The 2024 Bold Woman Awards have once again spotlighted incredible female entrepreneurs unapologetically going after their boldest dreams and inspiring South Africans in the process. Meet the 2024 winners!
Johannesburg, South Africa (28 July 2024)—Every year, tenacious and trailblazing female entrepreneurs achieving fantastic feats in South Africa and beyond are celebrated to inspire future generations of women with bold dreams at the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards.
Last year, food security heroine Claire Blackenberg was named the Bold Woman of the Year for her ‘Garden in a Box’ concept that has helped millions of people take charge of their own food security in South Africa. Taking on the baton from Claire as the 2024 Bold Woman of the Year winner is Morongwe “Mo” Mokone, joined by Refilwe Sebothoma, who won the Bold Future Award!
Mo Mokone is the co-founder of Mo’s Crib—a decor and design company that has given innovative life to recycled and non-invasive materials by turning them into practical handmade items.
At the core of Mo’s business is African craft and sustainability, which has empowered multiple artisans with work with 87% being women crafters.
What began as a side hustle for Mo and her sister in 2019 has turned into an African-proud supporter of the cyclical and sustainable economy that has made its way to stocking shelves for big names in decor all over the world.
“It is about things being made sustainably, and creating jobs in the [communities] that matter,” Mo says.
“Winning the Bold Woman Award is an incredible honour and a profound celebration of the challenges I have overcome. It signifies triumph over adversity and is a beacon of hope, reaffirming that I am on the right path. This recognition is a personal achievement and testament to the resilience and determination required to navigate and succeed in the entrepreneurial world.”
As for Refilwe, her boldness has made an impact on the issue of energy poverty thanks to her business, Hakem Energies, which provides accessible and affordable energy sources to marginalised communities. By creating access to safe energy alternatives, Refilwe’s business is focused on ending social issues like paraffin poisoning and air pollution while making a healthier way for families to cook without dirty fuels.
“I’ve always seen entrepreneurship as a tool that could allow me to not just impact my own life but to impact the life of women who are like my mother and grandmother,” Refilwe says.
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