For four South African entrepreneurs, a recent trip to France became far more than a luxury business retreat. It became a moment of legacy.
In the historic Champagne region of Reims, local founders Claire Blanckenberg, Zama Ngcobo, Morongwe ‘Mo‘ Mokone and Refilwe Sebothoma were honoured by the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award programme, each with a vine named after them inside the Maison’s famed vineyards.
The symbolic gesture placed the women alongside a global network of founders and business leaders from Europe, Asia and the United States, continuing a tradition inspired by Madame Clicquot herself ,the woman who transformed a champagne house into an international empire in the early 1800s at a time when women were largely excluded from business leadership.
For many South Africans following the story online, the image of African women being recognised in one of Europe’s oldest luxury institutions struck a powerful chord.
Social media reactions to the visit centred around pride, representation and visibility, with many users celebrating the idea that local entrepreneurs are increasingly being acknowledged on global platforms traditionally dominated by Western business circles.
A journey rooted in ambition and resilience
The four women come from very different industries, but their stories share a common thread: building businesses in spaces where women still face barriers to funding, recognition and growth.
Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of Hakem Energies, described the experience in Reims as deeply emotional. Seeing her name attached to a vineyard reportedly moved her to tears.
For her, it represented something larger than personal achievement. It became a symbol of generational impact, proof that African women can build businesses and legacies that stretch far beyond borders.
Morongwe ‘Mo‘ Mokone, co-founder of Mo’s Crib, reflected on how walking through Veuve Clicquot’s centuries-old cellars reminded her of her own entrepreneurial beginnings selling handcrafted products at local markets before scaling internationally.
Construction and infrastructure lawyer Zama Ngcobo also found the trip meaningful on a personal level. Years before becoming an award laureate herself, she had visited the Maison simply inspired by the story of Madame Clicquot. Returning as part of the global programme marked a full-circle moment.
Meanwhile, Reel Gardening founder Claire Blanckenberg said the experience sparked new ideas around collaboration and international expansion.
Why the award carries weight beyond luxury branding
While the Veuve Clicquot name is globally associated with champagne and luxury, the Bold Woman Award has increasingly positioned itself as a platform for recognising female entrepreneurship and leadership.
The programme now spans more than 27 countries and connects hundreds of women founders through mentorship, networking and international exposure.
That visibility matters, especially in South Africa, where many women-owned businesses still struggle to access capital and scaling opportunities despite growing entrepreneurial participation.
According to findings referenced by the programme’s International Bold Barometer, many South African women entrepreneurs believe men still have easier access to funding and business advancement opportunities.
The significance of the Reims visit therefore extended beyond glamour or prestige. For the South African winners, it created access to international networks, conversations and partnerships that could influence the future growth of their businesses.
From local success to global relevance
One of the strongest themes emerging from the trip was the idea of shifting from local recognition to global positioning.
Several of the entrepreneurs reportedly returned home with new partnerships, expanded ambitions and international conversations already underway.
For South African founders, especially women building businesses in competitive industries, global exposure can often become a turning point ,opening doors that local markets alone may not.
The timing of the story also resonates strongly ahead of Africa Day celebrations later this month, as conversations around African innovation, leadership and representation continue gaining momentum internationally.
At its heart, the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award story is not simply about champagne, luxury travel or branding.
It is about visibility.
It is about African women entering rooms where previous generations were rarely invited, and leaving their names behind in spaces built to last for centuries.
Entries now open for 2026 awards
Entries for the 2026 South African edition of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award and Bold Future Award are currently open.
The initiative recognises established and emerging women entrepreneurs who are driving innovation, leadership and long-term impact in their industries.
Applications close on 12 April via the official Bold Open Database platform.
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