The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award returns to South Africa for its fifth year, carrying forward a legacy that celebrates women who lead with vision, courage and purpose. Since its inception in 1972, the award has honoured nearly 500 women across 27 countries, creating a global network of leaders whose stories inspire progress. In 2026, South African entrepreneurs once again have the opportunity to step into this legacy and join a community that continues to redefine leadership.
A Legacy Rooted in Boldness
The Bold Woman Award amplifies women who transform industries and challenge convention. At its heart lies the pioneering spirit of Madame Clicquot, who in 1805 took over the champagne house at a time when women were excluded from business and finance.
Her innovations, from the riddling table to the first blended rosé champagne, reshaped the industry and set a precedent for bold leadership. Today, her story remains a blueprint for entrepreneurs who dare to lead on their own terms.
South Africa’s Bold Leaders
Over the past five years, South African winners have showcased the diversity and strength of female entrepreneurship. In 2022, Gugu Sithole of Glamping Adventures reimagined luxury travel with mobile safari camps. Captain Londy Ngcobo, Africa’s first female dredge master, was recognised for her pioneering work in maritime leadership.
Claire Blanckenberg of Reel Gardening followed in 2023 with her seed tape innovation that transformed home food cultivation, while Zama Ngcobo championed young black female legal practitioners through WMN Attorneys Inc.
The momentum continued in 2024 with Morongwe Mokone of Mo’s Crib, whose sustainable home décor brand gained global recognition, and Refilwe Sebothoma of Hakem Energies, who expanded access to clean cooking solutions.
Most recently, in 2025, Retang Phaahla of Setšong Tea Crafters revived indigenous knowledge through a purpose-led tea brand, while Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi advanced climate-smart development across agriculture, water and energy. Each of these women embodies the award’s ethos: leadership that is bold, transformative and deeply rooted in purpose.
Categories of Recognition
The award recognises women at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.
- Bold Woman Award: For founders or CEOs of companies operating for more than five years, who have demonstrated transformation in their field and supported growth while maintaining ethical practices.
- Bold Future Award: For founders or CEOs of companies less than five years old, who have made significant contributions to their company’s success and introduced ethical change in their market.
Together, these categories reflect Veuve Clicquot’s commitment to supporting both established leaders and rising visionaries.
Entry Guidelines
Entries for the 2026 edition open on 2 March and close on 12 April. Applicants must be official residents of South Africa, with businesses based in or operating within the country. To qualify, candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Bold Woman Award: Founder or CEO of a company for more than five years, with at least two years of demonstrated growth and transformation.
- Bold Future Award: Founder or CEO of a company less than five years old, with tangible contributions to entrepreneurship and transformation in an existing market.
An independent jury will select three finalists in each category. These finalists will be invited to the award ceremony in Johannesburg on 15 July 2026, where one laureate in each category will be honoured. Beyond the ceremony, winners will travel to Reims, France, for an immersion in the history and tradition of Maison Veuve Clicquot, gaining access to mentorship, global visibility and a powerful international network.
The Bold Woman Award is the longest-running international accolade of its kind. It is a platform for visibility, connection and empowerment. Through initiatives like the Bold Open Database, the award continues to highlight the realities faced by women in business while offering pathways to growth and recognition.
For South African creatives and entrepreneurs, it represents an opportunity to elevate their work, expand their reach and join a global conversation about leadership and innovation.
How to Enter
Business leaders ready to be recognised for their success can enter by completing the official form via boldopendatabase.com. Entries open on 2 March and close on 12 April 2026.
The journey of bold leadership continues, and the next chapter belongs to the women who step forward.
