“It's important for us as the Marie Claire brand to recognise and honour South African women who are doing incredible things. The 'Power' issue offered the perfect platform for us to launch our Future Shapers project, which is a property pioneered by Marie Claire global, and one we plan to continue annually,” says Lynette Botha, features editor of Marie Claire.

Among the twelve women presented as a Future Shaper in Marie Claire magazine, Dr Sindiwe Magona (award-winning writer and mentor, who previously worked at the United Nations), opens up about being a single unemployed mother of three at the age of 23, and how she was a domestic worker. Magona tells the story of how she forged ahead to be where she is today.

Another woman being celebrated is South African astronaut candidate finalist for the Mars One Project, Dr Adriana Marais (a theoretical physicist and head of innovation at SAP Africa), who believes that finding evidence of life on Mars would be one of the most profound contributions to science. She adds, "It would be a giant leap forward in terms of understanding who we are and where we come from. I’m prepared to sacrifice my joys, sorrows, and day-to-day life on Earth for this adventure, achievement, that would not be my own, but that of all humanity."

The ten other Future Shapers, in association with Audi, include actress, presenter, and anti-bullying spokesperson Nicole Bessick; Africa’s youngest Neurosurgeon, Ncumisa Lihle Jilata; founder of Rekindle Learning, Rapelang Rabana; director of Umgibe Farming Organics and Training Institute, Nonhlanhla Joye; founder of EMPIRE advertising agency, Lusanda Worsley; founder of DreamGirls South Africa, Ezlyn Barends; theatre practitioner and poet, Koleka Putuma; creative writer and film-maker, Jessie Zinn; film-maker, activist, and community-development worker, Sinazo Peter, and Marie Claire’s cover star, Thando Hopa, who all reveal why they feature on this list.

Adding to the issue that celebrates powerful women, Magda Wierzycka, CEO of Sygnia, and the wealthiest woman in South Africa, reveals what it takes for women to be at the top of their game, acting as guest editor of Marie Claire’s career section.

Botha concludes, "We’re incredibly proud of the August issue, and we know that it has the power to impact the lives of our readers for the better. That’s always our aim and it’s what sets us apart on the newsstands."

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