From boardrooms and construction sites to football fields, fashion runways, political chambers and digital platforms, women across South Africa continue to break barriers and redefine what leadership looks like. Their journeys are shaped by resilience, courage, sacrifice and an unwavering determination to create opportunities for themselves and others.
As Women’s Month draws to a close, Journal News celebrates women who are building businesses, transforming communities, inspiring young people and proving that no industry is beyond their reach.
Oratilwe Mesele Nameng: Turning Setbacks into Strength
For Oratilwe Mesele Nameng, success has been a journey of perseverance, setbacks and the courage to begin again.
The founder of Mesora Experiences in Phokeng, Rustenburg, Nameng has spent more than two decades navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. As a member of North West Women in Tourism, she has transformed her experience into a wellness-focused enterprise offering spa experiences, accommodation, dining, conferencing, workplace and community wellness, coaching and holistic wellness services.
Her entrepreneurial journey has included several ventures that did not succeed. However, rather than allowing failure to define her, Nameng turned each setback into a lesson in discipline, leadership, resilience and perseverance.
For Nameng, entrepreneurship is about far more than making a profit. It is about creating opportunities, strengthening communities and making wellness accessible to ordinary people.
Her message during Women’s Month is powerful: strength does not mean never struggling. It means having the courage to acknowledge challenges, seek support and rise again.
Nameng’s vision is to make wellness accessible to ordinary people in extraordinary ways while using her experience to inspire others to build healthier and more sustainable futures.
Onezwa Mbola: From the Kitchen to a National Audience
At just 31, Eastern Cape-born Onezwa Mbola has turned her passion for food, creativity and self-sufficiency into a powerful digital platform.
Mbola rose to prominence by promoting organic food and the art of making products from scratch, including salt, fizzy drinks and cheese. She is also known for her online store, where she sells products made in her own kitchen, as well as her distinctive voice-over cooking videos, often filmed while preparing food over an open fire.
A home cook, content creator, former MasterChef South Africa Season 4 contestant and author of A Food Love Story, Mbola has built a brand around her passion for creating food from ingredients she has grown, raised and foraged.
Her story demonstrates how authenticity, creativity and embracing one’s roots can become powerful tools for building a successful personal brand.
Candy Smith: Putting Free State Fashion on the Runway
Candy Smith is the driving force behind Free State Fashion Week, an annual platform that showcases emerging local designers while helping them strengthen their skills, brands and businesses.
The event brings together established personalities and emerging fashion talent, giving designers an opportunity to gain exposure and compete in an increasingly competitive industry.
The latest edition featured personalities such as Somizi Mhlongo and Lamiez Holworthy, while last year’s event featured former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi.
Held during Women’s Month, Free State Fashion Week has grown beyond a fashion showcase to become a celebration of women, creativity and local talent.
Bonolo Maloka: Turning Influence into Impact
Award-winning content creator, businesswoman and momfluencer Bonolo Maloka has built a powerful digital presence from humble beginnings.
After starting her content creation journey about six years ago, Maloka has steadily grown her following despite facing online bullying and criticism.
Instead of allowing negativity to silence her, she has used her platform to assist people in need, including helping members of her fan base with everyday necessities such as electricity.
Maloka also travels across provinces to meet her supporters, strengthening the connection between her online community and the people who follow her journey.
Her recent content focuses largely on family and healthy living, reflecting her growth as both a creator and businesswoman.
Dikeledi Direko: Carrying the Torch of 1956
Seventy years ago, on 9 August 1956, more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest apartheid’s pass laws.
Seven decades later, South Africa continues to celebrate women whose courage, leadership and determination echo the spirit of those historic heroines.
Dikeledi Direko is among them.
A Member of Parliament and African National Congress (ANC) politician, Direko has built a career in public service while serving in various structures of the organisation.
Her political journey has included serving as an executive committee member of the ANC Youth League’s Sipho Mutsi Branch and as a Member of the National Assembly.
Her story reflects the continued role of women in shaping South Africa’s political landscape.
Tshepiso Lebyana: Breaking Barriers in Property
Tshepiso Lebyana has carved out a name for herself in the traditionally male-dominated real estate industry.
A content creator and founder and CEO of Powerhouse Properties, Lebyana brings more than 30 years of experience as a realtor to the industry.
Based in Bloemfontein, she has built a reputation around property, style and class while using content creation to strengthen both her personal and business brand.
Her journey is a reminder that success is not simply about selling properties. It is about building a legacy, opening doors and showing others that they, too, can rise to the top.
Thato Mokgothu: Building a Legacy in Construction
The women of 1956 left behind a powerful legacy of courage. Today, women such as Thato Mokgothu are continuing that legacy by breaking barriers in industries once dominated almost entirely by men.
Mokgothu is the owner of RTT Construction, which she founded in 2012, and the founder of the Phenomenal Women Initiative.
Through her work, she has demonstrated that women can thrive in construction and other traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Her mission extends beyond business. Mokgothu is committed to empowering other women and reminding them that their circumstances should never determine the size of their dreams.
Mamosina “Mamzo” Leshabane: Making Her Mark in Football
Mamosina Leshabane, popularly known as “Mamzo”, has become a prominent figure in South African football administration through years of dedication to developing the sport.
Her contribution was recognised at the Free State Sports Awards on 15 August, where she received the MEC Lifetime Achievement Award.
Leshabane is the owner of Mangaung United Football Club, which competes in the Free State ABC Motsepe League, the third tier of South African football.
In a sporting environment still heavily dominated by men, she has established herself as one of the province’s influential football administrators.
Her recognition is not only a celebration of personal achievement, but also an acknowledgement of women who continue to claim their rightful place in sports administration.
Nthabiseng Majiya: A Rising Star in Women’s Football
At just 19, Nthabiseng Majiya is already making her mark in South African women’s football.
Her journey from Richmond United to Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies is a story of talent, determination and perseverance. Majiya was named the Hollywoodbets Super League Young Player of the Season in 2021 and 2022, establishing herself as one of the country’s most promising young talents.
Her performances also earned her a Banyana Banyana call-up, where she became the youngest player in the squad at the time.
Her move to Sundowns marked another important milestone. She made an impressive start, scoring four goals in her first five Hollywoodbets Super League appearances.
Despite her early success, Majiya remains grounded and credits her family for supporting her football ambitions.
“My family inspired me to join Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. They've always been my rock since day one, supporting me throughout my journey,” she said.
Away from football, Majiya enjoys spending time alone and with her family, whom she considers an important part of her life beyond the pitch.
Her rise is a reminder to young women and girls that success is built through discipline, sacrifice, resilience and the support of those who believe in you.
Nontobeko Vilakazi: Leading with Purpose
Nontobeko Vilakazi has emerged as a prominent leader in the Northern Cape, with a career centred on public service and community development.
Vilakazi has served as a Member of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature since 2019 and has held several leadership responsibilities within the provincial government.
In January 2026, she was appointed MEC for Health, taking on the responsibility of strengthening healthcare services across the province.
Her leadership journey has also included serving as MEC for Social Development, where she was involved in programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable communities.
Vilakazi’s journey demonstrates the importance of women occupying positions of leadership and influence. Her work shows that leadership is not simply about holding office, but about listening to communities, responding to their needs and turning responsibility into meaningful action.
During Women’s Month, her story serves as a reminder that when women lead, they can inspire other women and girls to believe in their own potential.
Ntsetsao Viola Motsumi: Breaking New Ground in the Legislature
Ntsetsao Viola Motsumi, the newly elected Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, has risen through the ranks of public service to take on one of the province’s key leadership positions.
Motsumi became a Member of the North West Provincial Legislature in 2019 and served as Deputy Speaker before being appointed MEC for Education in 2022.
On 18 August, she was elected Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, becoming the eighth Speaker of the institution since the advent of democracy and the first former Deputy Speaker to subsequently rise to the position.
In her maiden address as Speaker, Motsumi committed herself to protecting the dignity and constitutional authority of the Legislature while presiding over the House fairly and impartially.
She also emphasised the importance of strong oversight, accountability and ensuring that the Legislature remains accessible to the people of North West.
Her leadership comes at a significant time when women continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping South Africa’s democratic institutions.
Motsumi’s journey demonstrates that leadership is not simply about holding a position, but about using that position to serve others, strengthen institutions and create a better future for communities.
Women Who Refuse to Be Defined by Limits
From tourism and wellness to food, fashion, digital media, politics, property, construction, football and public service, these women are proving that leadership has no single shape.
Their journeys are different, but their message is the same: barriers can be broken, setbacks can be overcome and success becomes more meaningful when it creates opportunities for others.
As Women’s Month comes to an end, their stories remind us that the legacy of the women of 1956 is not confined to history. It lives on in every woman who dares to lead, build, create, challenge the status quo and rise.
Maquassi Hills Local Municipality has been plunged into fresh turmoil after criminal charges were laid against Municipal Manager Thuli (Nokuthula) Mbonani over alleged financial misconduct, dereliction of duty and failures to safeguard public funds.
The charges were opened at the Wolmaransstad police station on Thursday, 20 August, by Percy Mokgabi, the municipality’s former Director for Community Services.
According to affidavits submitted by Mokgabi, the allegations against Mbonani include violations of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), material dereliction of her statutory duties and perjury. At the centre of the complaint is the alleged continued payment of a municipal salary to former councillor Sello Moraka.
Mokgabi alleges that Moraka was expelled by an ad hoc committee in April 2026 after being found guilty of fraud. The allegation concerned claims that Moraka falsely represented himself as a resident of Maquassi Hills while allegedly living in Rustenburg, where he is employed in the mining sector.
Despite allegedly being served with the expulsion decision, Mbonani is accused of continuing to authorise monthly remuneration to Moraka.
“We’ve got a Municipal Manager in the name of Thuli Judith Mbonani who is grossly failing in her responsibilities,” Mokgabi said.
He further alleged that Moraka continued receiving a salary while participating in what he described as fictitious council meetings in Maquassi Hills.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and Mbonani has not been charged or convicted of any offence.
R10 million fuel controversy, the latest criminal complaint also centres on a forensic investigation into alleged irregularities in the municipality’s fleet and fuel-card management.
An investigation by Phambane Mokone Incorporated Attorneys reportedly identified more than R7 million in irregular and potentially fraudulent fuel-card transactions between January 2022 and September 2023. Subsequent estimates have put the total value of the alleged fuel irregularities at approximately R10 million.
The investigation reportedly found that municipal fuel cards were used to purchase fuel for private vehicles belonging to councillors and their associates.
Several municipal officials were subsequently subjected to disciplinary proceedings, with findings of wrongdoing reported against officials including the former fleet officer, an acting chief financial officer who also served as asset manager, a former asset accountant and a municipal driver.
Mokgabi alleges that, despite the findings, Mbonani failed to take adequate steps to recover public money or ensure that those responsible faced appropriate legal consequences.
He also claims that the forensic report warned the municipality against relying on a local Total service station as a primary procurement point for municipal diesel and fuel, but alleges that the practice continued.
Calling for accountability, Mokgabi has accused the municipal manager of failing to fulfil her responsibilities under the MFMA and of allowing weaknesses in financial controls to persist.
“There were people who were suspended; those people are back at work. But key to it, she failed to protect the public funds,” he alleged.
The allegations come months after disciplinary action against municipal officials following the fuel-card investigation, adding further pressure on the municipality to account for its financial-management systems.
Mbonani was approached for comment but did not immediately respond substantively to the allegations. In a message to City Report, she said she was dealing with a family bereavement and requested an opportunity to respond later.
The criminal complaints are now expected to be investigated by the South African Police Service. Any findings of wrongdoing will ultimately depend on the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
The municipality and Mbonani have not been found guilty of the allegations contained in the complaint.
A fire that broke out at a building on St Andrews Street in the Bloemfontein CBD early on Sunday, 23 August, has been contained by Mangaung Fire and Rescue Services.
“The Call Centre received an alert about the fire at 03:49. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene and successfully contained the blaze,” said Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in a statement.
Fire and Rescue Services then began damping-down operations to extinguish remaining hotspots and ensure the area was safe.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, while the extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed. Law-enforcement agencies will begin investigations once the scene has been declared safe and made available for examination.
The municipality has urged members of the public and motorists to avoid the affected area where possible, and to allow emergency crews and law-enforcement officials to carry out their duties without obstruction.
Authorities have also called on motorists in the CBD to exercise caution while emergency operations continue in the area.
No confirmed reports of injuries have been provided at this stage.
The African National Congress (ANC) has once again failed to unveil its final mayoral candidates ahead of the much-anticipated November Local Government Elections.
On Saturday, during what was expected to be an announcement of the party’s mayoral candidates in Sandton, Johannesburg, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula instead kicked the can further down the road.
Rather than confirming the successful candidates who will lead the party’s campaign, Mbalula presented a pool of potential candidates shortlisted from more than 500 applicants across the country’s eight metros and cities.
He said the ANC would announce its official mayoral candidates in September.
“We are very confident in the process and we are very much confident that we have upped the ante in terms of the candidates, particularly mayoral candidates,” said Mbalula.
“In the past, what used to happen is that you would have a candidate after the election, and whether that candidate is qualified or not, you would then get that person to become the mayor. Now we are fixated. A mayor must have certain qualities and must also have education as a base in terms of a mayoral candidate,” he explained.
In Mangaung Metro Municipality, eight candidates were named as potential contenders for the mayoral position, the highest number among the municipalities announced.
They include incumbent Mayor Gregory Nthatisi, Deputy Mayor Lulama Titi-Odili and former mayor Thabo Manyoni.
Mangaung Speaker Lawrence Mathae, Theodorah Mosala, Malebo Sekhopi, Vusumzi Soqaga and Motshewa Tladi were also named among the potential candidates.
In the financially strained Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality, five candidates are vying for the position. They include current Mayor Tumelo Thebe and former mayor Malekula Melato, who was removed from office through a motion of no confidence in March this year.
Ntombikayise Mofutsanyana-Mbuli, Connie Msibi and Pitso Noe were also named as potential candidates.
In Matjhabeng Municipality, embattled Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipa faces competition from party regional treasurer Dikeledi Direko, as well as Sipho Manase, Daniel Marotholi, Nyameko Mtebele, Mpolaile Radebe and Victoria Van Rooyen.
Despite the party’s earlier advisory that it will be unveiling the names of those who will represent the party in the eight metros and 44 district municipalities, National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe told media that one of the reasons the party did not announce a single candidate for each municipality was to prevent unsuccessful contenders from defecting to other political parties.
“People must see that these are the people that were nominated by the ANC. Here they are, so that when they defect, they can see that this one was at the ANC event,” Mantashe said.
The future of Heilbron took centre stage as Ngwathe Local Municipality hosted Metsimaholo Local Municipality for a crucial consultative meeting on the proposed incorporation of Heilbron into Metsimaholo.
The engagement brought together senior municipal leadership and key officials to ensure that the proposed transition is guided by proper planning, coordination, consultation and institutional readiness.
According to COGTA’s Dr. Solly Motingoe, who is also the Ngwathe Administrator, bringing the two municipalities together is critical to ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned ahead of the proposed transition.
“Bringing together senior leadership and key officials to ensure that the proposed transition is approached through proper planning, coordination, consultation and institutional readiness in both municipalities is fundamentally important to ensure that all involved stakeholders are on the same page,” said Dr Motingoe.
Ngwathe Municipal Manager Dr Futhuli Mothamaha, together with senior managers and officials from both municipalities, participated in the engagement.
The meeting provided a platform for various workstream champions to outline their responsibilities and report on preparations aimed at ensuring a smooth transition should the incorporation proceed.
“The meeting provided a crucial platform for the various workstream champions to present their respective areas of responsibility and outline the work being undertaken to prepare for the proposed transition in a smooth manner,” said Dr Mothamaha. Key presentations focused on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), communications, human resources, the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and other critical municipal functions.
Officials stressed that the proposed transition goes beyond redrawing municipal boundaries.
It involves the integration of systems, people, services and resources while safeguarding institutional continuity.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of placing communities at the centre of the process and ensuring that municipal services are strengthened rather than disrupted.
The engagements between Metsimaholo and Ngwathe signal a concerted effort to ensure that, should the incorporation go ahead, Heilbron’s transition is carefully planned, coordinated and responsive to the needs of residents.
The message emerging from the meeting was clear: cooperation, institutional preparedness and community-centred planning will be critical in laying the foundation for a seamless transition and stronger local government.
How well do Mangaung residents understand the voting process?
That question took centre stage on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, when the Speaker of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Cllr Dr Lawrence Mathae, officially launched the municipality’s Voter Education Roadshow at Norman Dubell Hall in Heidedal, Bloemfontein.
The roadshow will be rolled out across all seven regions of Mangaung as part of efforts to equip residents with the knowledge they need ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The launch provided an opportunity for a two-way engagement between residents and electoral officials, focusing on common challenges experienced by voters. These included understanding the different types of elections, the number of ballot papers voters receive and how to correctly mark a ballot paper.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) guided a packed hall through the voting process, explaining how it begins, proceeds and concludes, as well as the rules governing elections. Residents were also given clarity on why Mangaung falls under the “two-ballot” electoral system.
The IEC was joined by the Master of the High Court, Mangaung ward councillors, traditional leaders, Centlec, Human Settlements, the Financial Indigent Registration Office and external stakeholders, including FNB and Nedbank.
Delivering the keynote address, Mathae urged residents to recognise the power of their vote and their responsibility to hold elected representatives accountable.
“I am very grateful that we are here, all of us, to launch this event,” said Mathae. “We can decide who to vote and not to vote for. We can decide to exchange ideas because we are in different ward committees.”
He said residents had the right to demand quality service delivery from government and to replace leaders through the ballot box when they failed to meet their expectations.
“When we are registered, we have a right to criticise the government because it is us who elected them,” Mathae said.
His remarks echoed the theme of the 2026 Local Government Elections: “Your Vote. Your Voice. Your Future.”
The event also featured legendary Mangaung thespians Jerry Phele and Kgotso Nkgatho, who entertained residents with a skit encouraging citizens to turn out in large numbers to vote, just as they do when taking to the streets to protest or march.
The roadshow is expected to continue across Mangaung’s seven regions, taking voter education directly to communities ahead of the elections.
