South Africa – SEPTEMBER 2026: WomenCan returned with the 3rd annual A Night of Mystery Gala and WomenCan Awards that brought together womenfor a celebration of achievement, leadership, connection, and transformation under the theme – Rebirth and Reinvention.
The WomenCan Awards continue to be a platform to honour remarkable women whose journeys, achievements and contributions are creating meaningful impactacross different industries and communities, while reminding women that every story of transformation, courage and achievement has the power to inspire others.
The Keynote address delivered by CEO of FASSET, Ayanda Mafuleka CA (SA) highlighted the impact that takes place when women lift as they rise within stronginstitutions. “Women representation is essential, but representation without systematic change and influence is like a decoration, we do not need women who will merely just present in the room when decisions are made. We need women who shape the agenda, makedecisions, direct capital and women who will govern ethically and build pipelines for those not yet in the room.”
The 2025 WomenCan Awards recipients welcomed the new honourees:
- The Powerhouse Award – Sandi Mazibuko, Founder of House of Fabrosanz
- The Beacon of Hope Award – Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Vice-Chancellor at Unisa
- The Mind Builder Award – Palisa Jobela, Founder of ME 2 (YOU)TH
- The Voice Award – Mbali Ntuli, Founder of Ground Work Collective
- The Butterfly Award – Babalwa Mbuku, Founder of Ntombam Sanitary Towels
- The Heart & Soul Award – Dr Lethabo Machaba, Founder of Business Side of Medicine
- The Cornerstone Award – Relebohile Msiza, Founder of Lethabo Foundation
- The SheCan Award – Marlene Coetzee-George, CEO of Laureus Sport for Good Foundation SA
- The Sky Award – Ayanda Mhlongo, Entrepreneur
- The Founder Award – Charlotte Du Plessis, Founder of Woman of Stature
“Congratulations to the WomenCan Awards recipients. Together, these remarkable women represent different dimensions of leadership, purpose, innovation,and impact with each demonstrating through her own journey, what women can do, believe, and achieve,” says WomenCan founder, Tumi Mthemb.
The evening reflected WomenCan’s belief that empowerment is strengthened through connection and community. Beyond the awards, guests experienced an electrifyingentertainment, empowerment and celebration, bringing together influential women, leaders, partners and allies in a space designed to encourage meaningful relationships.
