Santam, Fairlady and Truelove magazines are searching for 'the best female entrepreneurs in the country'. The candidates will comprise three women who are creating opportunities for others and boosting South Africa's economy by setting up their own businesses.

The panel of judges for the awards include:

Professor Thuli Madonsela
As chairperson of social justice at the Stellenbosch University and founder of Social Justice M-Plan and the Thuma Foundation, Madonsela has been part of the judging panel since its inception.

Madonsela says that to be an entrepreneur, you need an idea, passion and the ability to work hard. "I will be looking out for a woman who is building a world she wants to live in. She also needs to be looking to the future and the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution," says Madonsela.

Dawn Nathan-Jones
Nathan-Jones is a social entrepreneur, professional speaker and third-time judge at the awards. Nathan-Jones says that women play a pivotal role in business leadership and entrepreneurship.

"We need to encourage more women to build businesses that can weather the disruption caused by evolving technologies. I will be looking for someone who embraces technology to enhance their business," says Nathan-Jones.

Enid Lizamore
Lizamore,  the executive head of human resources at Santam, says that female entrepreneurs will play a significant role in the future of South Africa's economy.

Lizamore encourages entrepreneurs never to lose sight of their business goals, especially during these tough economic times, which has 'now been made even tougher by the COVID-19 pandemic'.

"I am looking for a woman who displays courage, constantly challenges herself to think differently and is passionate about making a meaningful difference in South Africa," says Lizamore.

Redi Tlhabi
Tlhabi is a radio and TV presenter, author, producer and facilitator. Tlhabi says that the spirit needed to keep South Africa afloat is one of endurance and perseverance.

"The individual who will stand out for me is one who wants to make a difference and empower others as she rises up. That's what it means to be an enterprising leader," says Tlhabi.

Suzy Brokensha
Fairlady editor Suzy Brokensha believes that women can make a critical difference to South Africa's fragile economy. "The figures coming out of South Africa — and the rest of the world — are really shocking in terms of the number of women who rise to board positions, let alone CEOs of companies," says Brokensha.

"And yet it’s very apparent in South Africa that many women are running their own small businesses; in many cases those small businesses are propping up and supporting communities. I'll be looking for a woman with a great idea that can take both her business and the South African economy forward," adds Brokensha.

Mbali Soga
Truelove editor Mbali Soga says that COVID-19 has turned the way we do business on its head. "It can't be 'business as usual' when the economy starts to function again,"says Soga.

"Entrepreneurs were impacted heavily by the pressure of paying a workforce while not being able to do business under lockdown. The Santam Women of the Future competition comes at a time when entrepreneurs need it most," adds Soga.

"I'll be looking for a woman whose business idea has longevity and has the ability to transform other people's lives," says Soga.

Executive head of brand at Santam Mokaedi Dilotsotlhe says that it is important now, more than ever before, for South African women to stand together.

"The determination, strength and resilience of our female entrepreneurs make them true superheroes for many, and they are key attributes that we must continue to nurture and celebrate," says Dilotsotlhe.

"We're proud to be in our sixth year of a successful initiative in association with Fairlady and, for the first time this year, Truelove, where we are able to showcase the powerful contribution that our Women of the Future are making in our society and country," Dilotsotlhe adds.

New to the awards this year is co-sponsor Lulalend.

Entrepreneurs can enter one of three categories for the awards. They include:
  • The SANTAM Woman of the Future title is awarded to an entrepreneur aged 30 or older, whose business is older than 1 000 days and who is 'well on her way to creating an empire'.
  • The SANTAM Rising Star title is awarded to an entrepreneur between 16 and 30 years old, who is still within her first 1 000 days but whose business and who the judges believe 'will flourish way beyond then'.
  • The SANTAM Social Entrepreneur title is awarded to an entrepreneur 'making a real difference in her community'. Aged 30 or older, her business has survived the first 1 000 days.
The prizes awarded to the three winners comprise:
  • R80 000 in cash to the SANTAM Woman of the Future
  • R50 000 each in cash to the SANTAM Rising Star and SANTAM Social Entrepreneur
All the winners will also walk away with:
  • a PR package worth R10 000 from Lulalend
  • a beauty hamper worth R5 000 from Estée Lauder 
  • business printing worth R5 000 from Lithotech
  • a course worth R17 000 from GIBS 
  • a Samsonite Zalia 2.0 Bailhandle worth R3 699
  • a ladies wristwatch worth R1 095 from Missguided 
  • an hour's mentorship with one of our judges, and
  • a media training course
Entry forms, as well as and terms and conditions, are available online. Entries for the awards close on Saturday, 30 June.

For more information, visit www.womenofthefuture.co.za.