Next Generation Business Connect Awards return to Sandton, honouring women and youth trailblazers after postponement
Initially scheduled for August 16, 2025, the Next Generation Business Connect Awards made a powerful comeback in Sandton after being postponed due to founder Angie Lekalakala’s health.
The Next Generation Business Connect Awards, a flagship initiative of InaBold Enterprises, successfully took centre stage in Sandton on November 26, after a postponement from their initial August 16 date.
Founded by Angie Lekalakala, the awards were created to spotlight the innovation, resilience, and economic contribution of South Africa’s women and youth-led businesses.
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Grounded in InaBold’s commitment to empowering next-generation entrepreneurs, the awards aim to bridge gaps in support, foster sustainable development, and create a vibrant, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Featuring categories such as Business Woman of the Year, Women in Tech of the Year, NPO of the Year, Youth Empowerment Star, and many others, the event offered a platform for emerging leaders to be seen, celebrated, and connected.
Lekalakala opened up about the personal journey that inspired the awards and the challenges that almost halted them this year.
Reflecting on her early entrepreneurial days, she said, “I started a business in 2023 without knowing what I was doing. I had no clients. I only had the business name.“
She recalled several failed attempts, moments of doubt, and the heavy expectations many women and youth face.
“There is another Angie out there starting something that isn’t working out, or who feels she’s not good enough. We are mothers, we run households, we study, we work, but we still have a business.”
Lekalakala also highlighted the emotional cost of entrepreneurship. “You lose friends, you lose relationships because you’re trying to build something for yourself. But we still go on. Nobody started today and made their first million tomorrow.”
Speaking on the postponement and the support she received during her illness, she added,
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“Your well wishes kept me going. I remembered why I started. People bought outfits, people said they wanted to come even if they didn’t win, they wanted to celebrate because they were noticed.”
Her heartfelt message served as a reminder that the awards are not only about recognition but about validating the endurance and dreams behind every entrepreneur’s journey.
Stephanie Brookes and Danica J Thomas, co-founders of Salt n Light CreativeS, walked away with the Business Woman of the Year Award, delivering one of the event’s most emotional speeches.
Reflecting on the company’s growth, Brookes said,
“We are turning three next year. The journey has been interesting, but I’m so proud of our growth. I’m so proud of how we’ve pivoted.”
Brookes spoke about the courage required to keep building. “Being a woman in business, it’s not for the faint-hearted. Entrepreneurship comes with challenges, sacrifice, and risk, but today all that hard work is acknowledged.”
“The giggles, the dreams we share in the office, that’s where the magic happens. Our dream is to scale up, empower others, and build with integrity. With magic in our veins.”
She passed the words of gratitude to her business partner, Thomas, for believing in her. “Thank you for believing in me, for your patience, for being the yin to my yang. We believe deeply in collaboration, not competition. We all want everyone to win.”
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