1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m an ordinary girl who decided not to let my circumstances define or direct my life. Instead, I used them as motivation to fight for a better future. I am an impact leader, influenced and inspired by two phenomenal women—my mom and my granny—who profoundly impacted our communities. I am extremely passionate about entrepreneurship, as I see it as a tool to make a positive impact on people’s lives, knowing they will return to their communities to replicate this impact.
2. What work do you do?
I have been an entrepreneur for over 13 years, experiencing the highs and lows of building businesses. While some ventures have thrived, others have faced challenges. Alongside my entrepreneurial journey, I dedicate time to mentoring and serving on advisory boards for small businesses, paying it forward to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
I have been an entrepreneur for 13 years, but Hakem Energies is our latest project. We founded Hakem in December 2022 and officially started trading in February 2024. The journey has been filled with extensive research and navigating various legislative requirements to bring this vision to life. Through Hakem Energies, we have provided access to clean cooking to over 640 families in the last three months alone.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why.
Not initially. In the early stages, it was about navigating out of poverty, impacting ordinary lives, and creating opportunities, especially for women. Over time, the combination of business and impact has transformed my passion into full dedication.
5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?
It’s unfortunate that women still have to fight hard for a seat at the table, despite consistently proving our worth. We can either complain or continue breaking barriers and stereotypes. As women, we excel in commitment, focus, and continuous improvement, not just for ourselves but for those who follow. That’s our power. We will keep doing what needs to be done until we win.
6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
Starting a new business comes with its fair share of challenges. It’s a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. The key to navigating this journey is resilience—the ability to bounce back quickly from setbacks by building internal strength and capacity. Embracing some level of vulnerability has also allowed me to ask for help when needed.
7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
In business, perfection may be elusive, leading to hesitation and procrastination, and ultimately causing us to miss out on opportunities. Start with what you have and build from there. A strong support system is crucial for success.
8. Plans for the future?
Looking ahead, we plan to partner with female entrepreneurs in rural Africa to make clean, reliable energy accessible to all, challenging the notion that energy availability is only for the privileged. We are also committed to educating communities about safe LP gas usage to further reduce the risk of accidents. I believe we can and will change the world, one life, one family, and one community at a time.
Biography
Hakem Energies provides accessible and affordable liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a safe and sustainable alternative, to marginalised communities, addressing critical issues like energy poverty, paraffin poisoning, and air pollution from dirty cooking fuels. They produce LPG in small portable 5kg cylinders while offering “pay-as-you-use” refills. Through Hakem Energies, Refilwe has provided access to clean cooking to over 640 families in the last three months.
Originally from the mining town of Marikana, Refilwe is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker and strategist. In her 12 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has founded 7 companies in related service areas. Refilwe’s entrepreneurial spirit was inspired and nurtured by her grandmother, a resilient entrepreneur who had a small cooking business and relied on wood, coal, and cow dung for fuel, leading to health and safety concerns.
Looking ahead, Hakem Energies plans to partner with local communities and female entrepreneurs in rural Africa to make clean, reliable energy accessible to all. With safety at the forefront and Hakem Energies’ focus on educating communities on how to mitigate accidents using gas, Refilwe is a brave entrepreneur who is saving lives. Refilwe believes she will change not only the community but the world, one life, one family, and one community at a time.
Refilwe is the winner of the 2024 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award.
