The Mail & Guardian has evolved beyond being just a trusted news source, It has become a fearless advocate for South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges, standing at the forefront of the country’s transformative conversations.Through the MG200 Young, Mail & Guardian works towards empowering the young people of this country . More recently, Mail & Guardian hosted its annual Power of Women Awards celebrating 30 years of honouring women who are trailblazers across various industries. The event was held on the 29th of August 2024 which was a spectacular way to close off women’s month in South Africa. The venue was elegant and the atmosphere echoed the sentiment of honouring exceptional women.The afternoon was filled with laughter and meaningful conversations as the women networked over some refreshing Aperol Spritz, generously provided by the official drink sponsor for the day.
Opening remarks were delivered by Luna Nevhutalu, the inspiring CEO of Sanlam’s Structured Solutions division within Sanlam Investments. Luna passionately spoke about the resilience of the children of democracy, reminding everyone of the importance of our personal stories and how they matter.
This remarkable event would not have been possible without the support of the proud sponsors who came together to make it a success. Among the distinguished sponsors were academic giants like the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the University of South Africa (UNISA), both fostering knowledge and growth for future generations. The National Research Foundation (NRF) stood tall as a beacon of research and innovation, while AfroCentric Group,Arc Liner and Thungela demonstrated their commitment to corporate social responsibility.
The presence of tech leader Huawei and healthcare advocate Soul City Institute underscored the diversity and commitment to progress that these sponsors brought to the table. Sanral, Vitality Fitness, and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) all played crucial roles in supporting youth empowerment, health, and infrastructure, while GFC Films added a cinematic touch to the event’s grandeur. Uniq Brows added a personal care element, highlighting self-confidence and self-care.
The official media sponsor, PRIMEDIA, captured and amplified the essence of the event, ensuring these impactful conversations reach a wider audience. Dr. Maureen Allem of Skin Renewal, not only contributed as a sponsor but graced the panel with her presence, offering her expertise on skincare and wellness. The dynamic panel discussion, moderated by the ever-engaging Liezle Wilson, featured esteemed voices like Charmaine Houvet, Director at CISCO, and Wanani Rantloane, the visionary founder of Ray Films. Their insights provided invaluable wisdom to all attendees, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.
Each of these sponsors and panellists embodies a dedication to upliftment and empowerment, proving that collaboration across industries is key to driving positive change.
With over 600 nominees received country wide, The Mail &Guardian team had the difficult task of choosing the 60 finalists for the award. The categories included Agriculture and environment, Business and Enterpreneurship, Finance, Art, Film and Media, Politics and Government, mining and production, and Sport.
Among the standout finalists in the Business and Entrepreneurship category were Yandisa Hene, the visionary founder of Yanda Growth Consulting, and Annlin Mantshebi Matabane, a trailblazing archaeologist who made history as the first female cultural heritage management consultant.
In the Mining and Production category, a young and determined bricklayer, Hlayisani Sono, is literally and figuratively laying the foundation for future generations of women, building their path brick by brick in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
The Finance category proudly recognised the expertise of award-winning debt counsellor Paulvia Shiburi, who continues to empower individuals towards financial freedom.
Meanwhile, in the Arts, Film, and Media category, legendary radio personality Brenda Sisane was honoured for her indelible contribution to the industry, standing as an icon of influence and inspiration.
All these women were in great company as each one of the finalists were carefully selected and are making meaningful contributions in their respective fields.The Mail & Guardian continues to uphold its legacy as more than just a news outlet but a platform that amplifies the voices of change-makers across various sectors. By celebrating the achievements of these exceptional Women, the Mail & Guardian reaffirms its commitment to driving social progress, fostering innovation, and shining a spotlight on those shaping the future of South Africa.
