Destiny Magazine's Power of 40 2017 editorial feature profiles South Africa's 40 most powerful and influential young women across business, sport, arts, science, and public service. Portrait photography by Michelle Wastie.
Caster Semenya (26) Professional athlete. From: Polokwane, Limpopo
Retained her World Championships gold medal and title; striving for an 800m track goal of 1:53.23. Aims to compete in the next two Olympic Games and five World Championships.
Tshikani Colleen Makhubele (38) Co-founder and CEO: Mzumbe Group of Companies. From: Johannesburg
Established a group of subsidiaries in oil, personal protective equipment, chemicals, and ICT.
"I am the captain of my own soul, the master of my fate, and the driver of my own destiny."
Ethel Cofie (34) Founder: Edel Technology Consulting. From: Accra, Ghana
Founder of Women in Tech Africa; has mentored and trained over 200 young women across 30 African countries.
"Just do it! By simply trying new things, you learn more about what you want and what you're able to achieve."
Aisha R Pandor (32) Co-founder and CEO: SweepSouth.com. From: Johannesburg
Launched a successful platform for booking domestic cleaning services to empower domestic workers and improve their working conditions.
Portia Masimula (31) Managing Director: Karisani IT. From: Cape Town
Developing innovative apps for local and international companies and establishing the African Breed Mentorship programme.
"The key to success isn't the will to win; IT'S THE WILL to prepare to win."
Samba Yonga (38) Founder: Ku-atenga Media. From: Lusaka, Zambia
Co-founder of the Museum of Women's History in Zambia; focused on changing the global narrative about the African continent.
Ntombenhle Khathwane (39) Founder and owner: AfroBotanics. From: Johannesburg
Successfully launched an all-African natural hair care range available in major retail chains like Clicks and Game.
Melanie Ramjee (40) Founder: Tutone Communications. From: Johannesburg
Leading publicist who has worked with international stars like John Legend and Usher; built a successful PR agency from the ground up.
Dineo Bopape (35) Artist. From: Johannesburg
Winner of the 2017 Sharjah Biennial Prize and the 2017 Future Generation Art Prize (FGAP).
"There's magic to be found when you allow your true self to be seen. IT'S ONLY WHEN WE FULLY SHOW UP AS OUR MOST authentic versions of ourselves, that we receive into our lives what we're ready for."
Katleho Tsoku (32) Programme Co-Director: YHER Accelerator. From: Johannesburg
Leading an accelerator program to help female social entrepreneurs across Africa build high-growth businesses.
Noma Nibe (27) Co-founder: Luhlaza Integrated Industries. From: Johannesburg
One of the few black female industrialist women in South African manufacturing; heads a workforce of about 400 employees.
"It's impossible only with man, but it's all possible with God."
Lethabo Motswaledi (24) Co-founder of 3D Power. From: Cape Town
Using 3D printing to translate innovative ideas into commercial products, including "Hello Baby 3D prints" from ultrasound data.
"NEVER HESITATE to do what your gut tells you."
Nompumelelo Mpumi Zikalala (38) Senior Vice-President: De Beers Sightholder Sales SA (DBSSSA). From: Kimberley, Northern Cape
Became the first female General Manager at Kimberley Mines in 2007.
"I DON'T BELIEVE IN discrimination AND I'M PROVING THAT men and women can work together BOTH AT BOARD LEVEL and at the coalface."
Lungile Mashele (32) Energy Specialist: Development Bank of Southern Africa. From: Johannesburg
Spent nine years consulting in the energy sector; now works for a major development finance institution.
Blondie Jobela (28) Marine Engineer, Royal Caribbean Cruises.
One of only two black female South African marine engineers in cruising; responsible for electrical failures on ships carrying 2,500 passengers.
Nicki van't Riet (37) Senior Associate: Norton Rose Fulbright SA. From: Cape Town
Human rights lawyer working on major class-action suits, including the District Six restitution case.
"SUCCESS HAS VERY LITTLE TO DO WITH talent. IT'S A RESULT OF HAVING A CLEAR VISION, calculating a strategy, working hard, being BRAVE AND SURROUNDING yourself with a team cleverer than you are."
Parmi Nateson (38) Corporate Governance Specialist and Executive Director: Institute of Directors in Southern Africa (IoDSA). From: Johannesburg
Promoted to Executive Director in 2015; focuses on professional practice and governance.
Samantha Ngcolonmba (34) Founder of Lady Liberty SA. From: Johannesburg
Started a social enterprise that provides legal access to marginalized women in poor communities.
"IF IT'S God's will for me, He'll SEE ME THROUGH IT."
Nthabeleng Likotsi (33) Founder and Executive Chairperson: Young Women in Business Network (YWBN) Holdings. From: Johannesburg
Started a female-led co-operative bank to support black entrepreneurs using a stokvel model.
"WE ARE THE ONES we've been waiting for."
Zola Nene (33) Chef, food stylist, and author. From: Johannesburg
Judge on The Great South African Bake Off; her first cookbook won first prize for TV (English) Celebrity Chef.
"NEVER DO ANYTHING THAT makes you unhappy for longer than YOU HAVE TO."
Minette Smith (28) Technical Advisor: Barry Callebaut. From: Johannesburg
Head of the Chocolate Academy opening in 2018; previously a pastry chef at world-renowned restaurants like Rust & Vrede.
Lizelle Koster (37) Head Concierge: InterContinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers. From: Johannesburg
One of a handful of women to receive the prestigious Les Clef d'Or (Golden Keys).
Dr Phathokuhle Zondi (34) CEO: Sport Science Institute. From: Cape Town
Former President of the SA Sports Medicine Association and Chief Medical Officer for the SA Sports Confederation & Olympic Committee.
"Incepto ne desistam ['May I not shrink from my PURPOSE']."
Zakkiyya Hoosen (35) Senior Brand Manager: Colgate-Palmolive SA. From: Johannesburg
Manages numerous stakeholders and strategy development for global consumer products.
"BEFORE YOU ASSUME, READ THE facts. Before you judge, understand WHY. BEFORE YOU speak, think."
Shekhinah Donnell (22) Musician. From: Durban
Has had two No. 1 hits; won her first MTV Mama Award and featured on Black Coffee's single, Your Eyes.
Hulisani Ravele (29) Actress and entrepreneur.
Celebrating 20 years in the industry; owner of production company Tsihimbiluni.
Stefanie Jason (31) Editor-in-Chief: Between 10and5. From: Johannesburg
Leads a digital publication reflecting Southern Africa's cultural sphere; 2017 fellow of the International Women's Media Foundation.
Sphelele Mjadu (35) PR Manager for Personal Care Brands: Unilever. From: Durban
Redesigned the PR strategy for Africa Personal Care for Unilever in 2016.
"DO WHAT YOU love AND YOU'LL never work a day in your life."
Editorial Note
Sheena Adams served as the Project Editor for the 2017 report, highlighting that this year featured women in innovative industries such as 3D printing and marine engineering.