Celebrating Trailblazers: Bold Woman Award Finalists 2025

The Bold Woman Award 2025 leaders, celebrated by Veuve Clicquot, highlight six exceptional women reshaping South African entrepreneurship. Now in its fourth year, this award honours female trailblazers who innovate with purpose in health, energy, and wellness. Inspired by Madame Clicquot’s legacy, these Bold Woman Award 2025 leaders create impact in their communities, embodying her fearless spirit.

Madame Clicquot pioneered the riddling table, vintage champagne, and rosé champagne, setting a bold standard. In a similar way, this award celebrates women who lead with vision. The 2025 panel, including past winners Amanda Dambuza and Morongwe Mokone, with experts Erik Kruger, Happy Ralinala, Timothy Maurice Webster, and Aimee Kellen from Moët Hennessy, ensures a robust selection.

Bold Woman Award 2025: A Legacy of Leadership

Madame Clicquot, at 27, reshaped the champagne industry, earning the title La Grande Dame. With her example in mind, the Bold Woman Award champions women who challenge norms. Its two categories—Bold Woman and Bold Future—connect leaders to a global network of female entrepreneurs, united by impact.

Bold Woman Award: 2025’s Established Leaders

This category honours women with over five years of success. With a focus on change, these Bold Woman Award 2025 leaders show remarkable achievements:

Botheo Lentsoane – Founder, Khetho Healthcare

Botheo Lentsoane transforms healthcare access in Southern Africa via Khetho Healthcare. Her Health Connect App, for example, links professionals with opportunities, while partnerships foster inclusion. By pioneering Botswana’s speech therapy curriculum, she uplifts marginalised communities.

Q “What does it mean to you to be a bold woman?”

A “It means being fearless and unapologetic. It means embracing the power of femininity and leading with purpose.”

Retang Phaahla – CEO & Founder, Setšong Tea Crafters

Retang Phaahla’s Setšong Tea Crafters in Sekhukhune celebrates Indigenous tea knowledge, while empowering rural women. Her enterprise produces health-focused teas, with the result that sustainable income thrives.

Q “What sets women apart in business?”

A “Women bring a unique balance of empathy and resilience. We are often able to build businesses that are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in community and the upliftment of others. Our ability to lead with both heart and strategy sets us apart.”

 

Sydelle Willow Smith – Co-Founder of Sunshine Cinema

Sydelle’s Sunshine Cinema, a solar-powered mobile cinema, empowers youth as Impact Facilitators. Reaching 300,000 people, it blends storytelling with sustainability, to the end that social change grows.

Q “What are your hopes for the future of women in business?”

A “I hope we move beyond representation toward real transformation, where women don’t have to shrink or overperform to be seen as worthy. I want to see women thriving on their own terms, shaping regenerative economies, and building work cultures that prioritise sustainability, joy, and justice.”

Rising 2025 Leaders

This category celebrates leaders with businesses under five years old. As proof of their impact, the 2025 Bold Woman Award leaders shine:

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi – Founder & CEO, Hazile Group

Dr. Phindi’s Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise, delivers climate-smart solutions in agriculture and energy. By tackling food insecurity, her work supports UN goals, with attention to social progress.

Q “What does it mean to you to be a bold woman?”

A “It means challenging the status quo, leading with authenticity, and inspiring others through purposeful action. It’s about transforming challenges into opportunities and paving the way for future generations of women leaders.”

Phumzile Khoza – Founder, Lathitha Biodiesel

Phumzile’s Lathitha Biodiesel turns waste oil into biodiesel, advancing clean energy. Her Green Energy Skills Hub equips youth, with the aim of fostering a circular economy.

Q “What sets women apart in business?”

A “We don’t just build for profit; we build with heart for people and the planet. This deep sense of purpose positions women entrepreneurs to lead the next era of business—one that’s inclusive, sustainable, and truly transformative.”

Vanessa Mhlom – Founder & CEO, Pleroma Patch

Vanessa’s Pleroma Patch offers plant-based vitamin patches, inspired by her health journey. Her ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative supports underserved women, with the intention of promoting self-care.

Q “What are your hopes for the future of women in business?”

A “I want to see a future where women’s ideas shape markets and policies. I want women to be funded because our vision is valued. Above all, I hope the next generation of girls grows up knowing that leadership is their birthright and that they never need permission to make an impact.”

Shaping the Future with Bold Woman Award 2025 Leaders

The Bold Woman Award 2025 leaders redefine leadership, with a clear focus on community and sustainability. From health to green energy, their work inspires future generations, with the vision that an innovative world thrives.

For more information about Veuve Clicquot, please visit their website www.veuveclicquot.com

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