It was a spectacular night when the South African Council for Business Women (SACBW) Nelspruit hosted the organisation’s National Gala and Recognition Awards at the Botanical Garden Restaurant on Saturday, October 18.

Businesswomen from across the country gathered for this annual celebration of achievement and excellence.

The event was hosted under the theme ‘She Rise’ – a celebration of resilience and determination. Winners, finalists, media partners, collaborators and long-serving members were honoured.

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga businesswomen tackle year-end burnout

Mpumalanga-based regional leader, Estelle Roe, received the presidential award. She is the regional leader for Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Bloemfontein.

Roe is also one of three members who received a long-service award, having been a member of the SACBW for 11 years. The other two recipients were Hester du Bruyn, a member for 28 years, and Melinda Stark, who has been a member for 20 years.

Roe said she is truly honoured and deeply grateful to have received this prestigious award. She added that volunteering can often be a thankless role, and this recognition means the world to her.

“This award is not mine alone. It represents the dedication and collaboration of so many incredible individuals. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the teams I have had the privilege of working with across the provinces, especially to my home team in Nelspruit. Your unwavering support, commitment and phenomenal contributions continue to inspire me every day.”

ALSO READ: Mbombela businesswomen support Grace Baby Haven

Roe said Mbombela delivered a great event.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to all the generous sponsors, our esteemed keynote speaker Linda Grimbeek, the talented photographers, members of the media, and every remarkable woman who attended from across all provinces of South Africa. Your presence and support contributed to an inspiring, successful and truly memorable occasion.”

Dr Ziva Spangenberg, the national president of the SACBW, said the organisation celebrates and empowers businesswomen; from small entrepreneurs to large corporate operators. “We focus on small entrepreneurs so that they can build themselves to eventually become large corporates. For us it is about economic empowerment; to unite them so that they can grow. This way they are able to create jobs.”

Spangenberg said, in 2026 they would like to tap into the agricultural and mining sector. “I would like to see women in these industries joining the SACBW.”

Other winners:

• Businesswoman of the Year: Ilana Steyn of Company Partners.

• Entrepreneur of the Year – Rising Star: Celeste Klem of Hotel du Vin Franschhoek.

• Warrior Woman of the Year: Dominique Tibbles of Belly2Brain NPC.

• Branch of the Year: Mossel Bay

• Regional Business Leader of the Year: Erika le Roux.

• Youth Leader Award and bursary fund recipient: Rulandi van Niekerk.