TOP 10 Trailblazers - Issue 39

Every issue, we shine a light on women who are not just participating in their industries—but actively shaping them.

Trailblazers who are building boldly, leading with intention, and redefining what success, power, and purpose look like in their own way.

These are stories of movement, growth, and impact. Women who are showing up, taking up space, and creating change in rooms that didn’t always make space for them.

Here are Top 10 women we’re watching right now.

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Name:  Katlego Komane

Title: CEO Soulful Brew

Katlego Komana is an accomplished entrepreneur and passionate coffee lover, renowned as the founder and CEO of Soulful Brew, an innovative online coffee brand dedicated to delivering a unique and flavorful coffee experience. The trailblazer's entrepreneurial journey, marked by resilience and determination, began in 2019 with the launch of Kay Holdings, which sold wine and instant coffee while she pursued her postgraduate studies. Despite facing significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and academic pursuits, Katlego's unwavering commitment led her to relaunch Soulful Brew in July 2023, focusing on specialty coffee blends, artisanal drinks, and customized orders. Her recent re-launch was celebrated with an intimate coffee-tasting event at Cappuccinos Blue Hills, attended by industry experts like Quincy Hlongwane, emphasizing her dedication to collaboration and visibility within the coffee community. Katlego's unwavering commitment led her to relaunch Soulful Brew in July 2023.

Name:  Dr. Andile Molokomme

Title: Medical Doctor, Founder & CEO Andi Beauty Group

Andi Beauty Group is a dynamic collective of four companies dedicated to delivering expert services across health, wellness, cosmetics, and beauty. Founded during the level 4 lockdown in 2021 in Northwest, the group began with the Andi Beauty Cosmetic Line and has since grown to include Dr Andie Family Practice, The Andi Beauty Spa, and the Phenomenal Young Persons NPO 181-231.

Together, these entities have made a meaningful impact—reaching over 40,000 young people through their nonprofit initiatives and serving more than 2,500 clients across South Africa. In the 2024 financial year, the group achieved a turnover of R1 million. Andi Beauty Group also empowers women entrepreneurs through a network of over five independent distributors, enabling them to earn their own income by selling more than 4,800 beauty products since inception. The team currently includes one permanent staff member, one contractor, and six freelancers. The Dr Andie Family Practice provides a broad range of expert medical services tailored to the Pretoria North community, while The Andi Beauty Spa promotes wellness.

Name:  Nokulunga Mcunu

Title: CEO Jama Property Company

Nokulunga Mcunu is a respected property entrepreneur and the Chairperson of the Black Property Sector Association in KwaZulu-Natal. With over 16 years of experience in banking, property finance, and real estate, she has built a strong reputation for her deep industry knowledge and strategic leadership.

As the founder and managing director of Jama Property Company, Nokulunga leads the growth and operations of the firm, managing a wide range of property projects and investments with skill and vision. She is certified with the Property Practitioners Regulators Association (PPRA) and is a candidate valuer with SACPVP, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional excellence. Nokulunga is an active member of several industry organizations, including Women in Property, and RML Fellowship. Known for her passion for property development and mentorship, Nokulunga frequently shares her insights as a speaker and moderator. She is deeply committed to advancing her field while empowering others, particularly within her community.

Name:  Dr Nonhlanhla Psychiatrist

Title: Qualified Psychiatrist

Dr. Nonhlanhla is a highly qualified and compassionate psychiatrist based in Centurion, Gauteng. As an HPCSA-registered specialist, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered mental health care grounded in ethical practice.

Her impressive academic journey includes a MBChB from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a Diploma in Mental Health, a Master of Medicine in Psychiatry from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a Fellowship of the College of Psychiatrists—bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her approach focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing relapse, promoting recovery, minimizing treatment side effects, and enhancing her patients’ overall quality of life through tailored, evidence-based strategies. Committed to continuous learning and ethical care, she strives to deliver the most effective and compassionate support to every patient she serves. Her unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy extends beyond her clinic, as she actively participates in community outreach and education to reduce stigma and promote wellness.

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Name: Dr. Lungile Mhlongo 

Title: Founder and CEO Numa

Dr. Lungile Mhlongo, affectionately known as Dr. Lu, is a devoted medical doctor and entrepreneur with a passion for holistic wellness and empowering others through confidence and care. Holding a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) and a diploma in aesthetic medicine, she has combined medical expertise with personal experience to build a thriving practice rooted in both science and compassion. In 2017, she opened her first general medical practice in Stanger, and later founded Numa Medical Aesthetics in uMhlanga Ridge, a modern skincare and cosmetic clinic offering non-surgical treatments powered by advanced technology. Inspired by her own struggles with skin issues, Dr. Lu launched her own skincare line, Numa Skin, with a mission to provide safe, effective, and accessible solutions for all skin types. Her journey is one of deep resilience—having lost both parents at a young age, she supported herself through modeling and hairdressing while pursuing her medical degree. Dr. Lu’s work is a powerful reflection that beauty, wellness, and dignity should be accessible to everyone.

Name:  Thoko Miya

Title: CEO Girlhype

Thoko is a visionary leader and passionate tech entrepreneur who believes in the power of technology to transform lives—especially for women and youth. As the CEO of Girlhype, she has spearheaded programs that have connected, inspired, and empowered thousands of women across the globe, creating pathways into STEM through education, mentorship, and community support. Her leadership extends into the global digital space, where she serves as Chairperson of the Internet Society South Africa Chapter and actively contributes to key forums such as the UN Internet Governance Forum (UNIGF) and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Through her work, Thoko advocates for an open, inclusive, and accessible internet—one that truly reflects and uplifts the voices of women and underrepresented communities.

Thoko’s passion lies in building a digital world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. She is committed to fostering collaboration, driving skills development, and shaping a more equitable tech ecosystem for future generations. Through every platform she engages, Thoko continues to inspire bold thinking, digital inclusion, and a future led by diverse voices.

Name: Lornelle Jonas

Title: Founder & CEO E'lique Advisory

Lornelle is the visionary CEO and Founder of E’lique Advisory, a trailblazing global professional services firm known for delivering innovative accounting, tax, and advisory solutions across Africa and the UK. Under her inspiring leadership, E’lique Advisory has become a trusted partner for businesses, empowering them with strategic insights and leveraging the latest technology to drive efficiency and growth. An accomplished and award-winning business leader, Lornelle has been recognized as a Forty Under 40 Africa Award Winner, celebrating her exceptional impact on the continent’s business landscape. She has also earned prestigious honors such as Africa Entrepreneur of the Year and Africa Emerging CEO of the Year at the Africa CEO Summit in Lagos. Beyond business success, Lornelle is deeply committed to making a social impact. She was a finalist for the SAICA Top 35 Under 35 Awards and received the Impact Champion Award in November 2024, reflecting her dedication to uplifting communities and industries around the world. Lornelle regularly shares her insights on leading platforms about the future of finance, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Name: Tshidi Mndzebele 

Title: CEO AvenirHoldings

Tshidi Mndzebele is a visionary South African business leader and the driving force behind AvenirHoldings, a 100% Black female-owned, BBBEE Level 1 consultancy specializing in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM). With over a decade of experience, she has steered her company into becoming a trusted partner for some of South Africa’s leading brands, especially in infrastructure and community development. Her leadership has guided AvenirHoldings to earn notable accolades such for company of the year and the Big 5 South Africa Impact Award for outstanding community projects— recognitions that reflect her deep commitment to engineering excellence, sustainability, and positive social impact.

Tshidi’s strategic focus on ISO-certified processes and multidisciplinary project management ensures that her team consistently delivers innovative, high-quality solutions—on time and within budget. Her blend of expertise and passion has made her a respected and inspiring figure in the industry.

Her team consistently delivers innovative, high-quality solutions—on time and within budget.

Name: Caroll Masevhe

Title: Founder Kapcor Construction

Caroll Masevhe is a pioneering South African entrepreneur and civil engineer from Thohoyandou, Limpopo. She is the founder of Kapcor Constructions, which has grown into the Kapcor Group—a diversified enterprise offering services in construction, facilities management, cleaning, hygiene, and environmental waste management. With a background in civil engineering from Johannesburg College and further studies in entrepreneurship at Wits Business School, Caroll’s journey was fueled by the resilience of her mother and her own determination to break through gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Starting with limited resources, she overcame significant obstacles through strategic planning, mentorship, and unwavering determination. Today, the Kapcor Group employs over 50 staff and serves a wide range of clients across various sectors.

In 2023, Caroll was honored as Businesswoman of the Year by the South African Chamber of Commerce in the UK. Beyond business success, her true passion lies in mentoring young women.

Name: Bertha Dlamini 

Title:  President at African Women in Energy and Power

Bertha Dlamini is a passionate champion for the inclusion of African women and youth in the continent’s power and energy sectors. As the founding President of African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP), she has built a vibrant pan-African movement spanning 22 chapters, all dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and helping to address Africa’s energy poverty. Driven by a deep belief in inclusive development, she also founded Rito Group of Companies (Pty) Ltd, a consulting firm focused on management and energy solutions. Through her work, she continues to inspire and support countless individuals seeking to make their mark in the energy space. Her leadership and vision have earned her widespread recognition, including the Women in Engineering Award from the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (2019), the African Queens in Energy Judges Award (2021), and a finalist nomination for Women of Stature’s CEO of the Year (2022). Beyond her entrepreneurial journey, Ms. Dlamini contributes to shaping the energy sector at policy and industry level.

Recognised by Ignited Woman