Leading With Purpose: Introducing the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award Finalists

Now in its fourth year in South Africa, the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award continues to spotlight the brilliance of women entrepreneurs rewriting the rules of business. Inspired by the audacious spirit of Madame Clicquot—who revolutionised the champagne industry in the 1800s—the award honours women who lead with impact, courage, and authenticity.

The 2025 finalists reflect that legacy. These six exceptional women, chosen across two categories, are pioneering change in healthcare, sustainability, green energy, wellness, and cultural entrepreneurship. Their work goes beyond profit—it drives transformation.

BOLD WOMAN AWARD FINALISTS

This category celebrates women who have led businesses for more than five years and achieved sustained growth, innovation, and influence.

Botheo Lentsoane – Founder, Khetho Healthcare

Botheo is reimagining inclusive healthcare in Southern Africa through Khetho Healthcare, a platform connecting professionals with training and employment opportunities via the Health Connect App. A trailblazer in hearing and swallowing disorder treatment, she helped establish Botswana’s first speech therapy curriculum and is spearheading newborn hearing screenings.

“Being a bold woman means being fearless and unapologetic. It means embracing the power of femininity and leading with purpose.”

Botheo says:

Retang Phaahla – CEO & Founder, Setšong Tea Crafters

Retang transformed from quantity surveyor to cultural custodian. Her company, Setšong Tea Crafters, creates Indigenous herbal teas in rural Limpopo while empowering local women and promoting eco-tourism.

“We lead with both heart and strategy. Women build businesses that uplift and transform communities.”

Retang says:

Sydelle Willow Smith – Co-Founder, Sunshine Cinema

Sydelle co-founded Africa’s first solar-powered mobile cinema, Sunshine Cinema. The initiative trains youth to become Impact Facilitators who screen socially impactful films in underserved areas. With over 300,000 people reached, her work blends media, education, and entrepreneurship.

“I want to see women thriving on their own terms, building regenerative economies with sustainability and joy.”

Sydelle says:

BOLD FUTURE AWARD FINALISTS

This category recognises rising stars who’ve launched impactful businesses in under five years, already showing promise for long-term innovation.

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi – Founder & CEO, Hazile Group

A leader in climate-smart innovation, Dr. Phindi’s Hazile Group delivers agricultural, energy, and water solutions to rural communities. She’s bridging environmental innovation with social impact to address Africa’s most urgent needs.

“Being bold means transforming challenges into opportunities for future generations.”

Dr. Phindi says:

Phumzile Khoza – Founder, Lathitha Biodiesel

Phumzile is turning waste into opportunity. Through Lathitha Biodiesel, she converts used cooking oil into green fuel, while training youth and improving air quality. Her hub also equips township communities with green economy skills.

“Women lead with heart—for people and the planet. That’s our superpower.”

Phumzile says:

Vanessa Mhlom – Founder & CEO, Pleroma Patch

Vanessa is redefining self-care with transdermal vitamin patches. Her brand, Pleroma Patch, offers discreet wellness support while her Patch It Forward initiative ensures access to essentials for underserved women.

“I want women to know that leadership is their birthright—and that they never need permission to make an impact.”

Vanessa says:

Legacy Meets the Future

Backed by a distinguished panel—including past winners Amanda Dambuza and Morongwe Mokone—the 2025 Bold Woman Award finalists embody the power of purpose-driven leadership. From social entrepreneurship to sustainable innovation, these women are shaping industries and inspiring generations to lead boldly.

Winners will join an exclusive global network of Bold Woman alumnae—trailblazers who, like Madame Clicquot, redefine what it means to lead with courage, creativity, and conviction.

Stay tuned as we celebrate the announcement of this year’s winners and the legacy they will carry forward.

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