South Africa’s creator economy is rapidly expanding into a viable commercial industry, offering new entrepreneurial opportunities for youth while sparking calls for collective…
Lindiwe Nkuna-Kgopa refused to accept the absence of women-owned, industrial-scale sanitary pad manufacturers in South Africa. Her determination led to the creation of Africa's…
Masingita Masunga, a businesswoman and media practitioner with 30 years in the industry, argues that Women's Month should focus on creating economic opportunities for women,…
The Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2026 returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on 8–9 September, bringing together leaders and changemakers to explore the next era of…
The Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF), sponsored by Standard Bank Private Banking, hosted its annual gathering in South Africa. The event focused on advancing dialogue,…
Hloni Modise Matau, founder of the Basadi in Music Awards, has dedicated years to building a platform that celebrates women in an industry that often overlooks them. Her story is…
At just 24, Mazhar Akhter has transformed his childhood dream of fashion design into a reality, launching his first commercial collection with Pick n Pay Clothing's Futurewear…
South Africa's township economy is rich with entrepreneurial talent, but too many promising hospitality businesses never reach their full potential. At 31, Valentine Mabaso is on…
In Joy Tinyiko Sithole's kitchen, every ingredient tells a story. Sorghum, Bambara beans, marula fruit and black-eyed peas are more than recipes waiting to be rediscovered — they…
For Fulufhelani Mashapha, financial literacy is more than balancing budgets — it is a pathway to dignity, independence and generational wealth. At 28, the founder and chief…
Long before he understood the power of business, Fezile Nqiwa understood the power of people. As a child, he watched strangers stop his father, the legendary Umhlobo Wenene FM…
Grief rarely ends with a funeral and Aphiwe Khambule believes neither should the support families receive. The chief operating officer of 21st Century Funeral Services is…
Instead of exporting South African talent, Julian van Zyl decided to build a business that could keep it at home. At 34, the partner and managing director of Baker Tilly (Cayman)…
Law is often seen as a safeguard. Inge Laubscher believes it should also be a catalyst for growth. At 31, she has built AlphaPro Legal Solutions into an international legal and…
At 32, Njuguna has built a career around the idea that the creative economy is strongest when artists, entrepreneurs and communities grow together. As an executive producer,…
Diamonds may be forged under immense pressure, but Dikeledi Skonyela believes the same is true of people. At 35, she is not only building a jewellery business — she is opening…
Lwandile “ByLwansta" Nkanyuza does not believe creativity should exist in silos. Music, design, storytelling and culture are, to him, different expressions of the same idea:…
Nafi Abrahams, 31, is helping shape the networks powering Africa's innovation economy. As chief of staff at Loop, the South African mobility and fintech company, she works at the…
Christiaan Coetzee, 35, is combining accounting expertise with technology to reshape the audit profession. As chief executive of The Audit Toolbar, he leads the development of…
Mas'ooda Varachia, 30, is using technology as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. As the founder and chief executive officer of Raven…
