Inside the minds of the Santam Women of the Future Awards Judging Panel
As the Santam Women of the Future Awards, in proud partnership with FAIRLADY and TRUELOVE, celebrates its 11th year, the search is on for South Africa's most dynamic, purpose-driven women entrepreneurs.
At the heart of this celebration is a powerhouse panel of judges. A formidable collective of thought leaders, business trailblazers and social advocates who are setting the bar high for this year's contenders.
If you're a woman building more than just a business – a vision, a legacy, a solution, this is your moment to be recognised.
Meet the judges and what they're looking for:
Professor Thuli Madonsela
Director, Centre for Social Justice – Faculty of Law, Stellenbosch University
A stalwart of integrity and justice, Prof Madonsela seeks entrepreneurs committed to shaping a fairer world. 'I'm looking for a woman who is building a just world that she'd want to live in, someone who is environmentally conscious and using technology, digitalisation, and AI to improve lives now and in the future,' she says.
Nondumiso Mabece
Executive Head of Brand and Marketing at Santam
Focusing on scale and socio-economic impact, Mabece is looking for businesses that can go big and make a difference. 'I want to see potential for job creation, especially for South Africa's youth. Small businesses can be powerful engines of employment,' she notes.
Dawn Nathan-Jones
Entrepreneurial leader, social advocate, and CEO of Over the Rainbow
Resilience and purpose are front and centre for Nathan-Jones. 'I am looking for women entrepreneurs who lead with purpose and resilience. I value leaders who can turn challenges into opportunities, showing that success is about adaptability and courage.'
Boitumelo Ntsoane
Founder and MD of On Point Healthcare
Disruption is the name of the game. 'I am looking for a self-starter, a disruptor with a unique product or service and clear financial goals,' says Ntsoane.
Suzy Brokensha
Editor-in-Chief of FAIRLADY
With an eye for ideas that travel, Brokensha wants scalable brilliance. 'I'm looking for an idea that has legs – something that I feel has international potential as well as a local application. We're in a great position to trade with the rest of the world. Let's do it!'
Mbali Soga
Editor-in-Chief of TRUELOVE/DRUM
Soga is all about innovation with heart. 'I am looking for entrepreneurs whose ventures are both innovative and transformative. I'm on the lookout for individuals who have spun a unique yet seemingly evident idea into a venture that not only propels their financial success but also addresses societal challenges head-on.'
Whether you've just launched your business, are uplifting your community through your venture, or have been leading a successful enterprise for years, this is your opportunity to shine.
Know a remarkable woman entrepreneur? Nominations are open, too, because greatness deserves a spotlight.
Entries close 3 June 2025.
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