Entries Open for the 2025 Santam Women of the Future Awards

The Santam Women of the Future Awards in association with FAIRLADY and TRUELOVE is back for its 11^th year, with entries open to early-stage or established women-led businesses.

The Awards Feature Three Categories:

1. The Santam Woman of the Future title is awarded to an entrepreneur whose business is older than 1 000 days and who is well on her way to establishing an extensive enterprise.
2. The Santam Rising Star title is awarded to an entrepreneur between 16 and 35 years old who is still within her first 1 000 days, but whose business, our judges believe, will flourish way beyond them.
3. The Santam Social Entrepreneur title is awarded to an NPO/social enterprise or entrepreneur who is making a real difference in her community. Her business/NPO/social enterprise has survived the first 1 000 days.

Meet the Panel of Judges 

Professor Thuli Madonsela, Director of the Centre for Social Justice in the Faculty of Law at Stellenbosch University, and the Law Trust Research Chair Professor of Law in Social Justice Studies.

What Prof Madonsela will be looking for: ‘I’m looking for a woman who is building a just world that she’d want to live in. She also needs to be an environmentally conscious problem-solver who is leveraging technology, digitalisation and artificial intelligence to improve current and future life.’ 

Nondumiso Mabece, Santam Executive Head of Brand and Marketing. A seasoned leader, she is passionate about mentorship and empowering women entrepreneurs. 

What Nondumiso will be looking for: ‘I am looking for entrants who have the potential to create scale and employment opportunities within their businesses, as small businesses offer the opportunity to help alleviate unemployment among South Africa’s youth.’

Dawn Nathan-Jones, entrepreneurial leader, social advocate and CEO of Over the Rainbow, who believes that women leaders share a moral responsibility to uplift and support one another.

What Dawn will be looking for: ‘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, and winner of the 2015 Woman of the Future Award. 

What Boitumelo will be looking for: ‘I am looking for a self-starter, a disruptor with a unique product or service and clear financial goals.’

Suzy Brokensha, Editor-in-Chief of FAIRLADY

What Suzy will be looking for: ‘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

What Mbali will be looking for: ‘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.’

The Prizes (valued at over R843 000)

• R125 000 in cash to the Woman of the Future and R75 000 in cash each to the Rising Star and the Social Entrepreneur from Santam.
• A full-page advertisement in FAIRLADY or TRUELOVE to promote your business, social enterprise or NPO.
• A FAIRLADY or TRUELOVE digitorial to promote your business, social enterprise or NPO.
• An invaluable mentorship session with one of our judges.
• A luxury beauty hamper from Clarins worth R6 500.
• A voucher worth R7 500 from Spectacle World.
• An Orb Cuff worth R5 990, a pair of Citronnade earrings worth R5 490 or a limited edition boa necklace worth R5 990 from Kirsten Goss.
• Business printing worth R5 000 from Lithotech.
• An online masterclass from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) worth R4 650.
• Spa vouchers from Camelot Spa worth R5 000.
• A hamper from The IV Bar worth R5 000.
• A tote bag, card holder and bag charm from Dyad worth R5 010.

To showcase your business or to nominate an entrepreneur you know and admire, head to www.womenofthefuture.co.za. Entries close on 3 June 2025.