Polls

Aditi Radhakrishna.....is an advocate for digital transformation and is committed to sustainable solutions with social impact in South Africa. She is a registered Chartered Accountant and Director at Akhile, a Group of companies focusing on providing sustainable and practical solutions to the public sector to achieve financial and service delivery sustainability. She is also the co-founder and Director of Ruby Rose Feminine Hygiene SA – a manufacturer of affordable, environmentally friendly and safe sanitary pads with a mission to eradicate period poverty and address the needs of vulnerable women and girls.

Jorgina Heugh......Is the founder of Adore Her By G. She provides high-quality, affordable beauty products, specifically eyelashes and press-on nails. One of her biggest accomplishments has been empowering over 5,000 women through training workshops. She has engaged in networking events and leveraged resources from organizations like Seda, GIS, and NYDA to elevate the brand. She has served as an ambassador for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) at the GEC Africa event. Jorgina frequently speaks at schools and youth programs to offer guidance and inspiration to the next generation. She has gifted lash application starter kits to over 40 makeup artists and helped 55 women begin their lash journey.

Merecia Smith.....Started in 1998 as a general worker at a wine factory, after that she was promoted to an assistant wine lab job at Spier wine farm, where she worked her way up to a supervisor. In 2018 , Spier appointed her as their Wine Lab Manager . In 2019 Merecia started her own Wine Lab business (Wine Analytical Services) which is also part of the enterprise development at Spier. In 2023, her wine lab achieved 3rd place at the SAWLA competition which makes them the 3rd best winery currently in RSA

Genevieve Mannel.....Is currently the head of digital and internal agency capabilities for Cipla Africa. She is in an industry that supports both her passion and at the same time supports the greater goals of the African continent; by bringing equitable access to quality medication to all in Africa. Genevieve has been in the IT industry for more than 25 years, and is currently fulfilling lifelong aspirations of making a difference by working closely with the consumers of their products.

Samantha Skyring....is the owner of Oryx Desert Salt, which was born out of adversity. She is passionate about sharing the importance of quality salt for hydration health and for peak performance. She went from selling her house and buying 34 tones of salt,14 years ago, to launching nationally in USA during Covid . Oryx Desert Salt will now be launching nationally in UK this November.

Dr Shirley Zinn.....is a prominent human resources leader, previously Group Head at Woolworths Holdings and HR Head at Standard Bank and Nedbank. She has served as a professor at the University of Pretoria and the University of Cape Town. Currently, she is an independent director on several JSE-listed boards, including Sanlam and MTN-SA, and chairs the V&A Waterfront and WESGRO. In 2015, she published her bestselling autobiography, *Swimming Upstream*. Dr. Zinn holds multiple degrees, including an Ed.D. from Harvard, and has received numerous awards, including the Inspirational Leader Award for 2024. She is a mentor to young women and an accomplished marathon runner.

Janine Fabe....She worked in corporate for 20 years and is now living her passion by working and caring for babies who are in need of Care & Protection under her NPO, Hannahs place of Safety. Her aim is that the babies are restored and healed before they move onto their next phase, which is either reunification to biological family OR foster care OR adoption (should that option be available for the baby). The Npo ensures that the babies have proper Medical care, Occupational therapy and water therapy. Holistic care is very important for Janine and her team, and they care for each one of them as if they were their own.

Mymoena Scholtz..... She studied at UCT to become an ETD Practitioner. She has also studied at ISWA to become a social Auxiliary Worker, Counselor, Conflict Resolution Trainer, Community Development Practitioner as well as many other hats to ensure she brings social changes to the lives of the disadvantaged communities. She also mentors emerging organisations to get them registered and established. Rainbows was built from nothing and the dream is that they are able to travel to various international universities, to market Rainbows. Mymoema loves serving her community and those in need.

Shahieda Martin....She founded an NPO in Valhalla Park in 2022, driven by her desire to create a safe space for children and improve community opportunities. With a holistic approach, her organization offers aftercare and an ECD playgroup, collaborates with local schools for excursions, and runs youth workshops and programs for parents. Their reading program has created jobs for 11 unemployed parents, and they actively seek partnerships to sustain their soup kitchen. Shahieda is committed to changing the narrative in her community because she believes that Our Kids Matter.

Kennethea Jackson Williams.....is the founder of the Business Breakfast Club. In addition, she founded the Junior Boss Babes - a community project whereby entrepreneurs give back with time and skills to youth placed in homes and orphanages abandoned by society and their families. She has a background in lecturing and entrepreneurship for over 25 years. She absolutely enjoys giving back to my community and changing the narrative as women of colour. In 2023 she established Business Kids Club, which creates a platform for teenagers to showcase their products and talent. She is the Chair of Mitchells plain Cape Chamber Chapter and plans to grow business skills on the Cape Flats community.

Melanie Payne..... Is dedicated to empowering others through youth development, women empowerment, and psychosocial mentoring. She has 25 years of management experience which led her to establish the Open Door Foundation, serving the community for 12 years. Blissful Wellness Escape mobile spa, one of her projects, is her platform to mentor both young and older women in beauty and self-discovery while fostering transformation of the mind.

Zeenat Isaacs..... Is a multi-disciplinary artist, Community Transformer, who runs free accredited education and skills, arts training to those in need. She is a project and production manager, delivering masterclasses across various art form through her organization, Sm-art Supporting Mentorship through Art she assists those from under resourced marginalized areas to study abroad and get first time work experience. She runs many after school programmes, various upliftment campaigns as well as empowerment sessions and workshops in many informal settlements and impoverished communities in Cape Town. Zeenat teaches the unemployed how to set up, run businesses to generate income. She also plays a vital role in making sure that primary needs of the less advantage are provided for.

Amy Jill Levendal.....Amy has been working for a national non-profit, Ranyaka, for the past 6 years as Stakeholder and Programme manager. This is where she found her passion for humanitarian work, community activism and facilitation of women's support groups. She’s also chair of the SCAN (Stellenbosch Civil Advocacy Network) where she leads the GBV working group. She is a strong believer in the responsibility of parents to raise considerate, kind children, whilst truly finding our purpose within communities.

Naz Fredericks- Maharaj..... Is passionate about empowering and driving transformative change for women. She the Portfolio Director of WomenIN (WiN), creating platforms where women can grow and connect holistically, developing both hard and soft skills. WiN unites women, fostering collaboration, leadership, and lasting change across all sectors.

Tarryn le Roux..... Is considered a shining example of strength and compassion in the Western Cape, South Africa. She is the founder of Sweet Fragrance NPC and the owner of Radiant Nails Salon. Tarryn’s life story is one of overcoming challenges and positively impacting others. Her journey was filled with personal struggles and victories to inspire women everywhere.

Arlene Petersen..... is an internationally acclaimed award winning stand up Comedian, that had her own sold out 4 night run solo show at the Baxter theatre in July 2024 . She is currently part of the Top 10 influential artists representing Cape Town for 2023. She was the only female comic featured on the Cape Town Jive Funny Festival, hosted at the Baxter Theatre in 2022. In that same year, she did a live comedy bus tour for Comedy Central SA. She has filmed a comedy segment for Funny People South Africa set to be released soon. Arlene is also a lead facilitator with The LifeMatters Foundation, is dedicated to uplifting her community through teenage awareness programs for Grade 6 and 7 students all around Cape Town. She focuses on crucial topics like identity, substance abuse, sexual and mental health.

Kiara Ramklass..... She started Marimba Jam while she was in Grade 11. Marimba Jam initially started as an outreach holiday program which has since grown under the leadership of Kiara to be recognised as the Number one Youth-Owned Business in the Western Cape (WCERA 2019). In 2012, Kiara was short-listed and went on to win the Amy Biehl Spirit of Youth Award. She was also recognized as one of News24’s ‘100 Young Mandelas of the Future’ as well as a Mail & Guardian 200 Young South African.

Tarryn Wyngaard....is a SAFTA award-winning actress. She has appeared in TV series such as The Watch (BBC America), Raised by Wolves (HBO Max), Agent (Netflix), and feature films such as Noem My Skollie and Stam. Her training is in the theatre having graduated from The University of Cape Town, in South Africa, with a BA Hons. in Theatre and Performance. She was awarded a Fiesta for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and Best Actor Award at The Winter Film Awards in New York in 2023.

Athina Dennis..... is a qualified artisan specializing in welding and metalwork. With 12 years of experience in both private and public education, she proudly serves as the first female Chief Marker for Mechanical Technology in welding and metalwork for the NSC, leading the Western Cape team in efficient assessment processes.

Mishquah Achmat..... She has a BCom in Information Systems, Honours graduate, with a passion for operational excellence. Throughout her career, she has been involved in all aspects of operations, leading cross-functional teams and streamlining business processes to ensure seamless delivery. She is the head of operations (COO) at Bilionetworks, a firm believer in empowering others to reach their full potential while continuously pushing the boundaries of operational excellence.

Nicole September..... She started flying in 2010. She is a flight instructor, the first non-white female designated flight examiner in South Africa. In the last 14 years she flew for world food program, doctors without boarders and for one of South Africa’s biggest commercial airlines.

Brittany Smith.....Her debut solo singing role was as Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro in 2016, followed by Adele in AGL Opera's production of Die Fledermaus. Brittany has also recently worked alongside theater dame Sandra Prinsloo in the famous Terrence McNally play, and David Kramer to name a few. In 2022, she was also awarded the Mail&Guardian 200 Young Influential People for her role in the classical arts industry. Brittany has recently been working on The Sound of Music.

Sophia Petersen (Dj Sophia).....Sophia is a vibrant 10-year-old from Athlone, Cape Town. A Grade 5 student, she loves netball, swimming, and making slime in her free time. As Cape Town's youngest female DJ, she has made a name for herself in the DJ community. Passionate about giving back, she runs an annual charity drive to support those in need. Kind-hearted and humble, Sophia embodies a spirit of care and generosity without expecting anything in return.

Weedaad Petersen.....Is a 24-year-old youth mentor empowering young minds. She works with women and children, helping them find their voice through creative outlets like photography, nail art, and hairstyling. She runs beauty classes that boost confidence and self-love. Her determination is what drives her, and she thrives on connecting with others, inspiring growth, and shaping a brighter future. She is a catalyst for positive change, one connection at a time.

Elvina 'Vee' da Silva..... is a passionate advocate for change, dedicated to transforming the lives of students through dance. As the only qualified Olympic female breaking judge on the continent, she proudly represents her country on the global stage. Since 2008, Vee has immersed herself in the roots of Hip Hop, learning from its originators both locally as well as in New York.

Malikah Hamza.....She started swimming at 7 and quickly excelled in various sports, including soccer, cricket, and hockey. At 9, she became the youngest athlete to secure professional sponsorships and the youngest cricketer to face an international women’s team. By 15, she was recognized as one of the Mail and Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans and joined the SA U21 Hockey squad. Malikah also became the youngest South African female to play in the German Bundesliga at 19 and is the current SA Indoor Hockey Female Rising Star. Passionate about giving back, she was recently selected for the SA Indoor World Cup team traveling to Croatia in February 2025.

Yolande van Rooyen..... She was selected in 1998 in the imitation darts team, not knowing it was going to be the start of great things. 1999 she was selected in the provincial team and then made the provincial until 2002. In 2003 Yolande won the South African OPEN singles championships. Yolande has been selected to go to many worldcups through the years. Currently she is the number 1 player in the province , district and association.

Ann Morton.....She has been the passionate principal of Pinelands North Primary School for 28 years; the first female to run the school in its 76 year existence. During this time, the school has been transformed from a small community school to a completely diverse, fully inclusive South African public school

Janine Myburgh.....is currently the National Chairperson of the Legal Practice Council of South Africa, a passionate advocate for underprivileged individuals, actively involved in various organizations and non-profit boards. She has received multiple awards, including the Woman of Wonder (WOW) award and the International Visionary Women of Wonder award across several countries. Recognized for her leadership, she holds Honorary United Nations status and was named one of the Top 30 Inspiring Global Icons by Panache Publication. Janine made history as the first woman President of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is the former National Chairperson of the Council for Business Women in South Africa. She currently serves on the Chief Justice of South Africa’s National Efficiency Enhancement Committee.

Vicky Sampson.....She is the enchanting voice behind "Afrikan Dream," the unofficial anthem that inspired a nation during the 1996 African Cup of Nations in South Africa. From her humble beginnings on the Cape Flats, she has soared to international fame, performing in countries like Austria, Germany, and the USA, and sharing the stage with legends such as Al Jarreau and Grace Jones. Vicky made headlines when she performed with Nelson Mandela and celebrated his 90th birthday in a special tribute. She has released three albums—Shine, Zai, and License to Sing—along with new singles like "Song of Love" and "I’m in Love." Currently, Vicky is focused on her upcoming album, expanding her brand, and pursuing her philanthropic interests.