Top five inspirational South African women
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we look at five women who have used their star power to better our country.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘think equal, build smart, innovate for change’ which focuses on innovative ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women.
For decades women have been undermined, abused and unfairly treated. But no matter how many times society, religion and patriarchal systems have tried to diminish and undermine their ability, women keep rising and proving that their strength and ability are unmeasurable.
Here are five incredible South African women who have made a great impact and influenced society for the better.
Christine Ramon
A third award goes to Christine Ramon from AngloGold Ashanti. Congratulations on winning the Moving into Africa Award sponsored by @StandardBankSA. #CFOAwards2018 pic.twitter.com/uWucpYg7qv
— CFO South Africa (@CFOSouthAfrica) May 10, 2018
Christine Ramon is an inspiring woman in the mining and metal industry.
The CFO of AngloGold Ashanti has been named South Africa’s CFO of the Year at the 2018 CFO Awards, becoming the ffirst woman to take the award home.
In 2007 she was nominated by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader.
Apart from being the Chief Financial Officer of AngloGold Ashanti she also serves as the non-executive Director at LaFarge.
Nomzamo Mbatha
One of the youngest and most inspirational women in South Africa is Nomzamo Mbatha.
The South African actress, television personality, businesswoman and human rights activist has used her
star power for the good and empowerment of others.
She has helped refugees in Kenya and was a UN ambassador who travelled to South Sudan to support the civil war refugees. She is also an ambassador for Mental Health and has used her money to help disadvantaged families and schools.
The 29-year-old recently became the Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR (United Nations High
Commission for Refugees).
Winnie Mandela
To the Mother of the nation - Winnie Mandela, A True @DominantLions #ROAR ✊🏽
— Startup Business Coach (@BizCoach_Marsh) March 8, 2019
In honor & celebration of your life, we continue your massive transformative legacy by starting & scaling great businesses - and fighting for a South Africa you envisioned #InternationalWomensDay pic.twitter.com/YzhTreuZ2T
Winnie Mandela may be dead, but her legacy lives on.
She was one of the most powerful women and an undisputed heroine of the struggle.
The ‘Mother of the Nation’ as we fondly called her, fought against the oppression of women and black people.
The anti-apartheid activist and politician, and the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela also worked hard to help people living with HIV and Aids, and poverty.
Caster Semenya
[NEW EDITION] In the new #ForbesWomanAfrica magazine, we sit down with South African Olympic gold medalist, #CasterSemenya @caster800m. She discusses being herself, and winning, against all odds. Grab your copy! pic.twitter.com/8LWwKhfjYC
— Forbes Woman Africa (@ForbesWomanAfri) December 6, 2018
Caster Semenya is the most inspirational sportswoman in South Africa.
Despite the number of times she has been ridiculed and criticised internationally, Caster Semenya keeps winning.
The Olympic gold medallist has been named the 2018 most influential South African by international rating firm Avance Media. She is the first female to take the prize.
Basetsana Kumalo
Former Miss South Africa, businesswoman, entertainer and television producer and presenter Basetsana Kumalo is a jack of all trades.
She has also received special awards from Operation Hunger, the Cancer Association of South Africa and the RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme).
She has also played a key role in Childline, Take a Girl Child to Work and Reach for a Dream campaigns and oundations.
Her foundation. the ‘Romeo and Basetsana Kumalo family foundation’, supports orphaned children, especially those who have lost their parents to HIV and Aids related illnesses.