Tana Malinga
South Africa’s most influential women leaders were celebrated in grand style at the 22nd Standard Bank Top Women Awards held at the Sandton Convention Centre this week. The event honoured excellence, resilience, and innovation across business, public service, and social impact, shining a bright light on the women shaping the nation’s economic future.
More than 800 distinguished guests attended the ceremony, where over 150 finalists across 14 categories were recognised. Standard Bank, the headline sponsor in partnership with Topco Media, used this platform to further strengthen its commitment to empowering women owned businesses and accelerating inclusive economic growth.
The evening’s highest honour, the Lifetime Achiever Award, went to Dr. Leila Fourie, CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, celebrated for her exceptional contribution to strengthening the country’s financial system and championing women’s economic empowerment.
Other standout winners included Akhona Qengqe of KFC Africa, crowned the Haley Fletcher Top Women Business Leader of the Year 2025 for driving inclusive growth across one of Africa’s biggest fast-food brands. Woolworths (Pty) Ltd received the Top Women Business of the Year 2025 award for its leadership in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and gender transformation.
Simone Cooper, Head of Business and Commercial Banking South Africa at Standard Bank Group, emphasised the bank’s deep commitment to women entrepreneurs, saying:
“These awards remind us that when women gain access to capital, mentorship, and strong networks, they unlock exponential value for the economy and their communities. We are proud to support these trailblazers and help create platforms where women leaders can thrive.”
The ceremony was hosted by acclaimed broadcaster Gugulethu Mfuphi, while Hon. Pemmy Castelina Pamela Majodina, Minister of Water and Sanitation, delivered a powerful keynote. She celebrated South Africa’s G20 Summit achievements and applauded the unseen strength of women working together. She urged leaders to continue championing women’s safety, noting that leadership loses meaning when communities still face the fear of femicide.
Nonkululeko Nyembezi, Standard Bank Group Chairman, highlighted how women-led businesses are reshaping the country’s economic direction, sharing that investments made by the women of South Africa are among the nation’s best-performing assets.
Topco Media CEO Ralf Fletcher described the awards as a powerful confirmation of women’s economic influence:
“Women led businesses are the hidden power source of South Africa’s economy. These awards transform ‘unsung’ contributions into celebrated achievements, attracting global investors and driving community development.”
2025 Major Category Winners
Top Women Owned Business SMME (Standard Bank): Humankind Group
Top Women Business in ICT & E-commerce (Telkom): Adbot
Top Women Business in Construction, Infrastructure, Resources & Mining (RS South Africa):
Winner: Sauce Professional Development and Project
Highly Commended: Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd
Top Women Business in Health & Pharmaceutical (Drs Mashao & Dzichauya Inc): Lyra Southern Africa
Top Women Business in Public Service:
Winner: Petroleum Agency SA
Highly Commended: Teddy Bear Foundation
Top Women Business in Corporate Citizenship & Community Impact: Estée Lauder Companies
Top Women Business in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Winner: Mondi South Africa
Highly Commended: The Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa
Top Women Business in Transport, Logistics & Mobility (Castrol Southern Africa): DKN Transport cc
Top Women Business in Skills & Youth Development (merSETA):
Winner: JumpStart Foundation Trust
Highly Commended: Merchants SA (Pty) Ltd
Top Women Leader in Professional & Support Services:
Dr. Denisha Jairam-Owthar, Council for Medical Schemes
Top Women Leader in STEM:
Megan Schalkwyk, Mungeni-Tukela Water
Top Women Leader in Public Sector:
Dr. Thandeka Ellenson, Moses Kotane Research Institute
Top Women Young Achiever:
Dr. Phindile Nkosi, University of Johannesburg
Top Women Entrepreneur of the Year (Standard Bank):
Nisha Kostas, Niche Integrated Solutions
Top Women EmpowHER Entrepreneur of the Year (Standard Bank):
Nokwanda Dlamini, Ozel Group (KwaZulu-Natal)
Topco Media extended its appreciation to all partners and sponsors, including Telkom, RS South Africa, Drs Mashao & Dzichauya Inc., Castrol Southern Africa, merSETA, Jenna Clifford, Procter & Gamble, Dewdrop, Lux Leisure, Nespresso, Environ, Estée Lauder, and Equilibrium Jewellery, for elevating the prestige of this national celebration.
For the full list of finalists and judges, view the official Souvenir Programme.
