Zanele Stole credits the thrill of birthing new ideas and building from scratch as the germ of her entrepreneurial spirit. Zanele, 34, is the founder and chief executive of Immaculate Cleaning and Hygiene Services. Her company has earned national recognition, including winning the 2020 Eskom Business Investment Competition, being named a Standard Bank Top Women Awards finalist, and securing South Africa’s Next Icon Award in 2023. She was also a 2025 EmpowHer Conference finalist and a NextGen Africa Awards nominee. Zanele champions social change through two flagship initiatives: the Ignite Graduate Programme, helping graduates transition into the workplace and the Melokuhle Initiative, named after her son, which supports women and children, including sponsoring education for children with special needs. Currently completing a BCom in risk and project management, Zanele is a fellow of the Insurance Institute of South Africa. Driven by faith and a passion to impact her generation, Zanele’s guiding principle is: “Keep going. The hard work and sacrifices will pay off.”
I have role models who have influenced my journey, as well as a mentor. My mentor has been a critical sounding board and someone with whom I can have tough conversations. I have received valuable insights and continuous feedback, which have transformed my way of thinking.