Michelle Garforth-Venter, South Africa’s TV eco-warrior; conservation journalist; and producer, has been voted as this year’s Glamour magazine's ‘Woman of the Year’ in the media category.

Renowned for her vision to create unique television shows coupled with an overwhelming audience following both locally and in the USA, Michelle has become a woman of many talents. She pioneered the successful TV series Wild Ltd and Bush Radar, which surpassed viewer ratings of international TV shows and along with her husband, Riaan, has recently launched Love & Mortar on DSTV’s Home Channel 182, which invites viewers to watch; share; and learn together as they build their bio-climatic family home – a first for South African audiences. Michelle is also the founder of three production companies.

Michelle states: “It’s a true achievement to be chosen as one of Glamour’s Woman of the Year recipients and to be recognised for ones efforts, especially when it’s driven by passion, is unbelievably rewarding and humbling. I feel that the more information we all share, passing on valuable knowledge about sustainable living and conservation, will only make the world a better place for not only our generation but those to follow. This Award is definitely a milestone for me and I thank Pnina and all those that voted for me. “

Now in its second year, the Women of the Year Awards honours seven outstanding women in the fields of charity; media; style; popular culture; literature; entrepreneurship; and passion. The Women of the Year Awards represent women who have made a significant imprint in their respective industries.