"The striking thing about women in business is that they don’t only uplift themselves through their work, they uplift the community around them too, and that’s why they are such a crucial part of our economy," says FAIRLADY editor, Suzy Brokensha.

"Every year, the quality of the entries for the FAIRLADY Women of the Future Awards blows me away. It’s so hard to choose the finalists. To me, there’s no better sign of an economy getting back on its feet," she adds.

Woman of the Future 2017 – The women in line for this award are over 30 and have been in business for longer than 1 000 days. The finalists are:

  • Claire Reed (Reel Gardening) – owner of an innovative gardening solutions company;
  • Lourita Stofberg (AdminAssist) – her company provides professionals with virtual assistants to help them manage their administrative tasks;
  • Nisha Maharaj (Niche Integrated Solutions) – owner of a company that helps companies digitise, rationalise, and reduce IT spend while improving operational efficiencies;
  • Ntsoaki Phali (Beyond ability talent solutions) – owner of a company that finds suitable jobs for people with disabilities and ensures that the environments allow them to flourish;
  • Princess Mncube (Shando's Construction) – the company specialises in general building, painting, plastering, brickwork, paving, plumbing, and electrical services;
  • Sarah-Jane Boden (SoulProviders Collective) – owner of a company specialising in digital content and marketing; and
  • Tiffini Wissing (OldSchoolCool) – provides safety-conscious parents with transport vehicles for their children that are fitted with the latest safety technology, onboard cameras, and live tracking. 

Rising Star 2017 – These women are aged 30 and under and have been in business for six months and 1 000 days. The finalists are: 

  • Anele Mkuzo-Magape (African Entrepreneurship Initiative) – a consulting and entrepreneurship education training company with a focus on the youth of the African continent;
  • Kirsten Townsend (Fabrica) – a creative consultancy specialising in branding, graphic design, and communication; and 
  • Lusanda Worsley (Empire Innovations) – the company is part agency, part consultancy, and part business developer.

"Each one of these women are deserving of recognition and represent the true entrepreneurial spirit of our country. Their commitment and drive towards making a real difference in our society serves as an inspiration to all and is a tribute to the power of the many women, changing the lives and shaping the future of South Africa, each and every day," adds Jeanett Modise, executive head of people and transformation at Santam.

The panel of judges for the FAIRLADY Women of The Future 2017 competition, in partnership with Santam, include former public protector and chief patron of the Thuli Madonsela Foundation, Adv Thuli Madonsela; Santam executive head of people and transformation, Jeanett Modise; FAIRLADY editor, Brokensha; media entrepreneur and international speaker, Jo-Ann Strauss, and jewellery designer, Kirsten Goss.

The winner of the FAIRLADY Woman of The Future and FAIRLADY Rising Star Awards 2017, in partnership with Santam, will be honoured at an awards ceremony in Johannesburg in August.

The FAIRLADY Woman of the Future will be awarded R50 000 cash, a mentorship session with one of the judges, a Sisley beauty hamper worth R8 797, a Miladys fashion voucher worth R5 000, a GetSmarter local online course worth R15 000, a Michel Herbelin watch worth R10 500, business luggage from Delsey worth R5 000, and a LENOVA Laptop from Makro worth R3 999.

The FAIRLADY Rising Star will be awarded R20 000 cash, a mentorship session with one of the judges, a Sisley beauty hamper worth R5 465, a Miladys fashion voucher worth R5 000, a GetSmarter local online course worth R15 000, a Michel Herbelin watch worth R10 500, business luggage from Delsey worth R5 000, and a LENOVA Laptop from Makro worth R3 999.

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