Meet the inspiring South African women making a change in their country
Women in South Africa are making a change in the arts and entertainment, business, the sciences, medicine, politics and a host of other industries. To celebrate National Women’s Month, we are shining a spotlight on some of these amazing women.
Inspiring South African Women
In no particular order, here are the female game-changers in South Africa:
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Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng
Dr. Mofokeng is an activist and educator. She is a campaigner for the reproductive health and sexual rights of women. Her women’s healthcare hospital in Johannesburg produces a sexual health show for the radio station Kaya FM. She is currently the Deputy Chair of the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition of South Africa (SRJCZA). She’s working hard to empower young women to make informed sexual health choices.
Her awards and accolades include 120 under 40: The New Generation of Family Planning Leader, and 200 Young South Africans in 2016.
2. Lady Skollie
This Johannesburg-based activist artist is getting a lot of recognition for her work. After receiving her first degree in History and Dutch Literature, she creates art that highlight her advocacy work in the areas of feminism, sexuality, gender issues, abuse and violence, and intimacy.
Basically, she is not afraid to use her walk to highlight the difficult issues people would rather not talk about.
She has exhibited her work at the Tyburn Gallery in London.
3. Redi Tlhabi
Redi Tlhabi deserves a spot on this list because not only is she a seasoned journalist and a prolific author, she is also a columnist, radio and TV presenter, and an active member Global Journalist Corps. She graduated with a degree in Political Economy and English Literature.
She has worked with television and radio stations and some of the biggest media houses in South Africa. Her media exposure has given her the platform to advocate for the less-privileged in South Africa.
4. Khanyi Dhlomo
When it comes to African women in business, Khanyi Dhlomo stands out as one of the most inspiring. She is the CEO of the South African company Ndalo Media. Her media house publishes Destiny Magazine and Destiny Man, two of the most popular magazines for career professionals in the country.
Ndalo Media won the rights to acquire the license for the ELLE media brand in 2017. In 2011, she made the Forbes list of 20 Young Power Women in Africa.
5. Lira
This singer shot to the limelight after the release of her debut album All My Love. Lira is a multi-platinum selling artiste with 11 South African Music Awards to her name. Her music has transcended the bounds of the African continent. She has performed with international acts like Shakira, John Legend and Alicia Keys.
6. Lebo Mashile
Lebo Mashile is an actress, poet, producer and presenter. The fact that she wears different hats allows her to address serious issues with her many platforms. She aims to inspire change in South Africa.
7. Thuli Madonsela
South African lawyer Thuli Madonsela advocates for gender equality and women empowerment. Her achievements include serving as South Africa’s public protector, working with Nelson Mandela to draft South Africa’s constitution, and contributing to South African politics.
Also Read: Zim woman among World’s Top 10 Most Inspiring Women