. “I’ve learned not to internalise that. I stay grounded by remembering who I’m building for: myself, my children, the women I represent, the communities I serve, and the vision that keeps calling me forward.”
Morongwe “Mo” Mokone, Co-Founder of Mo’s Crib and the 2024 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award winner’s thoughts echo this but she believes that what sets you apart is how you respond to it. “Criticism has often come louder and faster because I am a woman, and a bold one. But I’ve learned to separate constructive feedback from noise,” says Mo. “What grounds me is staying rooted in my purpose, leading with empathy and remembering that leadership is not about being liked; it’s about being clear, courageous and consistent.”
For Zama Ngcobo, the 2023 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award winner and Founder of WMN Attorneys Inc., resilience lies in perspective and in learning not to take criticism personally. “In some cases, criticism may be warranted, in other cases it may stem from stereotypes, an inferiority complex, or other reasons that have nothing to do with me,” says Zama. “I’ve learned to distinguish between these cases and deal with criticism accordingly.”
While criticism may be inevitable, these women reveal that bold leadership is anchored not in avoidance of critique, but in resilience, purpose and a deep sense of self.
On Role Models: The Power of Visibility
With 72% of aspiring South African female entrepreneurs able to name a local role model, visibility and meaningful representation are clearly on the rise. South Africa’s Bold women resonate deeply with this; many view their leadership not just as a personal journey, but as a platform to uplift others.
Refilwe Sebothoma, the 2024 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award winner and Founder of Hakem Energies, says she’s been inspired by the many women who came before her in male-dominated industries. Their resilience and determination have fuelled her journey and motivated her to break down barriers and make her own mark. “Surrounding myself with a supportive network of women has helped me stay grounded, and I am committed to paying it forward by mentoring aspiring women entrepreneurs, sharing my experiences, and helping to shape a path for future generations,” she continues.
Building on this commitment to paying it forward and contributing towards a repository of representation, Retang shares her vision: “I see myself as a builder of ecosystems, creating platforms where women and youth in rural areas can thrive, be seen, and own their narratives.”
These sentiments underscore the vital role that communities of Bold women play. By providing female entrepreneurs with a platform through the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award, it not only amplifies their remarkable achievements but also broadens the spectrum of role models across diverse industries and communities. The insights shared here reveal a rising wave of women building profitable businesses without compromising purpose or legacy.
While progress is still needed to dismantle long-standing barriers, there are more pathways opening for women in business. The Bold Open Data Base by Veuve Clicquot – a free, accessible platform that connects and supports female entrepreneurs globally – is helping women worldwide gain visibility, build meaningful connections, and access the support they need to scale their ventures. Uniquely, the database also links registered businesswomen directly with investors, journalists and fellow entrepreneurs, making their work and impact more visible on a global stage.
All female entrepreneurs eager to join this inspiring network are invited to register at www.boldopendatabase.com/en.