The founder and CEO of branding and printing company Charged Up, Ntsako Mahlaule, has been recognised as one of the 50 leading women on the continent by the WOW Africa 50 Women Honour Circle.

The accolade honours African women who are driving significant change in business, leadership and community development.

For Mahlaule, a self-taught entrepreneur who started her business as a street-vending operation, this recognition marks a full-circle moment in a journey defined by resilience.

Speaking on the recognition, Mahlaule emphasised that while the spotlight is bright, her focus remains on the impact her work has on the ground.

“This recognition celebrates the work we continue to do through Charged Up, and the impact of inspiring entrepreneurship, leadership and legacy within our communities This journey has never been about fame, but about purpose,” said Mahlaule.

Hailing from a small village in Agincourt, Bushbuckridge, Mahlaule has grown Charged Up from a solo venture into a fully-fledged production hub that currently employs seven people.

Her business has become a household name, not just for its quality printing but for its commitment to social upliftment.

The awards initiative is a collaborative space for women to drive wealth creation and ownership across the continent. Mahlaule’s inclusion highlights her role as a ‘cultural architect’ and a mentor to the next generation.

“Moments like this simply remind me to keep working hard, to keep building and to continue inspiring the next generation of young African leaders,” she added. “Together, we are creating the Africa we want.”

In addition to authoring works such as The Journey of Becoming and Beyond Boundaries, Mahlaule is the founder of the Charged Up Entrepreneurship Africa Network, which provides practical training and pitching opportunities for emerging businesses.

Previous achievements include winning the Innovative Entrepreneur Award and being recognised as a Top 10 MTN Entrepreneur.

As she joins the ranks of Africa’s most influential female leaders, Mahlaule said her story continues to serve as a blueprint for young entrepreneurs across Mpumalanga and the continent, proving that barriers are meant to be broken.

“Thank you to everyone who continues to believe in and support my vision. And thank you to WOW Africa for this incredible recognition,” she concluded.