CELESTE NTULI
Magazine sowetanlive.co.za
FEARLESS,
FOCUSED, AND UNSTOPPABLE
KITSO KGORI NQOBILE KHUMALO LEILA FOURIE RELEBOHILE MOLETSANE SANDY BUKULA PONTSHO MARUPING ISSUE / AUGUST 2026
Wome n o f t he Year
WHISKY THAT BLENDS THE RULES
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xcuse me, do you mind telling me what’s in the box?” If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been stumped by this question at the airport, I would have enough money to buy my own jet. I somehow have found myself the magazine world’s mad hatter for the past two years. As a self-proclaimed party girl, I have developed a penchant for high-fashion hats, a fabulous ice-breaker at many soirées. That unfiltered interest stays with me even when breezing through airport security. Travelling with a large, round, foldable hatbox with a dustproof lid as a carry-on item unsurprisingly attracts some
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attention from airport staffers — more as a curiosity than a security threat. Many automatically assume that I come bearing sugary treats. “Oh, yummy, cake,” I’ve heard all too often. Once, the box was too large to pass through the X-ray conveyor belt. It was a magnificent, oversized, widebrimmed bridal hat by visionary Cape Town milliner Crystal Birch. While I had a slight panic, the security personnel were more than cooperative. Once I explained what was inside, their faces lit up with intrigue. Then they asked for permission to visually assess the contents and diverted to manual inspection. “Chomi o fabulous, neh?” (My friend, you are fabulous) one said. I smiled while sticking out my tongue and clocked it with my fingers. Thank God, it could fit into the overhead luggage bin once I reached the cabin. Most recently, I had to travel from Cape Town with a giant, gravity-defying hat. It had a tall crown, so much so that it wouldn’t fit into any of the hatboxes. So, we packed it in a large square cardboard box with bubble wrap. When I got to the check-in counter, they slapped the fragile sticker on it. After I signed a limited liability form, the airline transported it with special care and attention.
photography : STEVE TANCHEL
THE EDITOR S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
Hunter felt hat, R2 450, Crystal Birch; bandana, model’s own; rings, model’s own; Armed crossover blazer, R17 132, Rich Mnisi; linen wide-leg trousers, R1 499, Woolworths
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From birth, that tower has always attracted my kind of drama. A conversation starter: while curating this issue, I rocked it at the launch of Kutlwano Monyai’s solo art exhibition, “Dakalo”, at Gallery Momo. When I entered, I was politely quizzed by one attendee, “How did you get into the car?” I gave a cheeky response, “This girl had her own seat next to me in the Uber, and she wore a safety belt.” They burst out laughing. Later, I bonded with Absa’s art museum curator, Dr Paul Bayliss, over my fantastical topper. He took some dope pictures in it. What a vibe! I always joke that such distinct hats are architectural armour, keeping the devil away. After all, the higher the hat, the closer to heaven. Being a glad hatter does not come by coincidence — it demands that confidence meets practice and limited fidgeting. Yes, the headpiece is extravagant, but it’s less about the theatrical appeal. Avant-garde style statements are symbols of joy, art, power, independence, and cultural dominance. A few women command such chutzpah and regal authority — my style icons Grace Jones, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga, Erykah Badu, and Daphne Guinness. They break fashion boundaries and ooze creative freedom. The seven women anchoring our fifth annual Women of the Year issue are equally boundary-setting. They tower above, dismantling systemic and historical barriers across different disciplines. Celeste Ntuli (Comedy), Pontsho Maruping (Science), Nqobile Khumalo (Television), Relebohile Moletsane (Education), Kitso Kgori (Fashion & Beauty), Leila Fourie (Business), and Sandy Bukula (Health) are ushering in a shift in leadership, innovation, and progress.
2026/07/22 11:56
South Africa’s Festival of Comedy
04 and 05 Sept
19 Sept
25 and 26 Sept
Sunbet Arena, PTA
Suncoast, DBN
GrandWest Casino, CPT
Tickets via
D R I N K R E S P O N S I B LY. N O T F O R PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMMANUEL TJIYA (smag@sowetan.co.za) CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANNA LINEVELDT FASHION DIRECTOR SHARON ARMSTRONG BEAUTY EDITOR NOKUBONGA THUSI SUBEDITOR IOLANDI POOL FASHION ASSISTANT JENNIFER KRUG DESIGN INTERN PATIENCE TSHABALALA CONTENT PRODUCERS NOMBUSO KUMALO & MASEGO SEEMELA FINAL EYE CARÉNÈ BOSHOFF SOWETAN EDITOR SIBONGAKONKE SHOBA CEO PULE MOLEBELEDI ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS ANNE ATKINSON 0836804440 atkinsona@arena.africa EMILY MALGAS 0839606430 malgase@arena.africa ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER CAPE TOWN NADIA GOOL PEREIRA 0827011912 pereiran@arena.africa DEPUTY CHIEF SALES OFFICER PIERRETTE SPADONI spadonip@arena.africa S.Mag is published five times a year PRINTED by CTP Printers, Cape Town, for Arena Holdings, Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Empire and Hillside roads), Parktown,
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Johannesburg, 2193
Jolie laid e Beauty The big chop Hair Woman of the Year: Comedy Woman of the Year: Television Woman of the Year: Fashion & Beauty
Woman of the Year: Health Woman of the Year: Business Woman of the Year: Science Woman of the Year: Education Church bound Tsa Manyalo Wellness-maxxing Grooming
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05 Sthembiso “SK” Khoza, Obed Baloyi, Molefi Monaisa, and Ernest Msibi. The show is helmed by executive producers Mandla N, Mpumelelo Nhlapo, and Annelie van Rooyen of Black Brain Pictures. Mandla N, Johnny Barbuzano, and Jonathan “Jono” Hall serve as directors, with the script written by Jose Domingos, Rami Nhlapo, Boitumelo Masemola, and Makanaka Mavengere.
COME FOR THE FAMILY DRAMA …
COLLABORATION
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and stay for the criminal underworld, in Netflix’s Umthetho S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
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orget the Madlanga Commission drama,the real crime twists this Women’s Month are on Netflix with Umthetho. Premiering on 14 August, the sevenpart local series was adapted from Netflix’s Brazilian series Brotherhood. And who better to lead Umthetho than our Woman of the Year in Television, Nqobile “Nunu” Khumalo (pp. 14-17)? She is joined by veteran actor Tony Kgoroge and former child star Given Stuurman in the family crime drama. Khumalo portrays public prosecutor Mbali, who becomes entangled in a messy prison syndicate led by her brother Moses (Kgoroge). To add to the drama, Mbali is forced to partner with Moses to protect their younger brother, Sphelele (Stuurman). Completing the star-studded cast are Lorcia Cooper-Khumalo, Sindi Dlathu,
Placard Pouts:
THIS IS NOT FOR THE MALE GAZE, BUT FOR THE GIRLS WHO KNOW THAT MAKEUP IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN, I MPERFECT, AND JUST PLAIN COOL. THE GIRLS WHO GET IT, GET IT, AND SO DO THE RUNWAYS AS TRENDS FAVOUR COOL Rouge Noir: OVER CUTE
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text : NOKUBONGA THUSI
02. The next time you tell someone to “read my lips”, it may be quite literal. At Simone Rocha, lips did all the talking as pouts became prime real estate for loud statements. Like placards coming down the runway, models’ lips were left bare, except for slogans such as “Sweet Dream” pressed into them with transfer paper and slathered with a clear, high-shine gloss.
BEAUTY
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Forget pretty flushed lips and dust off those black lip liners as pouts channel dark, feminine, black-cat energy by way of black-lined mouths. Think sultry 1990s lips mixed with gothic romance, as seen at Annakiki and Tell The Truth. Models’ lips got a generous helping of black lip liner along the edges, paired with red lipstick or left naked in the centre, and finished off with a layer of clear gloss.
TRY:
Scarlet Hill Clear Lip Glow Oil, R26, mrp.com
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S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
Fenty Beauty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in Breadwinn’r, R695
Yardley Gel Sensation Lip Liner in Rubine, R170
TRY:
MAC Lip Liner in Caviar, R385
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Sculptural Lashes:
03. From feathered accents to 3D metallic spikes, the girls know that lashes aren’t just fluttery afterthoughts — they’re the whole point. At Courrèges, demure, flirty lashes were traded in for wing-like lashes that extended beyond natural eye anatomy. At Chanel, lashes were gold-spiked, sculptural works of art, while at Romeo Gigli and Vivienne Westwood, they were ghostly and ethereal when coated with white mascara and faux lashes, creating a stark Ice Queen effect.
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Chocolat, R730
TRY:
Benefit 24-HR Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel, R565
Anything But Brows:
TRY:
04. Some runways threw the rule book out the window and ditched conventional brows entirely as arches became forms of artistic expression. At Antonio Marras, brows were blocked out and replaced with golden floral wire creations that sat along the brow bone. At Giuseppe Di Morabito, brows were adorned with white feathers for an angelic take.
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MAC 89 Megastar Lash, R420
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MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Sink To A Whisper, R550
S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
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A WOMAN WHO CUTS HER HAIR IS ABOUT TO CHANGE HER LIFE, SO GRAB THOSE SCISSORS … CHOP, CHOP!
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Channel “90s fine” energy, like Halle Berry and Nia Long, by opting for the classic pixie cut, which is steadily making a comeback. Seen on Angel Reese and Teyana Taylor, the pixie has evolved into one of the most versatile cuts of the season. Whether it’s worn in longer sweeping waves, paired with short curtain bangs and micro fringes, or given choppy, punk layers, the pixie will always give rebellious, unbothered cool girl without even trying.
Tyla, we wanna party — but we wanna steal all your braided bob styles too. Bobs are having a major moment as more women favour chic French bobs and retro-Hollywoodinspired cuts over longer lengths. But if you’re not ready to commit to the big chop, take your cue from Tyla and go for braided bobs that give you a shorter length without the regret. Try box braids or Fulani braids left unbraided at the ends, creating the illusion of a weave or a relaxedhair bob.
Change looks pretty good as short haircuts have a resurgence, and if it’s good enough for Zendaya, it’s good enough for us. The actress solidified the bixie as the cool-girl cut of the season, and for good reason. This hybrid haircut combines the short crop of a pixie with the soft, layered shape of a bob, in lengths that hit just under the earlobes. Wear a bixie straight and sleek, tucked behind the ears or style in classic 1920s flapper waves for a retro twist.
Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? Certainly not the girls sporting pixie mullets this season. A style spotted on the likes of Rihanna, it merges the sweetness of a short, classic pixie cut with the fun of having longer lengths to play with at the back. This is for the girls who like to add some edge to traditionally demure hairstyles, and frankly, we approve.
Ditch butt-grazing princess hair and take your cue from Grace Jones and Lupita Nyong’o. If you want to bring your natural Afro into big-chop territory, consider going for a fade. At N° 21, models were seen sporting short hi-top fade Afro cuts with sharp, structural edges that would make Jones proud.
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1. Moroccanoil Texture Clay Medium Hold 75ml, R625 2. Creme of Nature Pure
Ed’s Choice:
IMAGES ROSDIANA CIARAVOLO; PETER WHITE; VICTOR VIRGILE /GAMMA-RAPHO; DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS; OLIVIA WONG / FILMMAGIC; EDWARD BERTHELOT / GETTY IMAGES AND SUPPLIED
Pixie Mullet
Bixie Era
Short &Sweet
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Honey Yoghurt Intense Hydration Treatment Hair Mask, R125 3. ghd Mini Slim Plate Hair Straightener, R2 880 4. TREsemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Oil 50ml, R143 5. Naturally Africa Detangling Spray 250ml, R100
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WOMA N OF T H E Y E A R
I’M A Celeste Ntuli , w h o plays Essie in The Polygamist and won big at the Savanna Comics’ Choice C ome dy Awards, i s o u r Wo m a n o f t h e Ye a r i n C o m e d y text : EMMANUEL TJIYA
production : JENNIFER KRUG
photography : STEVE TANCHEL
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S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
WOMAN OF T H E YEAR
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he 1995 women’s empowerment anthem “Just a Girl” is one of No Doubt’s most memorable songs. Over 30 years after Gwen Stefani belted out “Oh, I’m just a girl, take a good look at me,” those lyrics still ring true to the winner of Headliner of the Year at the 2026 Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards, Celeste Ntuli. “I’m just a girl,” Ntuli says when I ask her what the biggest misconception about her is in navigating an ecosystem that seeks to limit women. Ntuli is, of course, causing all the right buzz in the Netflix series The Polygamist for her nuanced portrayal of Essie. She expresses disappointment with the audience’s reaction to her steamy sex scene with Sdumo Mtshali (Jonasi Gomora), which sees Ntuli on all fours and throwing it back. This is hardly Ntuli’s most provocative moment, we both observe. Have you seen her sex scene in the 2018 rom-com Looking for Love opposite fellow comedian Trevor Gumbi? That is much saucier. “Everyone, after watching The Polygamist, was shocked at the doggy-style scene. I was disappointed. Why would they take me out of the game like that?” she says, laughing. Ntuli notes that her strong feminist views have not always landed well, and she wants it to be clear — she does not hate men. “People assume that I hate men. I love them according to how they need to be loved,” she clarifies. “I don’t love them according to how the patriarchy asks for them to be loved. Maybe I should change the way I speak. I’m learning that sometimes I don’t come across as I intend.” As she embraces her feminine energy, Ntuli also wants the public to know that she is a lover girl. What is her love language? “I expect kindness in love,” she replies. “My love language with everyone is that I’m a selfservice person. I take notice of everything when people are close to me. I’m very attentive and I show up; that’s my love language.” Ntuli, now more than ever, is tapping into her vulnerability, and she refuses to apologise for it. “I’m at the top of my game, but I’m also at the bottom of my lessons. I’m in my vulnerable state,” she says. “When I do these interviews, I always sound like a hero. You are the right person to find me in a moment of vulnerability, being challenged, learning and understanding my shortcomings. When you are always the strong one, people get stressed when
they have to hold you, and it can feel like a bigger tree falling on their shoulders. Sometimes, when you are winning all the time, you set yourself up for failure when it’s time to cry and be vulnerable. I’m good at being vulnerable in my comedy, words, and art; I’m learning to be vulnerable with myself, too. I’m learning to tell people that I’m also just a girl!” Ntuli is getting ready for the fourth edition of Celeste & Da Big Dudes on 8 August at Emperors Palace. The standup-comedy lineup also features Kagiso KG Mokgadi, Dillan Oliphant, Summary, Mdu Ntuli, Tumi Stopnonsons Matila, Sandile Makhanya, and Q Dube. “I’m doing it for the fourth time and I only just learnt that this is my job,” she says. “Understanding the property I create as Celeste & Da Big Dudes is my work; it took me some time. We sometimes get into the hustle mentality too much.”
cover: Earrings, stylist’s own; The Collar Dotted dress, R6 400, The Bam Collective; round brooch, R385, Reminiscene
p. 10: Dolce & Gabbana glasses, R4 603, Essilor Luxottica; cuff bracelet, R50, MRP; necklace, stylist’s own; The Gleam dress, R6 800, The Bam Collective
13 PHOTOGRAPHER STEVE TANCHEL FASHION DIRECTOR SHARON ARMSTRONG PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANTS DYLAN NORTJE & GABRIELLA CAPAZORIO PRODUCTION & STYLING JENNIFER KRUG STYLING ASSISTANT LISO CEZA MAKEUP ALEXANDRA BOTHA / LAMPOST HAIR SAADIQUE RYKLIEF USING ORS OLIVE OIL / LAMPOST FASHION INTERN WARONA MOTSHELE LIGHTING GLOW STUDIOS
In May, Ntuli was named Headliner of the Year at the Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards. This, after winning Comedian of the Year at the 2025 awards. “Savanna has been part of Celeste & Da Big Dudes. They sponsor me with beverages and branding,” she says. “That support has been great because people take us more seriously when there is such brand backing for comedians. For them to choose comedy as a sport to play in, we truly appreciate it. Comedians are getting the shine they deserve.” For other women comedians admiring her career, Celeste urges them to go for it — don’t overthink it. “Just do it,” she encourages. “Just be a comedian and enjoy it. Sometimes, when we look into the number of women doing it, you might gaslight yourself into not doing it or be scared. All voices are needed in comedy. It doesn’t require you to be something
pp. 11, 12 & 13: Earrings, R450, Reminiscene; necklace, stylist’s own; Checkmate boubou, R4 050, Africa Your Time Is Now; belt, R100, MRP
you can never be. It just requires you to be yourself and be honest about your opinions. Most people love doing comedy, but they are scared of jumping onto the stage.” She started her comedy career in Durban in 2005, and it took off after she made the top three in season two of the reality competition TV show So You Think You’re Funny! in 2009. She notes that The Masked Singer’s SA host, Mpho “Popps” Modikoane, was also in the top three. A two-time varsity dropout — in entertainment technology and public relations — Ntuli survived by doing odd jobs ranging from a bookseller to a store manager at CNA, a call centre agent, and even working at a creche. “I did my one-man show in 2010, the year I decided to stop doing odd jobs and take comedy as my career path,” Ntuli remembers. “It fulfilled the dream of being an actress. I always wanted to act, but never had the chance. I ended up doing lighting and sound. I always say my journey is 360° because I started behind the scenes before I ended up on stage. Comedy gave me the opportunity to be on stage. When it started paying off, it gave me a voice, and I could feel myself growing in it. In life, there are things God gives to you. Some people are given the best relationships, kids, brothers, parents, jobs or whatever. Gifts are different, and I realised on stage that this was my gift.” Relocating to Jozi in 2012, Ntuli quickly rose to fame after booking a dramatic role in the daily drama Isibaya, playing one of Mpiyakhe Zungu’s (Siyabonga Thwala) wives, Siphokazi — a career-defining role. Her career has been far from a smooth rise, especially in comedy and staging a standup show as a headliner. “The whole idea of doing events and shows is taxing, daunting, stretching, and entrepreneurial in a way you never expected,” she says. “You can write your material, but does your name translate into ticket sales? Many comedians are doing this, but only a few are committing to doing their own shows. Kudos to Trevor Noah and David Kau. You see them doing it for such a long time and assume it’s easy — it is not.” Born in Empangeni on the KwaZuluNatal north coast, Ntuli is one of eight kids (she’s number six). “I grew up in a closeknit family, but also a big family. It was crowded, crazy, wild, and artistic. My dad was a musician who never truly made it but had a band.” stockists: A f r i c a Yo u r T i m e I s N o w a f r i c a y o u r t i m e i s n o w. c o m M R P m r p .co m /e n _ z a Reminiscene 083 256 0813 Essilor Luxottica essilorluxottica.com The Bam Collective thebamcollective.com
14 S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
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T Nqobile Khumalo , o u r Wo m a n o f t h e Ye a r i n Te l e v i s i o n , i s n’t s h o w i n g a ny signs of slowing down text : NOMBUSO KUMALO
production : JENNIFER KRUG
photography : STEVE TANCHEL
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WO MAN O F TH E YE AR
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qobile “Nunu” Khumalo believes acting saved her life. She doesn’t mean it in the dramatic, theatrical way the phrase is often used. For Khumalo, acting has been a divine calling with every role shaping both her career and the woman she has become. Now 34, the actor and model has spent the past 15 years building one of Mzansi’s most impressive screen careers, making her television debut on Isibaya. Her other memorable performances have been in Scandal!, Red Ink, Uncovered, Fatal Seduction, High Infidelity, Lost in the World, High Rollers, and Meet Melusi. Khumalo has consistently proven herself to be one of the most compelling acts in the entertainment industry. But her journey is far more than an enviable résumé. “Can I tell you something? It’s been a series of highs and blessings, and we all have different blessings in life,” she says. “Acting saved my life and I thank God for that because my ability to act comes from Him. I’ve got colleagues and friends in the industry and not everyone’s journey is easy or fruitful year after year, but God has kept me.” You could be forgiven for mistaking her quiet demeanour for indifference, but when you look closer, there is a light within her — and it’s her humility. Throughout our conversation, she speaks with a profound sense of gratitude. “Nqobile is a child of God. I love it by Christ, shem! The knowledge of Christ, man, is the best gift my parents could have given me. Beyond anything material, it’s knowing Christ and knowing that I can lean on Christ — because you need to,” she says. “In life, you’ve got seasons and sometimes it’s winter and other times it’s summer. But the seasons don’t last forever and you need to be able to navigate and keep yourself together throughout those different seasons, you know? Acting is my ministry. My assignment is a big deal because these characters minister to people. God told me that I’m not here to be a star; I’m here to make sure everyone wraps in one piece and to be a catalyst for healing for all different types of groups in society. Storytelling is ministry, and I must always leave people better than I found them.” Khumalo, dressed in an airy ivory co-ord set, and I are chatting on the upper deck of Glow Studio in Riviera, Joburg, soaking up the winter sun. She is an interviewer’s dream — by her own admission, she loves to talk. As she recalls her upbringing, her composed, petite frame comes alive, her animated gestures and infectious laughter revealing a natural-born storyteller. “I grew up right here, in Northcliff. I wish I could say I’ve come from far and travelled here — nope!” Khumalo says. She and her family moved from Durban to Joburg when she was four, as her stepfather had received a job offer in marketing. She was scouted as a child model and later signed with a modelling agency for a few years. On her cover shoot, Khumalo brings that same infectious energy. With each frame, she moves with grace, sculpting her body into poses that draw murmurs of approval from the crew. Strong-willed from a young age,
p. 14: Hunter felt hat, R2 450, Crystal Birch; earrings, stylist’s own; rings, R50, MRP; The Feline tailored coat, R8 200, The Bam Collective
17 PHOTOGRAPHER STEVE TANCHEL FASHION DIRECTOR SHARON ARMSTRONG PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANTS DYLAN NORTJE & GABRIELLA CAPAZORIO PRODUCTION & STYLING JENNIFER KRUG STYLING ASSISTANT LISO CEZA MAKEUP ALEXANDRA BOTHA / LAMPOST HAIR SAADIQUE RYKLIEF USING ORS OLIVE OIL / LAMPOST FASHION INTERN WARONA MOTSHELE LIGHTING GLOW STUDIOS
found me on Facebook and said to me, ‘You’re supposed to be on television.’ I ignored it because I thought it was a scam, but he kept sending me messages. Eventually, he persuaded me to go to this audition,” she recalls. “That was my first commercial with them [Bomb Productions], and I was pinching myself; this stuff is real. Then I got my first role on Isibaya with Bomb as well, and on my first day on the set, I promised myself, come hell or high water, I am going to act for a living. Nobody is ever going to take this away from me ever again.” Khumalo’s talent has earned her recognition at film festivals abroad. She won Best Actress at the New Vision International Film Festival in Amsterdam for her portrayal of Hlengiwe Twala on Scandal! in 2019. Later, she received several other awards, including the prestigious Septimius Award, for her performance in the feature film Uncovered. “People believe [acting] is glamorous. It’s not — it’s hard. We live in a country where you don’t have the luxury to pass over a project because you don’t know when your famine is scheduled,” she says. “Every actor has a period of waiting and breaks in between projects, and no-one is above the system, but that is how it works, so you’ve got to find a balance — be smart financially and maximise the time with your family and your friends when you’re not working. I’m 34, no children, no marriage. Sacrifices, I have paid for.” In her latest role, Khumalo takes the lead as Mbali, a principled public prosecutor at the heart of Netflix’s Umthetho, premiering on 14 August. She shares the screen with Tony Kgoroge, Sindi Dlathu, Lorcia Cooper-Khumalo, Given Stuurman, p.16, cover: Diesel square sunglasses, and SK Khoza. R2 593, Essilor Luxottica; pearl “I walked the journey with Mbali,” drop earrings, R275, Reminiscene; Alice blazer, R13 479; Alice carrot Khumalo says. “I don’t take playing a trousers, R6 858, both Rich Mnisi; lead lightly. What I love most about her is rings, R50, MRP; luxe court heels, R3 590, Europa Art her devotion to family. She loves herself, but it’s not the best thing about her. Her life revolves around those she loves, and I resonated with that because that’s the best thing about my life, which is that it doesn’t revolve around me; it would be so empty. My family illuminate my life. I hold Mbali dear to my heart. The audience will love and struggle with her sometimes, but family is family.”
Khumalo gravitated towards the stage, taking on lead roles in school productions that earned her “Best Actress” honours. By 16, she knew acting was her calling. But her ambitions were tempered by her parents’ reservations and the demands of school, forcing her to put that dream on hold. “I remember it was 2009, and I played Lady Macbeth. The whole experience of being on stage was as though I was in heaven. And then it ended, and I had to be a student again; I’ve never experienced such a heartbreaking anticlimax. I was devastated. My heart, I needed to perform, and that was my everything,” says Khumalo, gently tapping her heart with her hand. In her first year at university, Khumalo found her way back to acting. “While I was in my first year, a casting director from Bomb Productions
p. 15: Rings, R50, MRP; long-sleeved unitard, R329, H&M; Brooklyn belted biker jacket, R1 899, Forever New; earrings, R245, Reminiscene; dressy knee-high boots, R6 990, Europa Art
stockists: Crystal Birch therealcrystalbirch.com Essilor Luxottica essilorluxottica.com Europa Art europaart.co.za Fo reve r N ew fo reve r n ew.co. z a H & M s u p e r b a l i s t .co m M R P m r p .co m /e n _ z a Reminiscene 083 256 0813 Rich Mnisi shop.richmnisi.com The Bam Collective thebamcollective.com
18 WOMAN OF THE YEAR S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
Kitso Kgori , o u r W o m a n o f t h e Ye a r i n Fa s h i on & B e aut y, is a style chameleon, fusing modelling, ph oto g r aphy, architecture, and music text : EMMANUEL TJIYA
production : JENNIFER KRUG
photography : STEVE TANCHEL
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THE ARCHITECT OF HER STORY
S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
first met Kitso Kgori at a fashion party hosted by her close friend and designer Rich Mnisi in the concrete tubes of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town, last November. She was carefree and effortlessly cool behind the decks while serving body in a signature Xibelani miniskirt designed by Mnisi. Her buttery, glowing skin in a barely-there crop top was as spellbinding as her DJ set. She oozed vibez, lighting up the room with her high-energy and dance moves. I never forgot her. I even Shazamed one of the tracks she played, Major League DJz’s remix of Laho by Shallipopi, which has become my pre-game anthem when I’m getting ready for a night out. Imagine my surprise when I learnt that the 32-year-old, originally from Mahikeng, has only been a DJ for about two years. Kgori may be the ultimate fashion chameleon, building a budding career that fuses photography, modelling, architecture, and music. After attending boarding school in Potchefstroom, Kgori moved to Cape Town to study architecture at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She notes that her other option was visual arts, as she’s good at drawing. Before long, she was modelling part-time. “I got my passion for photography through architecture,” she says. “I used to assist a friend who was a stylist. By the time I got into photography, I already understood the concepts of composition and contrast balance because of my background in architecture. Even in my photography work, it’s more compositional than just looking pretty.” Kgori harnessed that curiosity by studying photography for a year, just before the Covid-19 lockdown, at Orms Cape Town School of Photography. “Photography was never part of the plan,” she confesses. “In one of my architecture modules, I had to photograph details of buildings, [showing] how steel, timber, and concrete function, in order to understand materialism. That was my favourite experience, and taking
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PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHERSTEVE STEVETANCHEL TANCHEL FASHION FASHION DIRECTOR DIRECTOR SHARON SHARON ARMSTRONG ARMSTRONG PHOTOGRAPHER’S PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANTS ASSISTANTSDYLAN DYLANNORTJE NORTJE && GABRIELLA GABRIELLA CAPAZORIO CAPAZORIO PRODUCTION PRODUCTION & & STYLING STYLING JENNIFER JENNIFER KRUG KRUG
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
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p. 19: Earth Argyle V-neck shirt, R3 754, Rich Mnisi; embellished mini shorts, R529, H&M; stockings, stylist’s own; slip-on flower sandals, R3 190, Europa Art
21 STYLING STYLINGASSISTANT ASSISTANTLISO LISOCEZA CEZA MAKEUP MAKEUP ALEXANDRA ALEXANDRA BOTHA BOTHA // LAMPOST LAMPOST HAIR HAIR SAADIQUE SAADIQUE RYKLIEF RYKLIEF USING USINGORS ORSOLIVE OLIVEOIL OIL//LAMPOST LAMPOST FASHION FASHION INTERN INTERN WARONA WARONA MOTSHELE MOTSHELE LIGHTING LIGHTING GLOW GLOW STUDIOS STUDIOS
pictures of that. But when I got into photography, I hated taking pictures of buildings. I only wanted landscapes, beach, sand, and those serene backdrops, never buildings.” Kgori enjoys celebrating the strength of Black women through her photography. One of her favourite subjects is Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi. “She had just come back home after living in New York as Miss Universe when I photographed her,” she says. “At that time, I was focused on photographing powerful Black women. Even her hairstyle was representative of African women and not your conventional beauty standards, where your hair has to be straightened. What I try to create with my photography is women’s power. I do work with men, but in most of my work, I try to empower Black women. In maga-
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zines and advertisements, there is still the beauty standard of a lighter complexion. Colourism is also a thing, so most of the time I tend to shoot dark-skinned women, for them to be seen and shown in these high-fashion spaces.” Kgori touches on how she has never been a conventional beauty, whether in high school or when modelling. “I went to high school in Potch, which was a very Afrikaans school,” she says. “What was important with Zozi was that she had natural hair. In school, we were not allowed to wear our natural hair — it was seen as untidy.” As a model, she enjoyed being a muse for fellow photographer Michael Oliver Love. “Most of the modelling I did with him was fully nude shoots because of the freedom I had within those sessions,” Kgori says. “I did go for castings, but I mostly had direct bookings because I didn’t conform to the rules of having specific hair, nails, and other things considered conventionally beautiful.” It’s thanks to her good pal Desiree, the SA-born and internationally based DJ, that she ended up becoming a DJ herself. She also credits Mnisi for pushing her in that direction. “I was always partying and doing European tours. I love festivals and Cape Town is great for live music festivals — that’s how we [Desiree and I] met, at a party,” Kgori says. “So, in 2022 or 2023, I travelled with her to Europe, going to her gigs. Music then became a thing and I was sending songs to my friends. Then, two years ago, Rich suggested that I become a DJ, since I was always sending him songs and partying. I had just come back from Ibiza, and a month later, Bridges Academy for DJ in Cape Town had a Women’s Month course.” Within two months, Mnisi booked her to play at his popular annual 2 Million Icons party. She has never looked back. What kind of career does Kgori want? “A fusion of music, photography, and fashion,” she replies. “My dream thing, because I studied architecture, would be to build an installation. In that installation, there would be photographs that I have taken and I would be playing music.” She also dreams of playing in Ibiza and, hopefully, embarking on a European tour. “I’m going to Europe in two weeks,” she reveals. “I’m going to make little connections because it’s always easier when people meet you in person.” Raised by a single mother, Kgori is the last-born of two girls, with an 11-year gap between her and her sister. “My mother is hard working,” she says. “She has shown me quiet strength. She has discipline, and she’s very strict. She holds me accountable for my mistakes. She has never been the kind of parent to tell me what I want to hear. That kind of love shaped my character. She doesn’t smother me.”
stockists: Europa Art europaart.co.za Fo reve r N ew fo reve r n ew.co. z a H&M superbalist.com M R P m r p .co m /e n _ z a Puma za.puma.com Rich Mnisi shop.richmnisi.com Spilhaus spilhaus.co.za Viviers viviersstudio.com Woolworths woolworths.co.za
S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
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oo often, the measure of a woman’s care is how much of herself she gives away. Time. Energy. The food on her plate. For some women, that sacrifice means skipping meals so their children don’t have to. For others, it means surviving on coffee and takeaways in between work deadlines and family responsibilities. Their lives may look vastly different, but both reveal an uncomfortable truth: nourishing themselves is often the first thing women compromise. This is an issue Sandy Bukula has spent much of her career trying to address. As CEO of Operation Hunger, she has watched South Africa’s relationship with hunger evolve from one largely defined by empty stomachs to one in which many people consume enough food yet remain undernourished. “The face of hunger has changed over time because our environment has changed,” she notes. “Hunger is determined by socioeconomic circumstances as well as behavioural practices. It’s a systemic issue.” While millions of South Africans still experience the devastating reality of not having enough food, Bukula says another form of malnutrition is growing alongside it. “We’re not just seeing people who are hungry because they aren’t eating enough,” she explains. “They may be eating enough in terms of quantity, but they’re not eating nourishing food. It’s undernourishment, even if they’re consuming enough in terms of volume.” The result is a nutrition paradox. South Africa battles food insecurity while rates of obesity and diet-related diseases rise. For many families, the most affordable foods are highly processed, energy-dense, and lacking in essential nutrients. For others, long working hours and caregiving responsibilities leave little time to prepare balanced meals. In both cases, the body receives calories, but not necessarily the nourishment it needs. Bukula, who holds a microbiology degree and an MBA in sustainable development, believes this is why conversations about hunger need to evolve. “We now understand that the drivers of hunger fall into different categories,” she says. “So, the interventions also have to be different.” That shift in thinking has also changed the way Operation Hunger works. “We don’t look at people at their lowest and define them by that moment,” she says. “We see people as capable. They don’t have to be at the mercy of others. When someone has nothing, of course they need immediate support, but our goal is to help them create their own solutions.” She smiles as she sums up the philosophy in a single sentence: “We create champions of their own lives.” Bukula has lived in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, North West, and Gauteng, giving her a front-row seat to the many faces of hunger in the country, and her mission extends far beyond handing out food parcels. Operation Hunger also works with vulnerable communities to build long-term food security by helping people grow their own food and develop the knowledge and infrastructure needed to become self-sufficient. “Operation Hunger is not trying to create dependency,” she says. “We know there are many people struggling with hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity. We’re not just a charity. We develop programmes that enable people to sustain themselves by addressing the underlying causes
of malnutrition in their communities.” For Bukula, lasting change begins where charity ends. “It doesn’t stop at providing food. We help create the infrastructure and provide the knowledge people need to take care of their health and nutrition.” One priority is ensuring that women — whether they are stretching a grocery budget, raising children, building careers, or doing all three at once — have access to food that allows them to thrive. In fact, women and children are central to Operation Hunger’s work. Bukula says they are disproportionately affected by hunger and malnutrition because of their nutritional needs at different stages of life. From preconception and pregnancy to breastfeeding and motherhood, a woman’s health influences both her own wellbeing and that of her children. When women
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about the girls in her own family. She hopes they will see in her someone who believes in possibility over circumstance and action over helplessness. Someone who understands that real empowerment is not about being rescued, but about recognising your own ability to create change. It is why one idea has stayed with her throughout her life. “Women are taught to be chosen when they need to choose themselves.” In a country where hunger is no longer defined only by empty cupboards but also by empty nutrients, choosing yourself can be a radical act. It can mean making time for a nourishing meal, asking for help, investing in your own health or simply believing your wellbeing matters. Women are taught to feed the world around them. Bukula’s life’s work is a reminder that they, too, deserve to be nourished.
FOR THOUGHT
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Sandy Bukula , C E O o f Op eration Hunger, i s o u r Wo m a n o f t h e Ye a r i n H e a l t h for tackling malnutrition in SA
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are undernourished, the effects are felt across generations. Her belief in people’s potential began at home. Bukula describes her mother as the greatest influence on both her leadership and her outlook on life. “My biggest hero is my mother,” she says. “She modelled to me that even though you are a woman, you don’t have to be chosen or given permission to participate in the world. She taught me that you are very much in charge of your own life and can change your own predicament.” Today, Bukula looks for those same qualities in other women. The women who inspire her are not necessarily those with the biggest titles or the loudest voices, but those who strengthen their families and transform their communities. When asked about the legacy she hopes to leave behind, Bukula thinks
S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
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eila Fourie, who stepped down from her role as Joburg Stock Exchange (JSE) CEO in March, says her next chapter will focus on helping to find solutions to youth unemployment and promote sustainability. Fourie, our Woman of the Year in Business, retired from the JSE, Africa’s largest bourse, following a six-year tenure during which she oversaw its record financial performance in 2025. “I plan to use my time giving back to society, focusing on youth unemployment and nature conservation. I will continue to serve on the United Nations’ Global Compact and YES boards and have recently been appointed to serve on the board of the WWF,” she says. As an avid climber, she also plans on travelling around the world. “I will accept a few commercial board roles, but I plan to sail around the world and continue climbing, hiking, and spending time in nature and with my loved ones,” she says. Fourie, whose career spans 30 years in financial services, was the second woman to lead the JSE after succeeding Nicky Newton-King. She has now handed over the baton to Valdene Reddy. She considers serving as JSE CEO to have been an “extraordinary” privilege. The 139-year-old JSE was established in 1887 as a platform to help mining companies cash in on SA’s first gold rush. It has since evolved into a diversified modern exchange. “It provides a real-time reflection of economic confidence, corporate performance, and investor sentiment, making it a genuine bellwether of the economy,” she says. The JSE boasts over 263 listed companies, including Naspers, Shoprite, and Standard Bank. With a market capitalisation of R24.73-trillion, it is regarded as one of the world’s top 20 exchanges by market capitalisation. In June, the JSE also marked 20 years since listing its own shares on the exchange. The share price has since rallied more than sixfold, from R24.25 a share when it listed in 2006 to R148 at market close on 4 June. The bourse had a bumper 2025 with profits breaching R1bn for the first time, driven by strong activity in capital markets. However, several companies have delisted in recent years, raising concerns in some quarters. According to Fourie, delistings are a global phenomenon. “While the number of listings has declined, the quality, resilience, and market capitalisation of companies on the JSE remain strong,” she says.
Some of the companies that have delisted from the JSE include Royal Bafokeng Platinum, African Rainbow Capital Investments, Mediclinic, Distell, and PSG. Fourie says that, globally, companies are staying private for longer, private capital has grown significantly, and consolidation has reduced the number of listed businesses. She adds that the exchange continues to innovate, diversify its products, and strengthen its infrastructure while working to encourage new listings. “Vibrant capital markets are essential for economic growth, and ensuring South Africa remains an attractive place to list and invest requires collective action across the economy, not just from the exchange,” she says. She previously served as MD of Standard Bank’s card division, and was also the executive responsible for consumer banking at the
THE CLIMB text : DINEO FAKU
Leila Fourie , o u r W o m a n o f t h e Ye a r i n B u s i n e s s , has left a longlasting legacy at the JSE
25 Her advice for young professionals is to deepen their expertise before chasing titles. “Competence creates opportunities,” she says. Nurturing a curious mindset is also key to thriving amid all the changes in technology and artificial intelligence, while resilience helps cushion the impact of setbacks, which can become the greatest teachers, she continues. At the core of her advice is that a reputation matters enormously. “Integrity, reliability, and the ability to work well with others will open more doors than technical ability alone. People remember those they can trust.” While many dream of reaching the top of the career ladder, there are many misconceptions about CEOs, including the assumption that the role is about power and prestige. Fourie says that, in reality, being CEO is about taking on responsibility, with one’s decisions impacting employees, investors, customers, and society more broadly. “CEOs spend far more time listening, managing uncertainty, balancing competing priorities, and making difficult decisions than people realise. It can also be surprisingly lonely because, ultimately, accountabilit rests with you. The most effective CEOs recognise that leadership is about serving others and enabling talented people to succeed,” she says. Fourie, who holds a PhD in economic and financial services, says her humble beginnings shaped her approach to leadership and business. As one of 10 children, she knows how to make the most of any situation. While she didn’t grow up with all her siblings under one roof, being raised in a large family taught her that resilience, hard work, and generosity are not optional. “We learned to support one another and to contribute rather than simply consume. That upbringing instilled in me a belief that success is never achieved alone.” Integrity has been a cornerstone of her career, while curiosity has helped her take lifelong learning in her stride. “I also believe deeply in saying yes to meaningful challenges, because growth happens outside your comfort zone,” she adds. Despite South Africa’s economic challenges, Fourie believes it has tremendous potential, but unlocking stronger growth requires consistent implementation of reforms. For South Africa to move the dial on economic growth, power stability and efficient logistics — particularly rail and ports — are necessary. Fourie stresses that policy certainty is needed to encourage long-term investment, as is greater support for entrepreneurship and small businesses, along with improved education and skills development, so more people can participate in the economy. “South Africa has deep capital pools and sophisticated financial markets. The challenge is creating an environment in which businesses have the confidence to invest, expand, and create jobs. Sustainable growth ultimately comes from investment, productivity, and partnership between government, business, and labour.”
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Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Her career highlights include helping to build and modernise South Africa’s capital markets, contributing to major transactions that supported economic development, and leading the JSE through significant technological and regulatory transformations, as well as unprecedented events such as the Covid-19 pandemic. “One of my greatest privileges has been working with exceptional teams to strengthen market infrastructure, broaden access to capital, and reinforce confidence in South Africa’s financial system. Ultimately, the greatest highlight has been serving an institution that plays such a critical role in the country’s economy,” Fourie says. Under her tenure, the JSE cut red tape to simplify listing requirements, underscoring its undertaking to create a more enabling environment.
S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
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y first impression of the managing director of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), Pontsho Maruping, is that she has little patience with being fussed over. Before our interview begins, a colleague offers a gentle caveat. Maruping has just returned from a business trip and is feeling under the weather, so I should go easy on her. Maruping quips without missing a beat: “I am not fragile.” The space leader turns 60 this year, marking a milestone in a career that has helped shape South Africa’s scientific ambitions in space science and radio astronomy. Maruping has what many would describe as “oldest daughter energy” — a quiet confidence with a deep sense of responsibility. “I spent my formative years living in Soweto,” she says. “My mom was a nurse and my dad an entrepreneur. I am the eldest of three girls and the mother of one daughter.” Family remains one of the most important anchors in her life. “I’m good friends with my sisters. We celebrate each other and hold each other accountable. We get it from our mother, who is the strongest woman I know,” she says. “She survived breast cancer and fought hard to make sure her children value education. As a result, we have all found success in our own ways, and we always knew we had her support to pursue our dreams.” Maruping feels a responsibility to lead by example. “I have always felt that I need to be fearless,” she says. “Because I need to be a role model for my sisters and my daughter so they can also be brave.” Growing up in Meadowlands, Soweto, in the years after the 1976 Soweto uprising, Maruping inherited not only an appreciation for education but also a strong sense of justice. The struggle for equal education had unfolded in the streets of her community and shaped the values of a generation. “There was a lot of unrest,” she remembers. “Young people were very politically aware. So every time I see injustice, I want to step in. It’s very important to me to see people being treated the way I would want to be treated.” She pursued that commitment as far as she could. Maruping earned a BSc Engineering in mineral processing from the University of the Witwatersrand, followed by a BEng (Honours) in management of technology from the University of Pretoria. She later completed a master’s in space systems engineering at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and an executive MBA at IMD Business School in Switzerland. “For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in science and engineering,” she says. “I was always the child who wanted to pull toys apart and then put them together. I love building things, and this also shows in my hobbies, like Lego.” Maruping says she did not realise this was a career option growing up until she entered the mining industry through Anglo American. She worked in the lab responsible for samples, and it was there that she became interested in engineering. She quit and went back to school to study full-time. “When the first democratic government was elected, I wanted to be involved in building up the country’s scientific systems so that they serve the whole population. I started working in space and I never looked back,” she says. Today, Maruping leads the organisation at the heart of South Africa’s radio astronomy programme, overseeing the operation of the MeerKAT radio telescope and the country’s role in building the Square
Kilometre Array (SKA), the international telescope that will become the world’s largest and most sensitive radio observatory. This July marks eight years since the inauguration of MeerKAT in the Northern Cape. In that time, the instrument has become one of the world’s premier scientific facilities, enabling discoveries that have led to more than 700 peer-reviewed publications. From revealing previously unseen galaxies and probing the environments around black holes to mapping vast structures in the cosmos, MeerKAT has established South Africa as a global leader in radio astronomy. “South Africa was awarded the hosting of one part of the SKA, while the other part is hosted in Australia. As part of that journey, we built a pathfinder telescope and ended up creating one of the world’s
27 She believes that while progress has been made for women in science, the conversation needs to move beyond simply getting more girls into STEM. “Having more women as role models will help bring more girls into STEM careers,” she says. “But we also need to better support women in the early stages of their careers, when they are often raising young families while trying to establish themselves professionally. We haven’t completely figured out how to support women through that yet, but there are promising examples from countries like India.” Maruping is encouraged by the growing number of women taking up leadership positions in science worldwide. “Just seeing how different women lead and the different energy they bring to the room is very exciting,” she says. “Seeing women do so well is incredibly inspiring. I am looking forward to the day when women in STEM are no longer something we have to talk about.” One of the biggest barriers she still sees, however, is confidence. “Women often feel they have to be certain they can do something before they’ll put themselves forward. We can be our own harshest critics.” This is why her advice echoes one of science’s most fundamental principles. “In science, we say, ‘Try and try again.’ Even if you fail, that failure is a result. It tells you something. You need to do the best that you can. Be willing to challenge yourself, to try and to fail, and then get up again. Never let someone tell you what you can or can’t do. Trust your own abilities.”
A SPACE ODYSSEY
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Pontsho Maruping , m a n a g i n g director at SARAO, i s o u r Wo m a n o f t h e Ye a r i n S c i e n c e for her transformative career in mining, engineering, space science, and radio astronomy
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most impressive instruments — MeerKAT — which will eventually be integrated into the SKA,” she says. But her role extends far beyond overseeing world-class telescopes. “Part of my responsibility is to make sure MeerKAT is successful, while also developing the human capital South Africa needs. We work with universities to support students and researchers, and we look after South Africa’s interests in the SKA,” she adds. That investment in people has become a highlight of her career. “We are seeing many who started with us as young researchers become seasoned scientists, senior faculty members at universities, and mentors in their own right. Seeing them train the next generation and seeing people who look like them succeed has been incredibly rewarding.”
S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
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or Prof. Relebohile “Lebo” Moletsane, the first destinations worth exploring weren’t reached by planes but through the pages of great books. In rural Matatiele, Eastern Cape, those books offered glimpses of possibilities far beyond the village she called home. “Growing up, we didn’t even dream of something different, but I was fortunate enough that books could transport me to another life experience. However, for many kids, there was no access to books and therefore no access to what could be,” Moletsane says. That belief — that every child deserves the chance to imagine a different future — has shaped her life’s work. Today, Moletsane is the John Langalibalele Dube Chair in Rural Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the inaugural holder of the FALF-Wits-NRF Research Chair on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Her scholarship spans education, psychology, and gender, examining how poverty, violence, and inequality shape children’s lives, particularly girls in rural communities. By every measure, her own journey has been extraordinary. Apartheid made it all but impossible for a Black woman from rural South Africa to find her way to a United States university in the 1980s. She did, anyway, and has spent the decades since ensuring that children from backgrounds like hers can imagine possibilities once denied to them. Moletsane was the youngest of six children and the first in her family to attend university. “I was fortunate enough that this was at a time when everyone in my family could come together and contribute to me attending,” she says. She enrolled at the University of Fort Hare, which counts Nelson Mandela among its alumni, where she studied psychology before completing a university education diploma. She later taught geography and English at a local high school for five years before pursuing her postgraduate studies in the US, eventually earning a master’s degree and doctorate in education from Indiana University.
Although her academic path ultimately led her to education, psychology never disappeared from her work. While education provided the tools to improve children’s opportunities, psychology helped her understand how poverty, violence, and social norms shape the way children see themselves and the futures they believe are possible. Leaving South Africa to pursue her studies was both exhilarating and intimidating. “It was exciting, but also frightening. My education and my first job had both been in rural schools, and it was the first time I had ever been to what, at the time, seemed like a big city,” says Moletsane. “This was the first time I was outside of a rural community.” Living in the US exposed her to resources and opportunities that had been unimaginable while growing up in rural South Africa. The experience
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FUTUR text : SANAA MAJA
Relebohile Moletsane i s o u r Wo m a n o f t h e Ye a r in Education for enriching the lives of rural girls
29 reinforced her conviction that geography should never determine the future of a child. “I want children from rural areas to have access to opportunities I never had. I want them to have ideas and to imagine a different life,” she says. For Moletsane, expanding children’s imaginations is just as important as expanding educational opportunities. “My work aims to help girls imagine a better or alternative life. The fact that you are born in a rural area doesn’t mean you can’t become what you want to become,” she adds. That philosophy has guided decades of research into the challenges facing girls in rural areas. Her work examines how poverty, unequal gender norms, and gender-based violence intersect to limit girls’ education and general
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wellbeing. Rather than treating education simply as attendance or academic achievement, she sees it as deeply connected to children’s safety, mental wellbeing, confidence, and sense of agency. “Poverty and gender norms influence decision-making about resources in the home. If someone only has R20, they will rather send a boy to school than a girl. In some of the rural communities I work with, girls are married off very young so families can make up the resources,” she says. “Early marriage comes with high rates of gender-based violence and the silencing of their voices … Our work aims to change all of that and help girls to talk about their experiences and what they want for themselves.” Her projects bring together learners, teachers, parents, government officials, traditional leaders, police officers, and social workers. Children are encouraged to speak directly about the issues affecting them, while communities work together to develop practical strategies that can continue after the researchers have left. “We don’t stop at just educating communities on this topic; we co-create strategies for change. This then becomes something that they themselves can implement [and allows them to] identify who else they can talk to about these issues,” Moletsane explains. Part of that work involves training police officers, traditional authorities, and social workers to respond to child abuse cases ethically and sensitively, recognising that meaningful change requires an entire community. Conducting research in remote communities, however, is rarely straightforward. “It involves a lot of travel, transporting a lot of people to meeting points. What would have taken us one day in Joburg takes us three days in those rural areas because of the hectic travel time,” she says. Funding is another constant challenge. “Financial resources are a big problem because it costs a lot to run these programmes,” Moletsane says. Her work has earned her national recognition. In April, the University of the Free State conferred an honorary doctorate on Moletsane for her contribution to rural education. “At first I thought it was a prank, so the vice-chancellor had to call me to confirm it was true,” she says, laughing. “It was a very humbling experience.” While awards acknowledge the impact of her work, Moletsane says her greatest inspiration has always been much closer to home. “My mother worked very hard for very little. She did everything she could to make sure we all finished high school.” Outside her family, she has long admired anti-apartheid activist, educator, and women’s rights champion Ellen Kuzwayo, who had a similar life goal to Moletsane. “I like her principles and dedication to education and real social and community development,” she says. As she reflects on the legacy she hopes to leave, Moletsane returns to the values that first shaped her as a young girl in Matatiele. “I want people to know that I did the best I could with what I knew and what I had. And that my best wasn’t just for me — it was for other people and communities beyond my own.”
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Miss Soweto 2023, Paige Harvey, found love in the church and the warm arms of Daniel du Preez, aligning with God’s divine intention text : MASEGO SEEMELA
S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
TSA MANYALO
THE MEETING
Daniel: It was at church during youth, specifically at one of our games nights. She was incredibly competitive, which immediately caught my attention because I’m the same. I remember thinking she’s beautiful, but her personality and the way she carried herself stood out. From that day on, I found any excuse to talk to her every week, and before long I realised she was someone I wanted in my life for good.
DATING LIFE
Daniel: Our dating season was fun. We spent our first year dating undercover, which made every moment together feel exciting and special. For the first three months, our relationship existed almost entirely through endless texting and legendary seven-hour audio calls — all without actually seeing each other outside of church. It felt like a mystery game we both willingly signed up for. We attended the same church every Friday and Sunday, yet we swore not to engage with one another. No eye contact, no obvious or regular interaction because not everyone could know we were talking. Then, after youth, Paige would head home, and I would wait about 10-15 minutes before leaving… only to pick her up so we could go for late-night McDonald’s runs. We made amazing memories, from travelling to Dubai to spending Christmas with her family.
THE LIGHTBULB MOMENT
Daniel: I always knew I wanted to marry Paige — I was waiting for what I thought would be the “right” time. But when she went to visit her mom in Dubai for a month, everything became much clearer. I honestly thought I’d spend that time enjoying life with my friends, but instead I found
31 myself counting down the days until she came home. Being apart made me realise just how much she had become part of my everyday life.
IMAGES DJEHA / DJAYSTUDIOS
THE PROPOSAL
Paige: My mom lives overseas, so when she came home to visit, my family told me we were all going out for a lunch. For weeks she had been saying she wanted an excuse to get dressed up because she doesn’t get many opportunities where she lives now, so I didn’t think twice about it. The moment I arrived, I realised it wasn’t a welcome-home lunch at all — it was my proposal. I walked into the most breathtaking setup: a pathway of red roses, beautiful balloons, and a stunning backdrop with the words, “Will You Marry Me?” I’ll never forget that feeling. Daniel: Planning the proposal was probably the hardest secret I’ve ever had to keep because Paige always joked that when I proposed, I somehow had to make sure her nails,
hair, and outfit were all perfect. Paige loves the finer things in life, so once our parents had given me their blessing, I knew I had to find a venue with a beautiful sunset, great atmosphere, and a view that would make the moment feel as special as she deserved. Watching everything come together and the look on her face when she realised what was happening made every bit of planning worth it.
THE WEDDING PLAN
Paige: Before we got engaged, Daniel would often ask me how long I thought it would take to plan our wedding, and I’d confidently say, “Eight months.” We both knew we didn’t want a long engagement, we were simply excited to start our marriage. Once we considered the weather, venue availability, and our budget, 25 April made perfect sense. Our faith is the foundation of our relationship, and we wanted to enter marriage feeling spiritually prepared, not just wedding ready. The timing was exactly as God intended.
THE WEDDING
Paige: I wanted two things: a venue with a body of water and a beautiful glass reception space. Our wedding day was everything we had prayed for. The décor, food, atmosphere, our incredible guests ... every detail came together perfectly. Of course, my groom looked handsome. Like every wedding, there were a few little hiccups behind the scenes, but before the day arrived, Daniel and I had made a promise to each other: we wouldn’t let anything steal our joy. I’m so grateful we made that decision because it allowed us to experience our wedding day exactly as it was meant to be — filled with love, peace, joy, and gratitude. Daniel: The entire day was unforgettable, but if I had to choose one moment, it would be during our ceremony when we took time to worship and thank God for everything.
BREAKING TRADITION
Paige: Daniel had four groomsmen, but I skipped the traditional bridesmaid lineup. Instead, I had two of my closest friends walk alongside my brothers. We wanted every part of our wedding to be intentional, especially the people standing beside us. So we chose people we knew would still be in our lives regardless of circumstance.
TIPS FOR NEWLYWEDS
Daniel: Plan a wedding that’s true to the two of you and don’t feel pressured to meet everyone else’s expectations. Spend what you can comfortably afford, communicate openly, and remember that compromise goes a long way. The wedding is an incredible day, but the marriage you’re building together is so much more important. Paige: Don’t chase perfection. There will be mishaps, challenges, stressful moments, and maybe even a few disagreements, but every single moment is worth it. Above all, remember that your marriage is a covenant before God. Invite Him into every decision, every desire, every plan, and every detail. When He is your priority, everything else finds its rightful place.
WELLNESS-MAXXING. FROM RUNNING CLUBS AND FACIALS TO PADEL AND SLEEP SCORES, IT SEEMS THAT EVERYONE IS UPPING THEIR WELLNESS GAME
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MASTERING PROPER RECOVERY AFTER THE GYM IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS CHASING THE PUMP
Off-Duty Stubble
Spa Skin
D S. MAG ISSUE / AUG 2026
1. Foam roller: A great way to loosen up
C L E A N - B OY ERA
GROOMING
Bro Brows
ip into a more natural, easygoing approach to grooming. Bro Brows: Drop the tweezers and cancel that threading appointment. Dubbed the “bro brow” by Gen Z, these brows are fuller and more natural, rather than shaped into perfect arches. At Louis Vuitton, models were sent out with brows that kept their natural shape but were minimally groomed, with a slick of brow gel to enhance facial features rather than change them. Spa Skin: Take your cue from Louis Vuitton and Qasimi, where skin looks balmy and luminous, as if you’ve just spent the day at a spa. The aim is not perfection but a healthy glow that seems refreshed from a solid eight hours of sleep. Focus on plumping,
muscles after a gym or training session, once they are already warm and pliable. If you try foam rolling a muscle that is too cold or tight, you can bruise it, so stick to larger muscle groups like the hamstrings or glutes. 2. Vibration, massage guns or theraguns: Use on larger muscle groups to loosen tightness or warm up muscles and help to stimulate blood circulation before or after training. Depending on the machine’s intensity, it can provide a good massage and keep muscles supple, helping prevent soft-tissue injury. However, never use them too close to or on bony areas or the spine, to avoid potential fractures. 3. Lymph-drainage suits: These suits, like Normatec, which you climb into like a snow suit for your legs, use compress and release motions of different intensities to help send lactic acid in the lymph system from the legs into the lymph nodes to be cleansed and removed. These are a good option after exercise, as they allow you to lie down and rest your body while it works.
text : NOKUBONGA THUSI
hydrating skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides, and layer serums and creams with facial mists. Use a lightweight concealer to spot-correct any dark circles and blemishes. Off-Duty Stubble: If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon of going clean-shaven just yet, you’ll be happy to know that beards are still in, just a little differently than before. Heavily coiffed beards with razorsharp edges are taking a back seat to those that are more natural and lowmaintenance. Think softer, almost imperfect edges that are still wellgroomed and cool.
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EDITOR’S CHOICE:
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TechSupport 1. Geske MicroCurrent 6-in-1 Face-Lifter, R1115, superbalist.com 2. Worthy Co. Sleep Tincture, R350, worthyco.co.za 3. Nars Light Reflecting Makeup Setting Mist 90ml, R905 4. The Grey Recovery Face Serum 30ml, R2 160 5. Silicone smart watch, R1299, Colmi 6. Massage gun in black, R259, takealot.com
IMAGES ROSDIANA CIARAVOLO; VICTOR VIRGILE / GAMMA-RAPHO; EDWARD BERTHELOT / GETTY IMAGES
3of thebest: recovery gadgets