Historically, women hardly had any social and economic impact in many African communities. Discriminatory hiring practices supported a lack of fair job opportunities for women. Responsibilities that come with gender, like maintaining the household or needing maternity leave, all contributed to women preferring small businesses rather than fighting a discriminatory system. Going into business quickly addresses their financial and social needs and responsibilities. So, many women started small-scale businesses from home to earn.
Today, African women stand out as the most entrepreneurial globally. Here are some notable brilliant entrepreneurial women from South Africa.
Nneile Nkholise
Nneile is a certified Engineer with a degree in Biotech Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Engineering. Her love for technology started in primary school. She always believed that she would start her own company as an undergraduate. Later, her dreams came true when she launched iMedTech. iMedTech is a medical technology company manufacturing breast prostheses. The company became a multinational corporation. In 2018, she founded 3DIMO to improve the traceability of livestock. Her work has earned her awards for the Top Female Innovator in Africa by the World Economic Forum in 2016 and 2018.
Ntsiki Biyela
Ntsiki is the first female black winemaker in South Africa. Her dream started when she won a scholarship and graduated with BSc in Agriculture. Later in 2016, she established Aslina Wines. Her brand has a wide range of premium wines that reach the international market. Ntsiki earned the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event Diversity and Transformation Award in 2021.
Additionally, she won the Sakura Awards and Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards. Later, she emerged as The Most Influential Woman in Business and Government for two years. Despite her success, Ntisiki maintains that her journey has been challenging. She endured discrimination and negative energy to get to where she is. Ntsiki now serves on the Pinotage Youth Development Academy board. The brand helps unemployed 18 to 25-year-olds start careers in wine and tourism.
Thabiso Mahlape
Thabiso Mahlape is the first black woman to own a publishing house; BlackBird Books. Thabiso’s came with many challenges. She experienced discrimination from everyone as she grew up. Thabiso gives aspiring authors a chance to know what it takes to make a book successful. After being humiliated at the age of 7, she taught herself how to read English. Her desire since childhood was to advance African content. Thabiso understands the challenges young women face and is keen to see women rise. Her focus is on self-development, body politics, and being a black woman in South Africa. She is one of the 200 Mail & Guardian Top 200 and OkayAfrica Top 100 Women.
Sibongile Sambo
The Founding Managing Director of SRS Aviation established the first 100% female-owned aviation company. She aims to promote youth and women through fostering entrepreneurial skills. Once a rejected air hostess, Sibongile grew SRS Aviation from the ground up. Her company offers personalized services for tourist and luxury flights to global destinations. We are proud of her for having penetrated a male-dominated industry.
Boitumelo Ntsoane
Boitumelo Ntsoane is the founder of Afrilink Healthcare. The company brings healthcare services to over 380 schools. She was a typical township girl who owed her success in business to her mom. Boitumelo is a pharmacy graduate from Rhodes University. Upon coming of age, Boitumelo found employment restrictive. She decided to start her practice. Her mobile clinics inspired her to reach out to rape victims and ensure HIV treatment. She believes that women are dynamic individuals with great potential. Boitumelo encourages women’s participation in leadership and implementing solutions.
Women in Africa have had their share of struggles, yet they persevere and rise. Generally, women grow up disadvantaged, which affects their chances of success. This bias can lead to frustration. Don’t let it get to you. Don’t hold back!
