The rolling hills of Reims, France, have long served as the epicenter of global luxury, but recently, the soil of Maison Veuve Clicquot felt a little more like home. In a historic moment for South African entrepreneurship, four formidable local founders Claire Blanckenberg, Zama Ngcobo, Morongwe “Mo” Mokone, and Refilwe Sebothoma travelled to the heart of Champagne to take their place in a lineage of leadership spanning centuries.
They didn’t arrive merely as guests; they came to be rooted. Joining a hand-picked cohort of founders from Europe, Asia, and the United States, these four women saw their names etched into the very vineyards that produce the world’s most iconic yellow-label champagne. 
A Path Forged by Madame Clicquot
The journey to Reims transcends the typical luxury getaway; it represents a pilgrimage in the name of Madame Clicquot, the Grand Dame of Champagne. In 1805, at just 27 years old, she took the reins of the Maison after her husband’s passing, defying the social norms of the era to become one of the first international businesswomen of the modern age.
For Blanckenberg, Ngcobo, Mokone, and Sebothoma, the connection was instant. Like Madame Clicquot, these South African women have navigated the complexities of building empires in challenging climates. Whether it is Blanckenberg’s architectural vision, Ngcobo’s legal prowess, Mokone’s retail innovation, or Sebothoma’s industrial impact, each has displayed the boldness that the Maison has championed since its inception.
The Moment the Soil Spoke Back
While the trip offered the expected glamour of the French countryside, the atmosphere shifted when the cohort entered the vineyards. There, among rows of ancient vines, stood the markers of their achievement. Each founder had a vine named in her honour, a living, breathing testament to their contribution to the global business landscape.
For Refilwe Sebothoma, the weight of the moment was transformative.
“I cried,” she admitted, reflecting on the sight of her name etched in the vineyard. Her reaction spoke to the visibility of the African woman in spaces where, historically, she was never meant to be.
The first thing Sebothoma did was pick up the phone to call her daughter. “You will always be able to come here and see your mom’s name on this vine,” she told her. In that single phone call, the achievement transitioned from a corporate accolade into a multi-generational legacy.
Bridging the Gap: From Mzansi to Maison
The presence of these four women in Reims signals a shift in how South African excellence is perceived globally. They are not just local success stories; they are global benchmark setters.
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Claire Blanckenberg of Reel Gardening continues to redefine sustainability and social impact.
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Zama Ngcobo of WMN Law represents the sharp edge of legal and corporate strategy.
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Morongwe “Mo” Mokone of Mo’s Crib proves that African-inspired aesthetics have a permanent home in the global luxury market.
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Refilwe Sebothoma of PBM Group showcases the power of industrial leadership and community uplifting.
By embedding these stories within the historic vineyards of Champagne, Veuve Clicquot does not simply celebrate past wins. The Maison is planting names where they can grow for generations.
The Future of Bold Leadership
As the sun set over the chalk cellars of Reims, the message was clear: Boldness is a South African export. The Bold Woman Award and the subsequent trip to the Maison serve as a reminder that the path forged by Madame Clicquot is wide enough for those brave enough to walk it.
For the South African creative and business community, these four women serve as the ultimate plug, proof that building with enough passion and grit in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Polokwane can lead to a name etched in the soil of France.
