2025 GOOD HOPE FM WARRIOR WOMAN AWARD WINNERS CROWNED AT WOMENIN FESTIVAL GALA

The spotlight blazed, the music soared, and the applause thundered through Newlands Cricket Ground as Cape Town’s most inspiring
women took centre stage at the Good Hope FM Warrior Woman Awards 2025, proudly hosted by the WomenIN Festival.

This year’s finalists – three formidable women in each of ten categories – embodied the full spectrum of female South African brilliance – from community champions and corporate leaders to artists, educators, and tech innovators. They have transformed lives in classrooms, boardrooms, and townships alike – establishing and driving charities, building businesses, mentoring youth, fighting for animal welfare, driving innovation in law and science, amplifying voices through art and healing hearts through social work and wellness.

Their journeys stretch from the Cape Flats to corporate boardrooms, from opera stages to digital platforms – each one a story of courage, compassion, and unstoppable, purposefuelled passion. And tonight, at a glitzy event – proudly hosted by Good Hope FM’s The Morning Show
presenters, Leigh-Anne Williams, Sandra Rosenberg and Delucia Daniels – the very best among them were celebrated and crowned.

The 2025 winners of the Warrior Woman Awards are:

Excellence in Leadership: Dr Zorina Dharsey – Retreat, Cape Town

Dr Zorina Dharsey is Director of the Primary Science Programme (PSP), which she joined in 2008 after 23 years of teaching. With a PhD in Curriculum Studies, she champions practical, engaging science and maths education. Her leadership empowers teachers and unlocks learners’ potential, guided by her belief that every child can enjoy and excel in STEM.

Unsung SHERO: Kristina Miller – Tokai, now in Cape Town/Heidelberg

Kristina Miller is a social impact leader and founder of Great Girls, which mentors young women toward meaningful careers. She consults for the Otto Foundation, strengthening literacy programmes in Cape Town. With two decades in sustainability and corporate strategy, Kristina blends business insight with community empowerment, building systems and partnerships that create lasting change.

Young Achiever: Razaan Bester – Wynberg, now in Plumstead

Razaan Bester is a chartered accountant and Head of Financial Management at Wesgro. She leads financial strategy and mentors young professionals. Razaan founded She CAn NPC, empowering girls from Cape Flats and townships through career guidance and wellness. She’s a devoted wife, mother, and advocate for inclusion in the corporate world.

Media & Communication: Finola Quarsingh – Umzinto, now in Cape Town

Finola Quarsingh is Head of Communications & PR at Sanlam Investments. With 20+ years in strategic communications, she’s led award-winning campaigns across sectors. Finola’s leadership blends creative storytelling, data-led insights, and corporate diplomacy. She mentors emerging talent and shapes how brands lead with impact.

Healthcare and Wellness: Leigh-Ann Joy Geydien – Ocean View, now in Grassy Park

Leigh-Ann Geydien is the founder of Fertility Solutions South Africa. After facing infertility and multiple miscarriages, she created a platform connecting women to fertility professionals and support. A proud adoptive mom, Leigh-Ann offers hope and healing through events, live talks, and community engagement.

Education and Research: Prof Kareemah Najaar – Wynberg, now in Kraaifontein

Prof Kareemah Najaar is Acting Head of Wellness Sciences at CPUT. She leads a STEM-driven project supporting disadvantaged Life Science learners and empowers young women through hygiene and feeding programmes. Her work earned her the Faculty Prestigious Award and recognition in women-in-STEM leadership. Kareemah’s mission is rooted in education, equity, and empowerment.

Social Impact: Nuraan Osman – Rondebosch East, now in Cape Town

Nuraan Osman is COO of IHATA Care Group, which runs elder-care facilities and a shelter for abused women and children. With a background in psychology and social work, she’s led HIV education, reintegration programmes, and grassroots initiatives. Nuraan fosters 12 children and manages 153 staff, driving impact through compassion and leadership.

Arts and Entertainment: Babalwa Mentjies – Makhanda, now in Khayelitsha

Babalwa Mentjies is a jazz vocalist, educator, and cultural activist. She uses music to empower youth and preserve indigenous arts. Babalwa’s work bridges tradition and innovation, creating platforms for young artists to thrive. Her voice and vision are rooted in community, heritage, and transformation.

Pioneer in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics): Aditi Radhakrishna – Durban, now in Plattekloof

Aditi Radhakrishna is co-founder of Ruby Rose Feminine Hygiene SA, a company driving sustainable innovation in menstrual health. Her work empowers women through eco-friendly products and education. Aditi’s leadership in STEM and entrepreneurship is reshaping how communities approach hygiene, dignity, and sustainability.

Business and Entrepreneurship: Suraya Williams – Mitchell’s Plain

Suraya Williams is founder of Design26 Foundation, which teaches sewing and fashion skills to women in underserved communities. Her work promotes economic empowerment and sustainable fashion. Suraya’s foundation transforms lives by turning creativity into opportunity and fostering independence through skill building.

Hosted as part of the WomenIN Festival 2025, themed “LIMITLESS. No Labels. No Limits. No Apologies,” the Warrior Woman Awards gala marked the breathtaking finale to a two-day celebration of female excellence. With over 60 speakers from 17+ industries, the festival has united innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, creators, and community builders under one banner – celebrating Mzansi’s most fierce and fabulous femmes at a dazzling red-carpet event.

“Each of these women’s stories is a living testament to the power of beautiful hearts, brave souls and unwavering commitment to changing the Mother City, its broader communities and our nation for the better,” says Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for Good Hope FM
and 5FM. “Their work often goes unseen, unheard, and uncelebrated, but it moves mountains. It’s our privilege to shine a light on their brilliance, and in doing so, inspire other women to keep rising, keep building, and keep changing the world. Because when women rise, we all rise.”

Nazlee Fredericks Maharaj, Portfolio Director for WomenIN, says, “The Warrior Woman Awards honour the phenomenal women who show up, stand tall, and shift the world – often without recognition. Tonight, we didn’t just celebrate excellence – we broke silos and amplified the heartbeat of South Africa: women who are breaking silos and amplified the heartbeat of South Africa: women who are breaking cycles, building futures, and doing it boldly, brilliantly, and without apology. This is what being limitless looks like – and this is the South Africa we’re rising into for generations to come.”

The WomenIN Festival is a multi-day empowerment and inspiration experience featuring leading voices from across South Africa — from business icons to social changemakers. Its grand finale, the Good Hope FM Warrior Woman Awards, honours women who lead, heal, build, teach, create, and inspire. Winners receive a cash prize courtesy of First National Bank & WomenIN, a Limited-Edition Warrior Woman 2025 and WiNfest Chain by Meraki Jewellery, and a one-of-a-kind, specially designed Warrior Woman Award.