Spotlight on five beautiful South African women who are an inspiration to others in National Women’s Month
Year in, year out, South Africa honours women on National Women’s Day with a public holiday on 9 August.
This iconic day celebrates the role women of all races and religions play in our society.
Also, women’s month is also an opportunity to reflect on women’s achievements, as well as the problems they have faced in the struggle to be free.
Other than traditional roles as mothers, wives and caregivers, women are making great progress in business, politics, academic, and economic careers with more women reaching top positions.
Below are five beautiful women who have been a source of inspiration for diverse women in different industries. You can decide to follow them on social media, if you want to.
1. NOMZAMO MBATHA
Nomzamo Mbatha is well known for her role as Thandeka on the Mzansi Magic soapie Isibaya. She is also a human rights activist, actress, businesswoman and television personality.
Mbatha became a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in January 2019. She also won international awards such as the Goddess Beauty Award at the International Women of Power Awards, the Rising Star Award from Face Africa and the US Legislative Resolution Award.
She has helped to amplify the voices of refugees by using her social media platforms, and raises awareness of refugee situations and issues across Africa. She was even honoured with an award – Philanthropy Icon Award.
You can follow her on Instagram at @nomzamo_m
2. DR TLALENG MOFOKENG
Fondly known as Dr T, Tlaleng Mofokeng is a South Africa medical doctor, activist, facilitator, speaker, and columnist.
Mofokeng is a founding member and vice-chairperson of the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition of South Africa (SRJCZA).
Mofokeng is also a health educator who produces video blogs. She talks about different topics, ranging from sexual and reproductive organs of the youth, LGBTIQ individuals, HIV-positive people, sex workers, and others.
Moreover, she has a regular sexual health radio show on Kaya FM. She has written numerous articles and made several TV appearances, including as the host of two episodes of Al Jazeera’s global health series – The Cure.
You can find Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng on Twitter as @drtlaleng
3. OLWETHU LESHABANE
Olwethu Leshabane is a South African media entrepreneur, author, and public speaker. She founded the Red Wings Project, an NGO aimed at addressing women’s access to sanitary products.
She was also first princess in Mrs South Africa 2016/2017, a beauty pageant for married women.
She makes good use of her status quo in raising awareness about women’s health. She also encourages women to get an education, follow their dreams and empower themselves socially and economically.
Visit her Instagram profile is @olwe2lesh
4. ZANELE MUHOLI
Zanele Muholi, a photgrapher and activist has her work(s) mainly focused on race, gender, and sexuality looking at black lesbian, gay, transgender and intersex people.
Muholi’s mission is to re-write a black, queer and trans visual history of South Africa for the world to know of its resistance and existence at the height of hate crimes in South Africa.
Through her photography, Muholi hopes to remove the stigma and negativity attached to queer identity in African societies.
In addition, Muholi has won numerous awards such as the ICP Infinity Award for Documentary and Photojournalism (2016); Africa’Sout Courage and Creativity Award (2016), the Fine Prize for an emerging artist at the 2013 Carnegie International; and a Prince Claus Award (2013), and many others.
You can look her up on Instagram @muholizanele
5. WENDY YVONNE NOMATHEMBA LUHABE
Wendy Luhabe is South African social entrepreneur, author and businesswoman who empowers women in the business industry.
She founded firm Bridging the Gap in 1990 with these two aims:
- Preparing young black South Africans to enter the world of work.
- Supporting South African companies in integrating young trained South Africans into business.
In 1993, she also founded Women Investment Portflolio Holdings – Wiphold – which teaches women the importance of investing. And, so far, the initiative has enabled 18,000 women to become investors.
In addition, Luhabe also served as the longest serving chairman at Vodacom between 2000 to 2006. She became the first woman in position and has helped to create jobs and manage investment risks.
You can find her on Instagram as @luhabew
