Female Role Models In South Africa: Inspiration For Today’s Youth

Women’s Month is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate it than by shining a light on some of the most inspiring female role models in South Africa?

These women, through their resilience, have broken barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and paved the way for future generations to dream big and achieve their goals.

So, without further ado, let’s look at some of the incredible female role models in South Africa.

Nneile Nkholise

Nneile founded iMED Tech, a company that started in 2015 and specialises in medical prostheses and bio-implants.

The company uses medical 3D printing applications to develop custom prosthetics for those who have lost limbs due to accidents, cancer, and other diseases. Nkholise was named the top female innovator in Africa in 2016 and 2018 and made it onto Forbes Africa’s 30 under 30 lists.

Young individuals, especially girls, can look up to Nneile Nkholise for her determination, innovation and impact in the medical field. She is a true example of using technology for social good and breaking gender stereotypes.

Wendy Luhabe

Wendy Luhabe is likely the most influential and visionary businesswoman in the country. She’s also a social entrepreneur and author. Throughout her career, she has focused on empowering previously disadvantaged people, especially women.

Luhabe, chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, has held key roles such as chairperson of the Vodacom Group, the Industrial Development Corporation, and the International Marketing Council.

She started her career at Vanda Cosmetics and BMW and, in 1994, founded Wiphold, a women’s investment group that enabled thousands of women to invest. It became the first female-owned company listed on the JSE.

The youth can learn from Wendy that anything is possible with hard work, determination and a passion for making a difference.

Wendy Applebaum

Wendy Applebaum is a well-known South African philanthropist and businesswoman who is also the richest woman in South Africa.

As the daughter of late Liberty Life founder Donald Gordon, Applebaum inherited his fortune and expanded on it, becoming one of the most influential businesswomen in South Africa.

Despite her background, she has dedicated her life to giving back to society. She is involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including education, health and women’s empowerment.

As chairperson of DeMorgenzon Wine Estate, director of Sphere Holdings, member of several organisations in South Africa and internationally, and deputy chair of Women’s Investment Portfolio Limited (Wiphold Limited), the first women-controlled company to list on the JSE with assets then over R1 billion, Applebaum has made a significant impact on the business world.

Applebaum serves as an inspiring role model for young women and men, showing that success can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a drive to positively impact society.

Santie Botha

Santie Botha is South Africa’s youngest chancellor and sits on the boards of Tiger Brands Limited and Famous Brands.

She is one of the best marketing strategists in South Africa, having completed projects such as the 2010 World Cup FIFA sponsor MTN. She started her career at Unilever in London and South Africa and then moved to Absa as a director executive, changing the bank’s image forever.

Botha has won numerous awards, the most notable of which was the 2010 Businesswoman of the Year award from the Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa.

Young people who dream of making a difference in business can admire Santie Botha. Her achievements serve as a reminder that gender should not be a barrier to success but rather a source of strength and inspiration for future generations.

As she continues to make waves in the business world, Botha paves the way for other ambitious women to follow in her footsteps and break glass ceilings.

Naadiya Moosajee

Naadiya Moosajee started WomEng, a non-profit that focuses on attracting, developing, and nurturing the next generation of women engineering leaders. This enterprise aims to grow females in STEM and engineering. Her work has won the “Best NGO” award at the Top Women Awards in 2013.

She is also the Co-Founder of WomHub, a start-up that promotes gender parity through education and technology.

In 2014, Naadiya was recognised as one of Forbes Magazine’s Top 20 Young Power Women in Africa and a World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council member.

STEM is the future, and it’s crucial that women are well represented. Naadiya Moosajee’s initiatives are breaking barriers for women in STEM and contributing to a more diverse and innovative future. Her achievements inspire young girls who may have never considered a career in STEM before.

Dr Ncumisa Jilata

Dr. Ncumisa Jilata is one of just five black female neurosurgeons in South Africa. She has come a long way from her hometown of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape and is now known as Africa’s youngest qualified black female neurosurgeon.

2017 President Cyril Ramaphosa commended Dr. Jilata during his Presidency Budget Vote in Parliament’s National Assembly. He called her an inspiration and praised her courage and determination.

In addition to her role as a neurologist, she mentors young black women to become the next generation of neurosurgeons and brings science to communities.

Dr. Jilata’s incredible achievements are breaking barriers for women in medicine, particularly in the field of neurosurgery, which has historically been male-dominated. She is a role model for young girls interested in pursuing careers in science and medicine, showing them that anything is possible regardless of their background or gender.

Happy Women’s Month!

The accomplishments of these female role models in South Africa are just a few examples of the many trailblazing women making significant contributions in their respective fields.

As we celebrate Women’s Month, let us acknowledge and honour the achievements of these remarkable women and continue to advocate for equal opportunities for our youth.

Here’s to strong women – may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them. Happy Women’s Month!