There are many prominent black businesswomen doing amazing things in South Africa. Whether you’re looking for great business ideas for women to start, or want to find some inspiration, then it’s important to stay up to date with what other successful entrepreneurs are doing. From major business names to local entrepreneurs, here is a list of ten inspiring black businesswomen in South Africa who you should know.
Dineo Lioma
Dineo Lioma is the co-founder of three successful biotechnology companies – Deep Medical Therapeutics, CapeBio Technologies, and Incitech. Lioma is a significant figure in the advancement of commercial science and medical technology. She was also recently nominated as one of Forbes Woman Africa’s Top 20 Wealth Creators.
Dr Aisha Pandor
Dr Aisha Pandor is the CEO and co-founder of Sweepsouth, an app that has disrupted the cleaning industry. The app has created jobs for more than 20,000 domestic workers and has changed the way consumers can access cleaning services. Dr Pandor recently won the Forbes Woman in Africa Technology and Innovation Award.
Nneile Nkholise
Nneile Nkholise is the founder and director of iMED Tech, a medical prostheses and bio-implants company. She also founded 3DIMO, a venture focused on improving cattle breeding and livestock traceability. Nkholise was named the top female innovator in Africa by the World Economic Forum in 2016 and 2018. She also made it onto the Forbes Africa’s 30 under 30 list.
Siphesihle Kwetana
Siphesihle Kwetana started the Siphe Development and Capacitation Agency in 2014, a business in the agriculture space that supplied supermarkets with vegetables. Siphesihle comes from Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape and never planned to start an agriculture business. Ever since she did, she has experienced major successes.
Ntsiki Biyela
When it comes to black businesswomen, Ntsiki Biyela must be included on any list. She is South Africa’s first black female winemaker and director of Aslina Wines. She creates premium wines which are distributed across the globe. Besides being a pioneer in the wine industry, Biyela has also received numerous awards for the quality of the wines she produces.
These awards include the Michelangelo Wine and Spirits Award, the Sakura Awards (Japan), and the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event Diversity and Transformation Award in 2021. These awards include the Michelangelo Wine and Spirits Award, Sakura Awards (Japan), and the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event Diversity and Transformation award in 2021.
Bontle Mogoye
Bontle Mogoya is a media personality and fashion designer who has styled prominent figures and magazine covers. She comes from Kroonstad in the Free State and first served 10 years in the SANDF before venturing into the world of fashion. Her story is inspiring for any small-town entrepreneur with big dreams. Her story is inspiring for any small-town entrepreneur with big dreams.
Phiwe Mngadi
Phiwe Mngadi is a black businesswoman with an inspiring story for any local entrepreneur. She is the owner of Plush Nail Art Studio in Soweto, which she opened after doing the nails and eyelashes for all her friends and schoolmates. Beauty has always been her passion, and since opening her business it has become a prosperous and well-loved local business.
Ntombezinhle Jiyane (DJ Zinhle)
DJ Zinhle was awarded the 2020 Forbes Woman Africa entertainer award for her work as a music producer and DJ. She’s also the owner of successful interior design, watch, sunglasses, and jewellery brands, as well as the chief executive of a sparkling wine company. She has collaborated with Nungu Diamonds on a jewellery collection, as well as released custom made masks with Jireh Wellness. DJ Zinhle is a fast-paced entrepreneur, continually growing her business ventures and collaborating with new brands.
Palesa Mokubung, sunglasses, and jewellery brands, as well as being chief executive of a sparkling wine company. Zinhle has collaborated with Nungu Diamonds on a jewellery collection, as well as released custom-made masks with Jireh Wellness. DJ Zinhle is a fast-paced entrepreneur, continually growing her business ventures and working with new brands.
Palesa Mokubung
Palesa Mokubung is a prominent black business woman who started the clothing brand Mantsho in 2004. She has collaborated with Miss Universe, amongst other brands, and has seen her designs feature on runways around the world. She has also partnered with a prominent decor company, Airloom, to create bespoke fashion floor art like rugs and cushions.
Milisa Mabinza
Milisa Mabinza founded Khula Lula, South Africa’s first black-woman-owned private equity fund geared toward black-woman owned tech start-ups. The fund recently started providing funding for women owned businesses in the fashion and beauty start-up space.
These black business women cover a wide range of industries and businesses of all sizes. This shows just how many opportunities exist, and what kind of success is possible for entrepreneurs with the right idea. If you’re thinking of starting your first business, or aren’t sure about what direction your business could take, then let these successful black business women inspire your journey!
