Boldness doesn’t always make headlines.
Sometimes it begins with a simple idea. Sometimes it starts in a kitchen, a hospital room or a small township. Other times, it grows from a question that refuses to go away.
The finalists of the 2026 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards prove that real leadership is about creating opportunities, solving problems and leaving communities better than you found them.
Now in its fifth year in South Africa, the awards celebrate women who are challenging industries, breaking barriers and building businesses with purpose.
Celebrating Women Who Lead Differently
Inspired by the pioneering spirit of Madame Clicquot, the awards honour women who transform bold ideas into lasting businesses.
This year’s finalists represent industries as diverse as manufacturing, beauty, sustainability, education, agriculture and technology. Yet they all share one quality: the courage to begin before anyone else believed in their vision.
Their stories remind us that success is rarely linear. It is built through resilience, determination and an unwavering belief in making a difference.
Building Businesses That Change Lives
The finalists are solving real-world challenges through innovation.
Lindiwe Nkuna-Kgopa, founder of Lindiwe Sanitary Pads, built Africa’s first industrial-scale sanitary pad factory owned and operated entirely by women. Her business is helping improve menstrual dignity while creating economic opportunities for women across the continent.
Sonto Pooe turned a painful childhood experience into Nativechild, one of South Africa’s leading natural hair and body care brands. Today, her products celebrate African beauty while proving that home-grown brands can compete on the global stage.
Xolile Mabuza transformed discarded rubber tubes into luxury handbags through Tendalo Trading. Her business combines sustainability with craftsmanship while keeping more than a million rubber tubes out of landfills every month.
The Next Generation Is Already Leading
The Bold Future Award finalists show that age is no barrier to impact.
Maambele Khosa founded SheCab to create safer transport for women while opening employment opportunities for female drivers. What began as a simple solution has grown into a powerful community built on trust and empowerment.
Pretty Kubyane is changing African agriculture through the eFama App. Using technology, artificial intelligence and data, she helps connect farmers directly with buyers while making agricultural markets more accessible.
At just 22, Tshaamano Mabuba has already helped thousands of families through Buddy Learning. Her AI-powered WhatsApp tutoring platform is making education more accessible for learners regardless of language, income or location.
Boldness Looks Different for Every Woman
The journeys behind these businesses are just as inspiring as the companies themselves.
Some founders overcame illness. Others battled financial hardship, self-doubt or industry bias. Many built their businesses while raising families or working full-time jobs.
Their stories reveal that boldness is not about being fearless.
It is about moving forward despite uncertainty.
It is choosing purpose over comfort and persistence over perfection.
More Than Awards
The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards celebrate more than business success.
They recognise women who are creating jobs, strengthening communities and building solutions that improve lives.
These entrepreneurs are proving that leadership is measured not only by profits but also by the opportunities created for others.
As South Africa celebrates another remarkable group of finalists, one message stands out clearly.
When women lead boldly, industries evolve, communities grow stronger and future generations gain the confidence to dream even bigger.
The winners of the 2026 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award and Bold Future Award will be announced on 15 July 2026, continuing a global legacy that has recognised women transforming business and society for more than five decades.