The South African Women in Business Awards (SAWIBA) 2025, hosted by Yobuningi in collaboration with Glow TV, honoured over forty remarkable women on Saturday, 8 November, at the South African National Museum of Military History in Saxonwold.
Among the standout honourees were Yumna Khan and Ayesha Ebrahim from Lenasia, whose work in philanthropy, activism, and business has left a lasting impact. The evening celebrated resilience, achievement, and empowerment, bringing together women from across the country to recognise their contributions to business and community upliftment.
Priya Ranchod told GLOBE POST: “I am honoured to receive the SAWIBA 2025 Award. My deepest thanks to my mother Amba Bhowan Ranchod, my family, friends, LTTA and ATM for their constant support. This recognition is a shared achievement, and I remain committed to serving our community with integrity and making a positive impact. Thank you for being part of this journey.”
Women travelled from Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Mogale City, Johannesburg, Lenasia, the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal to take part in an inspiring evening filled with networking, camaraderie and celebration. The atmosphere was vibrant and inclusive, with families and friends proudly supporting the honourees.
The programme included captivating performances by Desi Boys and Desiree Karabo Reddy, as well as thought-provoking addresses from Councillor Jackie Mpondo Hendricks, Dr Ria Love, Nomawethu Moshoeshoe, and Teresa Mordoh. The evening was expertly guided by masters of ceremonies Keshni Yelumalay and Dr Sandra Da Mata. SAWIBA sponsors and media partners were also acknowledged for their essential role in making the event possible.
The awards recognised women who have demonstrated outstanding resilience, innovation, and leadership. These women have transformed challenges into opportunities and continue to pave the way for others.
The full list of recipients reflects the depth of talent and diversity shaping South Africa’s business and social landscape, including Aadila Pretorius, Alycia Ramlucken, Amisha Moodley, Ateeya Arbi, Ayesha Ebrahim, Dr (H.C) Sandra Da Mata, Dr Neera Bhikha, Dr Nisi Thusi, Dr Ria Love, Dr Shubhangi Jadhav, Faheema Peer, Fahrana Bee Bee Yacob, Faroza Ahmed, Fathima Abdul Rehman, Fatima Emetuche, Fatima Hassen Loonat, Fiona Rassool, Jawairya Aboobaker, Judith Nomsa Ndlovu, Kabira Dewan, Karabo Digasho, Kaveshni Naidoo, Loshnee Naidoo, Malini Bandi, Matlakala Charlotte Ngobeni, Nancy Moodley, Naseera Turkey, Nerina Moodley, Nomawethu Moshoeshoe, Pratisha Sirkisson, Pravina Pillay, Priya Ranchod, Prof Dr AMB Mehreen Mia H.C, Renisha Bhima, Reona Sahu Singh, Sayali Patil, Thev Pather, Trinisha Govender, Uzma Chhaya, Videshni Naidoo Singh, Waafiqa Osman, Yumna Khan, Christel Marais, and Teresa Mordoh.
Additional recognition was given to ambassadors and awardees Keshni Yelumalay, Dezry Kay, Nadia Baksh, Quraisha Moosa, Kenoshi Anthony, and Ayesha Ebrahim for their notable contributions to collaboration and empowerment.
In a keynote address, Councillor Jackie Mpondo Hendricks encouraged women to move beyond celebration and take collective action in confronting systemic challenges such as gender inequality, economic exclusion, and gender-based violence. “Being a woman has never meant being weak. It has always meant being a warrior, a healer, a builder, and a leader all at once,” she said, drawing on the legacy of courageous women throughout history and calling for unity and purpose-driven leadership.
Founder Shameem Baksh reminded attendees that SAWIBA is not merely an awards ceremony. It is a movement designed to inspire future generations. Through initiatives such as the Ladli Foundation Africa’s One Mission campaign, the event highlighted the importance of dignity, education, and opportunity for girls across South Africa. “The event was about showing the next generation what empowerment looks like, what strength sounds like, and what resilience feels like,” she said.
Award recipient Yumna Khan from Lenasia, philanthropist, GBV activist, and founder of the Just Being Human Foundation, expressed heartfelt gratitude. She thanked her husband Feizal Khan, her family, her dedicated team, and her mother for their unwavering support. She also expressed appreciation to Shameem Baksh of Yobuningi and Glow TV for amplifying the work of local changemakers. Yumna emphasised that the impact of her foundation is possible only through the collective efforts of its supporters.
From uplifting performances to moving speeches, the SAWIBA Awards 2025 stood as a celebration of courage, collaboration, and transformation. The event honoured women who are shaping businesses, strengthening communities, and redefining leadership. As the evening drew to a close, one message remained unmistakably clear: South African women are rewriting narratives, breaking barriers, and building legacies that will inspire generations to come.
Images: Priya Ranchod
