Three inspiring South African Women

South Africa has some of the most beautiful, intelligent and nurturing women in the world.

Some of SA’s leading women have left their mark, not only in SA, but across the continent, and around the world.

Here are three inspiring women who climbed the very top of the ladder in their fields.

Nunu Ntshingila

NuNu Ntshingila made headlines around the world when she was named Facebook’s Head of Africa in 2015. Ntshingila started at Ogilvy & Mather South Africa as a trainee account manager and worked her way up to chairman of the company.

During her more 20-year career she managed to become one of the most powerful women in advertising. Ntshingila has won several awards for her outstanding work in the industry and was nominated for Businesswoman of the Year in 2003.

Despite her success, she admits to once having a fear of public speaking – a crucial must in her industry. But she overcame her fear, and now knows how to command a room with ease.

Ntshingila is proof that it doesn’t matter how far down the ladder you are, with hard work, determination, and facing your fears head on, you can make it to the top.

Gill Marcus

South Africa’s former Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus is one of the most respected women in the country. Born to anti-apartheid activist parents, her family went into exile in London in 1969.

While in the city she helped her family run their sandwich bar, one of her first experiences in the business world. She completed her BCom degree through Unisa.

She worked at the ANC’s Department of Information and Publicity in London and would go on to become its deputy secretary. After the unbanning of the ANC in 1990, Marcus returned to South Africa, and established the party’s Information Department that same year.

Four years later Marcus became a member of parliament, and went on to become Deputy Finance Minister – under Trevor Manuel. In 1999, she was named Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank, and worked under the leadership of Tito Mboweni. In 2009, she became South Africa’s first female Reserve Bank Governor.

Talk about girl power! She stepped down from the position in 2014, leaving behind a credible and respected  legacy.

Bonang Matheba

South Africa’s media darling Bonang Matheba turned her presenting talent into a viable business. She is undoubtedly one of the country’s most recognisable faces in Africa.

With more than three million followers on social media, Bonang’s brand power rakes in big bucks. She became Revlon’s first South African brand ambassador in 2013, and is one of the most sought after celebrities by top brands.

Queen B, as her fans call her, is most known for her amazing work ethic, and never-give-up attitude. Her rise to fame began at the age of 15, and Bonang has not stopped working since. Not content with being just another pretty face on SA’s TV screens, she is working on building an empire.

She started Bonang Matheba Entertainment and has several other business ventures. She launched a clothing line in 2008, and a handbag range one year later.  In 2014, she released her own line of lingerie at Woolworths stores.

There is no stopping Queen B, who at 29, has achieved more in her career than most do in a lifetime.