The 11th annual Santam Women of the Future Awards, in association with FAIRLADY and TRUELOVE magazines, took place on Friday, 3 October at an exclusive luncheon hosted at The Venue at the Houghton Hotel, and emceed by Khutso Theledi.
Guests included businesswomen and media personalities such as Nonkululeko Gobodo, Catherine Constantinides, Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, Judi Nwokedi, Sonia Booth, former Miss South Africa Ndavi Nokeri, Tatum Keshwar, and fashion entrepreneur and writer Craig Jacobs.
The awards honoured four exceptional women who have demonstrated innovation, vision, resilience, leadership, and commitment to social change in their respective fields. Following an extensive interview and judging process, the winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges.
Santam’s many years of supporting women in business in South Africa have given the company valuable insight into the potential pitfalls of the entrepreneurial journey. Santam understands that the first 1 000 days of running a business are the hardest – if you’re still in business by day 1 001, they believe you’re in it for the long haul! These dynamic women have either surpassed that critical point or are well on their way to doing so.
We are proud to announce the 2025 winners.
WOMAN OF THE FUTURE AWARD
Shannon Dougall of SKIN functional
Shannon launched a results-driven skincare brand after overcoming her own skin challenges through cosmetic science. Today, SKIN functional is recognised for its data-backed formulas, transparency, and commitment to customer education. With global expansion firmly on the horizon, SKIN functional is poised to become an international household name.
‘Winning the Santam Woman of the Future Award highlights that anything is possible with hard work and determination,’ Shannon says. ‘It gives me a voice and a platform to inspire women to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and stop at nothing until those dreams are fulfilled.’
*The Woman of the Future title is awarded to an entrepreneur whose business is older than 1 000 days and who is well on her way to establishing an extensive enterprise.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR and READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
Caroline Peters of the Callas Foundation
As a survivor of gender-based violence herself, Caroline has built a feminist organisation that supports survivors navigating the justice system, mentors boys in gender equity, and builds food security through a network of community kitchens. Winning these awards is both recognition and fuel for what’s to come.
‘It’s an extraordinary affirmation for me, but also for the women, boys, and communities I serve,’ Caroline says. ‘It brings visibility to grassroots feminist leadership and highlights the power of community-led models in addressing South Africa’s most urgent social issues.’
*The Social Entrepreneur title is awarded to a social entrepreneur who is making a difference in her community and has survived the first 1 000 days. *The Readers’ Choice Award is voted for by the public.
RISING STAR AWARD
Xolile Mabuza of Tendalo Trading
After surviving a stroke that left her having to relearn everything, Xolile began creating bags from discarded rubber, turning trauma into triumph. Now a national brand that recycles hundreds of tubes a month, Tendalo is building a factory and focusing on sustainable, youth-led design. Xolile is finalising an e-commerce site and developing a premium product line.
‘Winning is the best mirror for that celebration – but, more than that, it solidifies my foundation for growth, giving other young women something to look at, stand on and use to believe in their own dreams,’ she says.
*The Rising Star title is awarded to an entrepreneur aged 35 or younger, whose business has passed the six-month milestone and who, our judges believe, will flourish beyond the critical first 1 000-day period.
‘I’m always super impressed by the calibre of the winners of the Women of the Future Awards, but I think this year, the word that would best describe how I feel is “awe”,’ says FAIRLADY Editor-in-Chief Suzy Brokensha. These are women who have created phenomenally successful businesses in a very volatile economy. Some would say volatility creates the perfect environment, and there is truth to that, but to succeed, you need vision and focus and, more than anything, huge courage. I think our winners are extraordinary.’
‘The Santam Women of the Future Awards are more than a celebration of individual achievements – they reflect the evolution of South African entrepreneurship,’ says Mbali Soga, Editor-in-Chief of TRUELOVE. ‘The 2025 finalists set a new benchmark, proving that success is not only measured in business growth but also in innovation, social impact, and the ability to uplift communities. These women continue to raise the bar with determination and grace, shaping a better future for South Africa.’
SANTAM ICON AWARD
For the first time in the history of the awards, we handed out an additional honour – the Santam Icon Award, which recognises a previous Women of the Future Award winner, someone whose influence extends beyond her own business, touching communities and breaking barriers. This year, we were delighted to award the 2020 Santam Woman of the Future, Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe of Quadcare healthcare services, a medical doctor who advocates for affordable healthcare and the LGBTQ+ community.
For awards updates, follow #SantamWOTF on social media and the following platforms:
- Santam: www.facebook.com/SantamInsurance on Facebook; @SantamForBiz on LinkedIn; and @SantamInsurance on Instagram
- FAIRLADY: www.facebook.com/fairladymag on Facebook; @FairladyMag on X; and @Fairlady_Magazine on Instagram
- TRUELOVE: www.facebook.com/TrueLoveMag on Facebook; @TrueLoveMag on X; and @truelovemagazine on Instagram
- Clarins: https://www.facebook.com/ClarinsSouthAfrica on Facebook;@clarinssouthafrica on Instagram
