SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP WOMEN IN BUSINESS ANNOUNCED AT 2026 WOMAN OF STATURE AWARDS
The Woman of Stature Awards South Africa has once again cemented its position as the country’s premier platform for recognising and celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in business, leadership, and community impact. Held at a glamorous red carpet Gala Awards event on the 11th of April, in Johannesburg, this year’s ceremony marked a resounding success, honouring exceptional women who are shaping South Africa’s future.
Now in its 11th season and celebrating 13 years of impact, the Awards reached a significant milestone in 2026, with over 1,000 nominations received from across the country and representing five provinces. This record-breaking participation reflects the growing influence of the platform and the depth of female talent driving innovation, leadership, and socio-economic change across industries.
The evening culminated in the announcement of the prestigious Woman CEO of the Year and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, two of the most anticipated accolades of the night:
· Woman CEO of the Year: Janice Wagner from Gauteng.
Janice is the CEO of Edge Executive Search. With more than 20 years of experience in executive search and talent strategy, she has helped shape leadership teams across the continent. Her work is driven by purpose, a love for people, and a belief in ethical, human-centred recruitment.
· Woman Entrepreneur of the Year: Taryn Hunter Sharman from Gauteng.
Taryn is the co-founder and CEO of Faith & Fear an award-winning, women-owned creative agency that’s spent the last decade challenging the traditional agency model. She is known for her fearless, strategic mindset and ability to deliver insight-led work that drives measurable impact for brands across financial services, Health and Wellness, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the OVERALL WINNER, and Woman of Stature 2026, Ncumisa Saba -Mkunqwana. Ncumisa was announced as the Woman in Financial Services category winner earlier in the evening.
“These Awards are a powerful celebration of women who are not only excelling in their respective fields, but are also uplifting others and contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s economic growth,” says Charlotte du Plessis, Founder and CEO of Woman of Stature Awards South Africa. “The calibre of nominees, finalists and winners this year has been truly exceptional. We are proud to recognise women who lead with purpose, resilience, and vision.”
Winners across the 2026 categories include:
· Woman in Community: Thandazile Mbeje from KwaZulu-Natal
· Woman in Technology: Aasiyah Adams from the Western Cape
· Woman in Automotive: Marcia Noxolo Veronica Mayaba from Gauteng
· Woman in Mining & Engineering: Thabisile Phumo from Gauteng
· Woman in Legal Services: Zola Mbatha from Gauteng
· Woman in Property: Fundi Mazibuko from Gauteng
· Woman in Financial Services: Ncumisa Saba-Mkunqwana from Gauteng
· Woman in MICE, Tourism & Hospitality: Nonkululeko Masinga from Gauteng
· Woman in Coaching & Mentoring: Brescia Bianco-Badenhorst from Gauteng
· Woman in Education & Training: Nicole Buckley from the Western Cape
· Woman in Arts & Culture: Ntalo Mathebula from Gauteng
· Woman in Health & Wellness: Dr Marlena Kruger from Gauteng
Additional honours presented on the evening included:
· Honorary Lifetime Achiever Award: Sandy Geffen
· Public Choice Award: Cynthia Machaba
· Fundraiser of the Year Award: This year had a tie with Yvonne Dias and Antionette de Jeso raising R50,000 each.
The Awards continue to play a vital role in empowering women in South Africa by providing a platform that not only recognises excellence but also fosters growth through mentorship, visibility, and networking opportunities. Each nominee represents a story of perseverance, innovation, and impact, and the organisation extends its heartfelt appreciation to all participants.
“We would like to thank every nominee who accepted their nomination. Your journeys inspire and remind us of the incredible potential of women across our nation,” adds du Plessis. “To our winners, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition – you are trailblazers and role models for future generations.”
The success of the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa would not have been possible without the invaluable support of its strategic partners and sponsors; each committed to advancing women in their respective sectors:
- DP World – Woman in Community
- University of Johannesburg School of Business – Centre for Entrepreneurship – Entrepreneur of the Year
- Cyberlogic – CEO of the Year
- Old Mutual Black Distributors Trust – Woman in Financial Services
- NAACAM – Woman in Automotive
- AvenirHoldings – Woman in Engineering and Mining
- iME – Woman in Technology
- The NeuroCoach® & Mentor Institute – Woman in Coaching & Mentoring
- Sujen Fourie, powered by MortgageMAX – Woman in Property
“The continued support of our partners is instrumental in making these Awards possible,” says du Plessis. “Together, we are building a more inclusive, empowered, and thriving business landscape for women in South Africa.”
As the curtain closes on a memorable 2026 season, the Woman of Stature Awards South Africa continues to inspire a new generation of women to lead boldly, innovate fearlessly, and create lasting impact with the expansion and launch of the Regional Awards from hereon.
About the Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
Founded in 2013, the Woman of Stature Awards South Africa is one of the country’s most respected platforms dedicated to celebrating women who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and impact across industries and communities. With a legacy of integrity and empowerment, the Awards continue to inspire and uplift women nationwide.
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The Woman of Stature Awards South Africa has once again cemented its position as the country’s premier platform for recognising and celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in business, leadership, and community impact. Held at a glamorous red carpet Gala Awards event on the 11th of April, in Johannesburg, this year’s ceremony marked a resounding success, honouring exceptional women who are shaping South Africa’s future.
Now in its 11th season and celebrating 13 years of impact, the Awards reached a significant milestone in 2026, with over 1,000 nominations received from across the country and representing five provinces. This record-breaking participation reflects the growing influence of the platform and the depth of female talent driving innovation, leadership, and socio-economic change across industries.
The evening culminated in the announcement of the prestigious Woman CEO of the Year and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, two of the most anticipated accolades of the night:
· Woman CEO of the Year: Janice Wagner from Gauteng.
Janice is the CEO of Edge Executive Search. With more than 20 years of experience in executive search and talent strategy, she has helped shape leadership teams across the continent. Her work is driven by purpose, a love for people, and a belief in ethical, human-centred recruitment.
· Woman Entrepreneur of the Year: Taryn Hunter Sharman from Gauteng.
Taryn is the co-founder and CEO of Faith & Fear an award-winning, women-owned creative agency that’s spent the last decade challenging the traditional agency model. She is known for her fearless, strategic mindset and ability to deliver insight-led work that drives measurable impact for brands across financial services, Health and Wellness, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the OVERALL WINNER, and Woman of Stature 2026, Ncumisa Saba -Mkunqwana. Ncumisa was announced as the Woman in Financial Services category winner earlier in the evening.
“These Awards are a powerful celebration of women who are not only excelling in their respective fields, but are also uplifting others and contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s economic growth,” says Charlotte du Plessis, Founder and CEO of Woman of Stature Awards South Africa. “The calibre of nominees, finalists and winners this year has been truly exceptional. We are proud to recognise women who lead with purpose, resilience, and vision.”
Winners across the 2026 categories include:
· Woman in Community: Thandazile Mbeje from KwaZulu-Natal
· Woman in Technology: Aasiyah Adams from the Western Cape
· Woman in Automotive: Marcia Noxolo Veronica Mayaba from Gauteng
· Woman in Mining & Engineering: Thabisile Phumo from Gauteng
· Woman in Legal Services: Zola Mbatha from Gauteng
· Woman in Property: Fundi Mazibuko from Gauteng
· Woman in Financial Services: Ncumisa Saba-Mkunqwana from Gauteng
· Woman in MICE, Tourism & Hospitality: Nonkululeko Masinga from Gauteng
· Woman in Coaching & Mentoring: Brescia Bianco-Badenhorst from Gauteng
· Woman in Education & Training: Nicole Buckley from the Western Cape
· Woman in Arts & Culture: Ntalo Mathebula from Gauteng
· Woman in Health & Wellness: Dr Marlena Kruger from Gauteng
Additional honours presented on the evening included:
· Honorary Lifetime Achiever Award: Sandy Geffen
· Public Choice Award: Cynthia Machaba
· Fundraiser of the Year Award: This year had a tie with Yvonne Dias and Antionette de Jeso raising R50,000 each.
The Awards continue to play a vital role in empowering women in South Africa by providing a platform that not only recognises excellence but also fosters growth through mentorship, visibility, and networking opportunities. Each nominee represents a story of perseverance, innovation, and impact, and the organisation extends its heartfelt appreciation to all participants.
“We would like to thank every nominee who accepted their nomination. Your journeys inspire and remind us of the incredible potential of women across our nation,” adds du Plessis. “To our winners, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition – you are trailblazers and role models for future generations.”
The success of the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa would not have been possible without the invaluable support of its strategic partners and sponsors; each committed to advancing women in their respective sectors:
- DP World – Woman in Community
- University of Johannesburg School of Business – Centre for Entrepreneurship – Entrepreneur of the Year
- Cyberlogic – CEO of the Year
- Old Mutual Black Distributors Trust – Woman in Financial Services
- NAACAM – Woman in Automotive
- AvenirHoldings – Woman in Engineering and Mining
- iME – Woman in Technology
- The NeuroCoach® & Mentor Institute – Woman in Coaching & Mentoring
- Sujen Fourie, powered by MortgageMAX – Woman in Property
“The continued support of our partners is instrumental in making these Awards possible,” says du Plessis. “Together, we are building a more inclusive, empowered, and thriving business landscape for women in South Africa.”
As the curtain closes on a memorable 2026 season, the Woman of Stature Awards South Africa continues to inspire a new generation of women to lead boldly, innovate fearlessly, and create lasting impact with the expansion and launch of the Regional A
