Across South Africa, more women than ever are rolling up their sleeves, picking up power tools, and transforming their spaces and their lives through creativity, confidence, and craft. The annual Brights Women in DIY Excellence Awards shine a spotlight on these remarkable makers, celebrating women who are redefining what it means to “do it yourself.”
After receiving an incredible range of entries from across the country, the judges have named three inspiring winners whose work stood out for its skill, originality, and impact. “This year’s entries were truly exceptional,” says Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights Hardware. “We saw women using DIY not only to beautify their homes but to empower others, build communities, and promote sustainability. The passion, innovation, and confidence of these women continue to raise the bar for creativity in South Africa.”
Nkosazana Mtshazi – “DIY Princess Nkosazana”
Nkosazana Mtshazi has built a fast-growing digital platform that embodies empowerment through creativity. What began as a personal home renovation project has become a movement that encourages women to pick up tools, embrace learning, and transform spaces with confidence.
Known online as @diyprincess_nkosazanarul, Nkosazana’s projects blend practicality with beauty – from full-room makeovers and clever décor hacks to kid-friendly crafts made from recyclable materials. Her mission is simple: to prove that with the right tools and mindset, anyone can create something extraordinary.
Her authenticity and accessible style have earned her a loyal following and national recognition, including a feature in EasyDIY Magazine. The judges praised her for inspiring creativity in others, using her platform to make DIY approachable, sustainable, and deeply empowering.
“With the right tools, we can accomplish anything,” says Nkosazana – a statement that perfectly captures her ethos and the spirit of this award.
Ndandu Khavhadi – “Just a Mom with a Drill”
From Port Elizabeth, Ndandu Khavhadi – known online as @justamomwithadrill – is a teacher, designer, and powerhouse creator who’s redefining what’s possible for women in DIY. A Cambridge IGCSE Design and Technology educator by day and an online inspiration by night, she uses her platform to show that creativity and courage go hand in hand.
Her journey began with the frustration of waiting for help on home projects. Determined to become self-sufficient, she picked up a drill – and never looked back. Today, her work seamlessly blends practicality and purpose, proving that beautiful spaces can be created on any budget.
Beyond her personal projects, Ndandu’s humanitarian spirit shines through. She uses design and crafting as a form of social upliftment, helping others transform neglected spaces into places of comfort and pride. A finalist in the global Apartment Therapy DIY Awards, Ndandu has brought South African creativity to an international stage – and inspired countless others to take charge of their own homes and dreams.
Elle Franco – “DIY with Elle”
Elle Franco has been sharing her passion for home improvement and creativity for more than a decade. Through her platform “DIY with Elle”, she shows South Africans that DIY is for everyone – regardless of experience, budget, or background.
From her early days of crafting pallet furniture in her first apartment to her time as a presenter on The Home Channel’s “Home Made Easy”, Elle’s warm and approachable style has inspired a generation of makers. Today, she continues to share practical ideas and expert advice as DIY Content Contributor for Garden & Home Magazine, where she helps readers turn inspiration into action.
The judges commended Elle for her long-standing contribution to the South African DIY community and her role in breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated space. Her belief that “DIY is for everyone” continues to motivate South Africans to pick up their tools and start creating.
A Celebration of Passion, Purpose, and Empowerment
Each of the three winners has received a R5 000 Brights voucher and a R5 000 product hamper, helping them continue their creative journeys.
“These women represent everything we hoped to celebrate when we launched the Women in DIY Awards,” says Luis. “They’ve proven that DIY isn’t just about tools and timber – it’s about empowerment, imagination, and community. We’re proud to support their journeys and can’t wait to see what they build next.”
Through these awards, Brights Hardware continues its mission to recognise and empower the growing community of South African women shaping the future of DIY, one inspired project at a time.
