It’s important to recognize some of the most prominent and empowering women in South Africa. Such influential women are promoting social change in a number of fields, including business, culture, fashion, music, medicine, and law.
Here is a list of some of the amazing South African women who are making positive change within the country and whose work is influencing the 21st century.
Khanyi Dhlomo
Khanyi Dhlomo is a South African businesswoman, TV host, and the founder and CEO of Ndalo Media, a South African multimedia service. Via its media business, Dhlomo publishes two vibrant South African publications – Destiny Magazine and Destiny Man – whose content focuses on South African men and women, both professional and career-driven.
In 2017, Dhlomo made history by becoming the first black-owned media company to acquire a license to run the ELLE and ELLE Decoration media brands. In 2003, Dhlomo was selected as the Most Influential Woman in South African Media by The Media Magazine, and then made the 2011 Forbes list of 20 Young Power Woman in Africa.
Thuli Madonsela
Human rights activist, democracy expert, South African advocate, and politician, Thuli Madonsela is likely to be in our history books for several coming years. Promoting gender equality and promoting women, Madonsela is a member of the South African Lawyers Association (SAWLA) and the Women’s Business Association (BWASA).
From 2009 to 2016, she represented the public protector of South Africa and contributed greatly to the South African Law Reform Commission. From close collaboration with Nelson Mandela in 1996 to forming the constitution of South Africa, Madonsela was committed to making only contributions to South African politics.
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng runs a women’s health practice in Johannesburg and Deputy Chairperson of the South African Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition (SRJCZA). She is an instructor and youth activist who has produced numerous articles and video blogs on sexual and reproductive health. Mofokeng has also produced a sexual education radio show on Kaya FM.
In 2016, she was awarded the 120 under 40: The New Generation of Family Planning Leaders, as well as the Mail and Guardian 200 young South Africans. She aims to collaborate with the state to inspire and educate girls and young people. Also, to provide extensive advice to young people in order to encourage them to make informed choices about their personal sexual health.
Redi Tlhabi
An influential author, blogger, writer, TV and radio host, producer, activist, and UN Global Journalists Corps leader, Redi Tlhabi is both a prominent and inspirational individual. After graduating with an Honors Degree in Political Economy and English Literature, Tlhabi started working as a television and radio journalist for some of the most renowned media and news brands in South Africa, including SABC and ETV news.
Besides being a committed champion of women’s rights and development, Tlhabi has always striven to be part of significant political discussions in South Africa. Tlhabi uses her voice as a platform to tell the story of the silenced and oppressed. In 2013, Tlhabi received the Alan Paton Prize for her bookEndings & Beginnings: The Story of Healings.
