Veuve Clicquot, the renowned champagne house, has unveiled the finalists for the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award 2023 in South Africa.
This award recognises and celebrates trailblazing businesswomen who have demonstrated evolution, transformation and exceptional success in their respective fields.
The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award draws inspiration from the remarkable journey of Madame Clicquot. In the year 1805, at just 27 years old, she took over the reins of the house after the death of her husband. Remarkably, during a time when women were not allowed to work, her widow status allowed her to assume control.
Fearlessly, she ventured into new territories, inventing innovative processes like the riddling table, the first vintage champagne and the very first blend of rosé champagne. Madame Clicquot transformed her name into a symbol of excellence and earned the title ‘Grande Dame of Champagne.’
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The six finalists for the 2023 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award have each redefined their industries through innovation and transformation, surmounting significant challenges.
Like Madame Clicquot, they showcase that clear vision and success against all odds are possible. The finalists were selected from a pool of exceptional South African businesswomen, standing out for their impact on society and their entrepreneurial spirit.
Andiswa Xozwa – Founder & CEO of Okuhle Project Management
Andiswa leads Okuhle Project Management, a company providing essential infrastructure services to marginalised communities. A driving force for transformative change, she has prioritised women’s empowerment and skills transfer within her community, creating a more inclusive future for the construction industry.
Claire Blanckenberg – Founder & CEO of Reel Gardening
At just 16 years old, Claire recognized the need for simple and cost-effective sustainable vegetable cultivation. Her innovative solution, Garden in a Box, has empowered unemployed mothers while offering a practical food security solution to families.
Tebogo Mosito – Founder & CEO of Ditsogo Group
Tebogo’s journey in the male-dominated mining industry has been remarkable. Her steel engineering and mining services company is 100% black and female-led, fostering collective growth and empowerment among women in the sector.
Bathabile Moreki – Founder of The Perfume Co. Africa
Bathabile’s locally manufactured fragrance business emerged during the pandemic. By mentoring thousands of predominantly women and youth from townships and rural regions, her business has become a catalyst for empowerment.
Mahlatse Mamaila – Founder, Ino Biodiesel
Mahlatse found her calling in the renewable energy sector, producing biodiesel from waste cooking oil to benefit local communities. Her sustainable supply chain supports small farmers and improves the environment by reducing greenhouse gases.
Zama Ngcobo – Founder, WMN Attorneys Inc.
Zama founded a boutique commercial law firm with a mission to empower young black female lawyers. Her grassroots approach focuses on the progress of women, especially within male-dominated industries, and offers opportunities for the next generation.
Also read: Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award celebrates South African entrepreneurs
To gather insights on the evolution of female entrepreneurship, Veuve Clicquot introduced the Bold Barometer, providing a unique and multicultural dataset. The 2023 South African edition reveals that 61% of women surveyed are entrepreneurs, showcasing a rising trend since 2019.
Moreover, 88% of female entrepreneurs believe role models are crucial for success. This powerful data inspires the Bold programme to champion and support daring women entrepreneurs.
The finalists took part in an immersive adjudication and mentorship process, engaging with an esteemed jury panel that included former Bold Woman Award winners, industry leaders, and brand representatives. This nurturing environment empowers the finalists to share their inspiring journeys with the world, encouraging others to follow their bold path.
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The much-anticipated Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award ceremony is scheduled for 19 July in Johannesburg. During the event, two winners, one from each category, will be announced. The laureates will join an illustrious list of over 450 winners across 27 countries who have received this coveted global award.
As a unique and empowering experience, the winners will have the opportunity to travel to Reims, France, for an immersion in the history, tradition and luxury of Maison Veuve Clicquot.
Also read:
Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award laureates share their journey in Reims
Picture: Supplied
