Award-winning entrepreneurs challenge norms and inspire futures
Winners of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Bold Future Award from 2023 to 2025 reflect on feminine leadership, overcoming bias, and why visibility matters more than ever.
As Women’s Month comes to an end, six exceptional female entrepreneurs, recipients of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman and Bold Future awards from 2023 to 2025, are being recognised for leading change with authenticity, purpose and vision.
Now in its fourth year in South Africa and 53rd globally, the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman award honours women who have built or developed successful businesses and have inspired others through bold leadership.
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Accompanying this, the Bold Barometer study highlights that South African women are more ambitious than ever despite facing persistent bias and criticism.
2025 Bold Woman Award winner and co-founder of Setšong Tea Crafters, Retang Phaahla, embraces a feminine leadership style. “I’ve never wanted to lead like a man.
“Doing so would strip away the heart, intuition and flair that comes with leading like a woman,” she said.
Claire Blanckenberg, 2023 Bold Woman Award winner and co-founder of Reel Organisation, said, “Reel’s success shows that empathetic, collaborative leadership can outperform old playbooks.”
Criticism remains a reality for many women in leadership. According to the Bold Barometer, 82% of South African women entrepreneurs say they face more criticism than men.
Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi, 2025 Bold Future Award winner and CEO of Hazile Group, said, “Criticism often comes masked as advice. I’ve learned not to internalise it and instead stay grounded in my purpose.”
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Morongwe ‘Mo’ Mokone, 2024 Bold Woman Award winner and co-founder of Mo’s Crib, added, “Criticism comes louder because I’m a bold woman. But I’ve learned to separate constructive feedback from the noise.”
Zama Ngcobo, 2023 Bold Future Award winner and founder of WMN Attorneys Inc., highlighted the importance of discernment. “Not all criticism is about you; sometimes it’s rooted in stereotypes or insecurity.”
Visibility and mentorship are key themes among these winners. Refilwe Sebothoma, 2024 Bold Future Award winner and founder of Hakem Energies, said, “I’m committed to mentoring others and helping to shape a path for future generations.”
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