Bold by Veuve Clicquot is a series of initiatives that support women entrepreneurs and promote inclusivity. Through this initiative, it encourages future generations of women to be more audacious. The 2024 edition of the Bold Woman Awards South Africa was the third year it included entrepreneurs from South Africa and celebrated two female entrepreneurs from the country.
SME South Africa spoke to Bold Future Award winner Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of Hakem Energies, and Bold Woman Award winner Mo Mokone, co-founder of Mo’s Crib, to hear more about the awards and how it has helped their businesses.
Bold Woman Award Winner Mo Mokone, Co-founder of Mo’s Crib
Mo Mokone is the co-founder of Mo’s Crib, a South African-based home décor design unit that specialises in manufacturing and sourcing sustainable handmade décor items. She was named the Bold Woman Award 2024 winner earlier this year.
“Winning this prestigious award is a tremendous honour and a powerful validation of the challenges and efforts that went into building Mo’s Crib,” she says. “It acknowledges not only my journey but also the hard work of my team and the support of those who have believed in us.”
Mo explains that this award highlights the impact they are making in sustainable design and local artisan empowerment. “It fuels my drive to continue breaking new ground, advocating for sustainability, and opening doors for others.”
She entered this award because she believed that Mo’s Crib deserved recognition for its work and the significant impact that it made in the community. “Our innovative use of recycled materials and commitment to empowering local artisans attracted the attention of the nominators,” Mo highlights. “The process was both exhilarating and demanding. Entering the competition made me reflect deeply on our journey and clearly articulate the impact we’ve had and the vision we uphold. Being named a finalist was a huge honour, offering the chance to connect with other inspiring women entrepreneurs who are making a difference.
“Winning the award felt surreal and immensely gratifying – It affirmed that our commitment to sustainable design and community empowerment is being recognised on a global scale.”
Mo’s Crib is passionate about providing training and employment opportunities for women, especially in communities where such opportunities are limited. “We empower women by equipping them with artisan skills and sustainable design know-how, helping them achieve financial independence and confidence in their capabilities. By sharing our journey on various platforms, we aim to inspire other women to embrace entrepreneurship and confidently challenge traditional norms.”
Mo states that, to her, entrepreneurial success goes beyond financial growth – It’s about building a business that positively impacts the community and the environment. “Success means staying true to your values, fostering a sustainable and innovative brand, and creating opportunities for others to flourish,” she adds. “It’s also about overcoming obstacles, continuously learning, and remaining resilient in the face of challenges.
“Becoming part of the Veuve Clicquot community and sharing our journey with a wider audience has been a truly rewarding experience.”
Bold Future Award Winner Refilwe Sebothoma, Founder of Hakem Energies
Refilwe Sebothoma is the founder of Hakem Energies. This company is on a mission to solve energy scarcity by providing preferential pricing and a stable supply of energy products covering fuel, gasses and equipment. She is the 2024 winner of the Bold Future Award.
“Energy poverty is a stark reality in Africa, and through our ongoing partnership with Oryx Energies, we at Hakem remain dedicated to tackling this issue,” Refilwe explains. “We’re committed to making a difference — one life, one family, one community at a time.”
She says that growing up in energy poverty herself, she was stunned to see that millions of people in South Africa still face the same challenges today. This realisation pushed her to establish Hakem Energies. “I want to ensure marginalised communities are part of the conversation around our country’s energy transition. We view LPG as a safe, immediate, and viable energy alternative for these communities, and through our LPG Box, we’ve made it both accessible and affordable.
“I’m also inspired by the idea of empowering women from rural and township communities to become active participants in the LPG economy, helping them to see it as a valuable commodity.”
Winning this award has been a transformative experience for Refilwe. “It provided me with a renewed sense of purpose and hope, motivating me to continue moving forward. Just two months after receiving this honour, Hakem Energies has garnered increased recognition and support, which is critical to our mission.
Their journey to winning the award started when one of the Harkem Energies team members convinced Refilwe to enter. “She had been following the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award for years, and when entries opened, she convinced me to enter. While the team saw it as a chance for me to gain recognition for my work, I was more focused on the hope that the award would amplify Hakem’s mission to fight energy poverty.
“Becoming one of the top six finalists was an incredible experience. I met inspiring women who are making a significant impact in their own businesses and communities, and we continue to support each other today. The jury was also incredibly motivating, and I learned so much from the process, particularly how Veuve Clicquot’s professionalism and high standards align with what I want for my own business.”
She recalls vividly that Amanda Dambuza, a jury member, asked her if she was proud of herself. “It was a profound moment, and she encouraged me to take pride in my achievements and celebrate my wins, no matter how small. Since then, I’ve made it a point to pause and appreciate our successes.”
“This award is a powerful reminder that with determination, hard work, and passion, anything is possible. Women like Madame Clicquot laid the foundation for entrepreneurs like us, and this recognition motivates me to continue forging a path for those who will come after us.”
Refile admits that sometimes, it can be incredibly challenging in the energy sector, especially for women. “It’s traditionally seen as male-dominated and monopolised, making it tough for newcomers, particularly female entrepreneurs, to break in. However, there are pockets of support that make the journey more bearable. What keeps me going is the impact Hakem can have on communities living in poverty—giving up isn’t an option when so many lives stand to benefit from our work.”
