TOP WOMEN IN Africa
RALF FLETCHERWelcome Note
CEO of Topco Media
Each year, the Standard Bank Top Women Conference offers us a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come in advancing gender empowerment – and the work that still lies ahead. What began as a “women’s issue” has become widely recognised as a key driver of growth, diversity, resilience, and innovation across every sector of society.
Our mission remains clear: to amplify the voices of women leaders and to support organisations that are breaking barriers and building a more inclusive economy. Today, we are proud to be Africa’s most dynamic and fastest-growing platform for women who lead.
For over 12 years, Standard Bank has been at the heart of this movement, helping us grow a powerful nationwide network of Top Gender Empowered Companies and trailblazing women entrepreneurs. By empowering women, we are not only accelerating Africa’s growth but also shaping a more equitable and sustainable future. This year, our theme is “Her Power. Africa’s Future.” It reflects our belief that when women rise, Africa rises – and that empowering women is central to unlocking the continent’s full potential.
We are proud to introduce new tools that make this event a catalyst for growth: from Expresso, our live networking platform helping delegates connect and collaborate in real time, to business matchmaking designed to help female entrepreneurs access markets and build strategic partnerships. In addition, through our partnership with Hopin, we are thrilled to welcome over 50,000 past attendees of our online conferences into the virtual experience, enabling women across Africa and beyond to network, learn, and exchange ideas without borders. In 2025, our reach extends far beyond the physical event. Whether in Johannesburg or online, our goal is to ensure that this conference
is not only a space for inspiration but also a practical platform for collaboration and business growth.
One insight remains constant: the most successful women lift as they rise. Organisations that embrace gender empowerment consistently o§utperform their peers, and men who mentor, advocate for, and invest in women remain vital allies in the journey toward true parity. The Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2025 is more than an event – it is a catalyst for actionable insights, meaningful conversations, powerful connections, and real opportunities to create lasting impact in your career, company, and community.
We are proud to walk this journey alongside a coalition of leaders, including Standard Bank, Topco Media, and our partners, all committed to driving gender empowerment and sustainable economic growth.
Over the next two days, we invite you to engage, connect, and be inspired. Let us challenge assumptions, push boundaries, and support one another on the shared path toward equality, sustainability, and opportunity.
Welcome to the Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2025. We are honoured to have you with us.
“THAT’S A DUMB IDEA”
That “dumb idea” has helped a continent of young girls feel like they belong.
Khulile Vilakazi-Ofosu | Sibahle Doll Collection
Do what others say you can’t with the bank that believes you can. Start, manage and grow your business at standardbank.co.za/RiseAboveTheNoise
EmpowHER: Creatingaccess to markets for entrepreneurs.
Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, Cape Town
EMPOW HER
The EmpowHER Development Series is aimed at building communities and creating access to networks for entrepreneurs.
Travelling across provinces, 10 pre-selected entrepreneurs pitch their promising business models to a well rounded panel of high level thought leaders and business experts in the form of a 3-minute elevator
pitch followed by an interactive 5-minute Q&A where participants receive feedback on how to successfully grow their businesses into market leaders.
The winners from all the regions are then entered into the annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards and 1 Winner walks home with the trophy and a R100 000 cash prize. n
“It has been an incredibly good event. It is very professional. Each speaker has added so much value.
What I love the most is it has been a really relaxed environment, beautiful decor, gorgeous entertainment and food but most importantly it is the vibe with the women, you can sense the joy and excitement in the room.”
Cindy Norcott CEO of ProTalent EmpowHER Speaker
JUDGES & SPEAKERS Our Superb Gauteng
Thank you to each and every one of our EmpowHER judges & speakers for your contributions in making today possible.
Linda Swart
Head: Client Journeys, CX Insights and Adoption, Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa
Busi Selesho
Internationally Accredited Money Coach, Speaker & Author
Palesa Ramodibe
Head of Marketing and Communications Africa, Wipro
Lagini Govender
Head, Provincial Enterprise Banking, Standard Bank South Africa
Nokhanyo Ntshingila
Senior Manager, Enterprise and Supplier Development, Standard Bank South Africa
Nonnie Kubeka
Head of Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau
Yael Geffen
SOTHEBY’S CEO & STANDARD BANK TOP WOMEN AWARD WINNER
Kwazulu - natal
Elizabeth Mokwena
Marketing Director, Unilever Southern Africa
Jackie Motsepe
Chief Operations Officer, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority
Maria Sinomhlobo Ngcaweni
Provincial Head: Enterprise Banking, KZN, Standard Bank
Fikile Msiza
Head, Region, Business Banking, KwaZulu-Natal Ralf
Cindy Norcott
Entrepreneur & CEO of Pro Talent
Cape Town
Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Rushda Moosajee
Fitness Entrepreneur, Founder of the RushTush Brand
Germinah Nyikana
HR Executive, Clicks Group
Dr. Miskyah Toth CEO, Business Directive Contract Services (BDCS)
Nqobile Nzuza Provincial Head, Enterprise Banking, Western Cape, Standard Bank
Qaanitah Dollie
Head, Provincial Enterprise Banking, Portfolio, Standard Bank
Ralf Fletcher CEO, Topco Media
Thandi Kunene Corporate Affairs & Engagement, L’Oréal South Africa
SPONSORS & PARTNERS Our Phenomenal
CAPE TOWN
® Thank you to our spectacular sponsors and partners who have helped make today possible.
KWAZULU-NATAL
GOODIE BAGS
Coca-Cola Beverages South
Africa (CCBSA) sponsored the
production of the EmpowHER
Gauteng Goodie Bags
Following Gauteng where Desigual dressed the Topco team and MC, one team member was still dressed in KZN. They also hosted a giveaway competition gifting 1 x R3000 voucher.
Biscoff supplied cookies for delegates to grab Nespresso coffees. and snack on-the-go along with their
Refresha Trading produced customised water bottles to go onto the stage and tables.
GOODIE BAGS
OhMyCake catered cake cups for the delegates to enjoy at the end of the day
Rave About Sauce gifted products for the winner and judges’ gift bags
Veg On The Go gifted products for the winner and judges’ gift bags
You Do You had a stand with a range of different shades of lipstick for delegates to purchase throughout the day. They also had a giveaway during Yael’s Keynote Address, and the finalists and judges were each gifted one.
DewDrop Skincare gifted giftbags to the judges and winners.
GOODIE BAGS SPONSERS
GAUTENG
Contents:
Notebook & Pen
Satin Care shaving cream
Selsun conditioner
Malori Care bath salt
Malachi Organics Collagen Booster Serum
Retro Chick
#SBTWEmpowHER Branded Lip Balm
KWAZULU-NATAL
Contents:
Notebook & Pen
Comfort Fabric Softener
Robertson Braai & Grill Spice
Selsun Conditioner
MLT Car Hire Voucher
Mashobane Candle
Biscoff
Branded Lip Balm
GlycoLemon
Softlips
Amani Skins Cream
Coca-Cola Beverages
South Africa Sippy Cup
#SBTWEmpowHER
CAPE TOWN
Contents:
Robertson Braai & Grill Spice
Kellogg’s All Brand flakes
Kellogg’s Cinnamon Crunch Granola
Kellogg’s Hot & Spicy Pringles
#SBTWEmpowHER Branded Lip Balm
Vaseline Cera-Glow body oil
Softlips
Olay 7 in One
RetroChick EmpowHER bracelet
Bella Rose mist
White Glo Charcoal toothpaste
Cape Island
Noli Mini voucher
Africa wellness voucher
Candles & Things voucher
#SBTWEmpowHER Branded Lip
Balm
Standard Bank Activation Winner received the POS Machine.
Custom Covers
Personalised Top Women Leaders publication covers for speakers and judges.
Chocolate Gifts
Personalised chocolates for speakers, judges and finalists..
Networking and Cocktails
After party into the evening with music, drinks, snacks and a photo booth.
Photobooth
Souvenir Programme
MOLOTO MOKOENA Your Conference Host
CORPORATE MODERATOR & MC
She is an experienced voiceover artist, MC, and facilitator with over 5 years of engaging audiences through her dynamic presence. Her versatile voice has brought life to commercials, narrations, the Zero to Free podcast, award shows, and in-store campaigns for major South African retailers.
FINALISTS Gauteng
Have a look at our Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Entrepreneurs who qualified as our finalists this year.
PSD Scent Perfumes (Pty) Ltd
Phumulile Mkhonza
Unjani Clinic Botshabelo Mampe Elisa Konyama
Ace Models (Pty) Ltd Joani Jacobs
FINALISTS Kwazulu-Natal
Zimisele Afrika Consulting
Sonto Cheryl Sikhakhane
WeSurvey Inc.
Rose Ginya
Zoë Projects & Consulting
Yolanda Mbanguzi
Ozel Group
Nokwanda Dlamini
St. Gerard’s ECD Centre
Rachal Singh
Honeylog
Nosipho Ntuli
Mahlatse Mamaila
Foot Motion Podiatry
Alisha Lalbeharie
Lesego Mpyana
FINALISTS Cape Town
Taylor Made and Designs Natalie Diergaardt
Millennial Mindset Media
Marcia Monareng
Renature (Pty) Ltd
Vutomi Eulendah Lubisi
Home Bao
Tina Long
Freerange Creatives (Pty) Ltd
Danielle Timmins
Mzansi
Services
Merwe
WINNER Gauteng
Khabonina Mnguni
Zibangwenya Supplies T/A
ZS Uniforms
Zibangwenya Supplies T/A ZS Uniforms supplies locally produced school uniforms to underprivileged communities.
"I am sewing the future of Africa one uniform at a time."
WINNER Kwazulu-Natal
Nokwanda Dlamini
Ozel Group
Beyond designing and installing lifts and escalators, Nokwanda empowers
young girls from disadvantaged schools in robotics and coding
“Let us lift each other up and elevate South Africa one level at a time.”
Cape Town
WINNER
Tina Long
Home Bao
Tina Long is the founder of Home Bao, a creative food venture bringing delicious bao to life. Her business blends culinary innovation with a passion for delivering unique dining experiences. through Siyafunda Youth Elevation.
EMPOWERING TOP WOMENAfrica
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN Africa
Naledzani Mosomane
Lindi Monyae
EMPOWERING Top Women in Africa
Sustainability
Managing Executive/ Big Data, AI &RPA, Vodacom
Charlotte Kepadisa
Nolo Thobejane General Manager, KFC Africa
Akhona Qengqe
Reshni Singh
Sally Nhlanhla
Ntokozo Maseko
Natasha Perold
Director, Jenna Clifford
Summer Clifford Kotzé
Sagree Pillay
Disa Mpande Head of Marketing, Mr. Price Sport
Philippa Feher
Manager: Western Cape, merSETA
COO, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism And Film Authority
Founder, SheRef Her Legacy Foundation
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Vaxowave
& Founder, Pink Drive
Chief Stakeholders, Projects & Advocacy Officer, Good Governance Africa
Kume Luvhani
Noelene Kotschan
Bronwin Abrahams
Jackie Motsepe
Akhona Makalima
Sundrie Naidoo
Zandile Mkwanazi
Lebo Letsoalo
Chrissy Dube
Pareen Rogers
EMPOWERING Top Women in Africa
Adv Nthabiseng Sepanya Mogale
Chairperson, Commission For Gender Equality
Transformation Manager, South African Insurance Association
Director External and Regulatory Affairs & Chairperson/ Vodacom Foundation, Vodacom South Africa
Head of Communications, Enel Green Power South Africa
Co-Founder and MD of Stimm
HR Executive, South African Airways
Vice President Finance, Merchants
CEO, Bridging & Associates Antoinette
Head of the Academy for Learning and Development, Plastics SA
Join the #SBTopWomen family and be part of the movement! Whether it’s through our Conferences, Awards, or Publications, we celebrate trailblazing leaders and organisations making an impact.
Scan the QR code below to connect with us on social media and stay updated on the latest news, insights, and success stories.
OUR PHENOMENAL
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
We extend our gratitude to our esteemed sponsors and partners for their invaluable support in making the conference a resounding success
MIGRAINE WELLNESS CLINIC
EMPOWERING Top Women in Africa
4,459
1,082
60 DELEGATES VIRTUAL DELEGATES SHOWCASE SPEAKERS
23
EMPOWERING Top Women in Africa
4459 Attendees
8.9 Attendees score
82 Countries/regions
SOCIAL Competitions
SOCIAL MEDIA Competitions
PUBLICATION Unveiling
Fiona Wakelin, Group Editor & Judy Twaambo Chileshe, Head of Brand at Topco Media
The 20th anniversary edition of Standard Bank Top Women™ Leaders, brought to you by Topco Media. Backed by over 20 years of research, the annual Top Women Leaders publication is the country’s authoritative source on top gender empowered companies.
Measured against rigorous criteria, organisations achieve scores based on the representation of women in senior positions, gender empowerment policies, ownership and percentage of female staff.
R 26,510.99 PUBLICATION PAID ADS 7.9M IMPRESSIONS | 379,157 CLICKS
R 70, 720, 752.12
South Africa speaking loud and clear! #SBTopWomen & WeRunBusiness were in the top 10 trending #TopcoMedia’s, and we couldn’t be prouder! 1 JAN - 15 OCT 2025
R 4,508,917.40 MONTH OF EVENT:
Cyril, Mnangagwa bid to save Kabila
South Africa and Zimbabwe’s presidents apparently discussed the former DRC leader’s predicament and agreed the treason charges were not fair
eSwatini and the UK, where he was born. Since fleeing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2023, Kabila has been shuttling between Zimbabwe and South Africa, where he was doing postgraduate studies. He returned to his country in June setting up base in the M23-controlled North Kivu capital, Goma. He faces charges including treason, complicity with the armed group M23, crimes against humanity and massive corruption during his 18-year presidency. The DRC military auditor general has asked for the death sentence if the former president is convicted. Mnangagwa hosted Ramaphosa in Harare on 29 August, where the latter opened the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. On the sidelines of the event, they spoke about Kabila’s predicament in the DRC and agreed that the treason charges were not fair, sources told the Mail & Guardian
It was resolved that a meeting between Tshisekedi and Kabila should be arranged. However, ahead of that, the two
leaders needed to have a meeting with Tshisekedi.
On Thursday last week, at the request of Ramaphosa, Tshisekedi flew into Johannesburg for a short visit which the presidency said was part of South Africa’s “constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the DRC”.
It is understood that, during their two-hour, closed-door meeting at Mahlamba Ndlopfu in Pretoria, they contacted Mnangagwa by phone to discuss the Kabila situation. The Zimbabwean and South African presidential spokespersons had not responded to repeated inquiries from the M&G by the time of publication. Tshisekedi’s visit coincided with the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) phased withdrawal of 800 troops deployed to Lubumbashi in February as M23 rebels marched into Goma. Sources told the M&G that Tshisekedi reminded Ramaphosa of their Kinshasa meeting in July, where the two agreed to co-operate on security. Tshisekedi wanted the SANDF to
stay put in the DRC because its withdrawal could open a vacuum for M23 to cover more ground
Tshisekedi’s fears were confirmed by General Eddy Kapend of the Congolese National Army’s 22nd region, in a briefing to journalists early this week.
“The threat of the east is on us in such a way that, if we fail to stop the enemy’s progression from where they are, it means we will be the first target,” he said.
“We look at this and think they can attack everywhere, but as long as they don’t take Katanga, the country will survive,” Kapend said. However, the SANDF’s withdrawal is underway, sources said. One of the major concerns was that the DRC had not paid part of its Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC bill for the regional deployment in eastern Congo, estimated to be about $200 million. On the sidelines of a UN General Assembly meeting, Tshisedeki held
Controversy: Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi (left) and his predecessor, Joseph Kabila (right).
O ur Articles
https://briefly.co.za/people/women/226103-standard-bank-top-women-2025-championing-inclusive-leadership-innovation-africas-future/ https://smesouthafrica.co.za/insights-from-female-leaders-at-thestandard-bank-top-women-conference/ https://gpnewsmedia.co.za/women-at-the-helm-reflections-on-thestandard-bank-top-women-conference-2025/
https://omny.fm/shows/africa-update/standard-bank-top-women-empowerment-conference-guerbet
https://omny.fm/shows/africa-update/standard-bank-top-women-empowerment-conference-barloworld-limited
https://thejoburgreporter.com/2025/09/23/driving-womens-innovation-a-leadership-conversation-with-naledzani-mosomane-at-the-top-women-conference-2025/
https://gpnewsmedia.co.za/her-power-africas-future-standard-banktop-women-conference-2025-set-to-transform-leadership-on-thecontinent/
https://alltimenews.co.za/standard-bank-top-women-conference2025-returns-to-sandton-convention-centre/
https://www.cnbcafrica.com/media/7758538719616/driving-africas-growth-through-womens-empowerment
Banners: R7 500 x 29 = R 217 500
Newsletters/Articles: R25 000 x 14 = R350 000
Value: R5 760 000
Topco PR: 5.7 Million
Good Governance :
Social media: R50k | Mailers: 275k
Channel Africa:
Social media: R20k | Mailers: 350K
BILLBOARD Catch us on every
Our Billboards dominated SA’s landscape, mirroring our sponsors’ impactful presence at our event, empowering excellence nationwide
1-22 SEPTEMBER 2025
BILLBOARD Catch us on every
Our Billboards dominated SA’s landscape, mirroring our sponsors’ impactful presence at our event, empowering excellence nationwide
1-22 SEPTEMBER 2025
22 LOCATIONS ACROSS RSA
Gauteng, Santon
Gauteng, M1 South Freeway, Johannesburg Gauteng, Pretoria, Ben Schoeman Freeway
Gauteng, Johannesburg, N14 Highway
TOTAL COMBINED AUDIENCE REACH: MEDIA VALUE DELIVERED:
6,718,924 R 557,500
TOTAL COMBINED AUDIENCE IMPRESSIONS:
8,246,141
Gauteng, Sandton, Morningside
Gauteng, Town: Sandton, Marlboro
Gauteng, Johannesburg, N14 Highway
EMPOWERING Top Women in Africa
MATCHMAKING Business
217 delegates were profiled.
60% of delegates were active in the program. We scheduled 152 meetings in a week pre-show. We achieved an actioned rate of 85% - accepted/declined. Only 13 of the 152 meetings remained pending. 65 meetings were confirmed
With our onsite team tracking the meeting tables - 32 took place day 1 - 25 took place on day 2.
Total 57 meetings took place.
EMPOWERING Top Women in Africa
TESTIMONIALS
EMPOWERING Top Women in Africa
