Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ EMEIA Class of 2023

These visionary entrepreneurs are driving growth and innovation right across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa. The 55 successful women entrepreneurs join a global community of inspiring peer role models spanning 55 countries and with over 800 alumnae.

We are pleased to introduce to our new cohort from Africa.

Africa

Photographic portrait of Stella Sigana

Stella Sigana

Alternative Waste Technologies | Kenya

Provides alternative waste techonology supplies to mitigate against climate change.

Photographic portrait of Lauren Anderson

Lauren Anderson

Koa Academy | South Africa

Online school combining a robust academic education with an individualized approach.

Photographic portrait of Farana Boodhram

Farana Boodhram

Midesk Global | South Africa

Designs wheelie school bags for children without desks in rural schools.

Photographic portrait of Ego Iwegbu

Ego Iwegbu

MsLondon Cosmetics | South Africa

Clean makeup brand that provides natural coverage for all skin types and skin tones.

Photographic portrait of Tarisai Moffat

Tarisai Moffat

Gateway Synergy | South Africa

Digital content production house for brands entering Africa.

Photographic portrait of Ngwanamatloa Mokone

Ngwanamatloa Mokone

ABOT Technology | South Africa

Software development company that builds cutting-edge technology solutions.

Photographic portrait of Vanessa Raath

Vanessa Raath

The Talent Hunter | South Africa

Offline and online talent sourcing training for recruiters.

Painter in yellow blouse

Class of 2023 yearbook

A new cohort joins the EY Entrepreneurial Winning WomenTM program which champions women to turn their visions into business masterpieces.

Find out more (pdf)

How do the inspired become the inspiration? Elevating ambitious women entrepreneurs who build great companies and show others what’s possible.

  • Why participate

    Why participate?

    Entrepreneurial Winning Women join an international network of women entrepreneurs and participate in a bespoke executive education program with year-round activities designed to:

    Expand their knowledge with the latest information, research and executive dialogues about business strategies and practices.

    Develop the skills needed to effectively identify potential partners, strategic alliances, customers and suppliers as well as find routes to prospective sources of capital.

    • Provide access to informal, one-to-one guidance and support.
    • Strengthen their executive leadership and business skills and identify opportunities to grow through meetings with senior advisors and seasoned entrepreneurs.
    • Increase visibility for themselves and their companies among corporate executives, investors and the media, creating possible new collaborations and opportunities.
    • Provide a gateway to a global community of successful women entrepreneurs and inspiring peer role models who, in 2020, numbered more than 750 across 48 countries.

    Our Alumni Network

    To find out who participated in our previous programmes, click on the title below and follow the links.

    Entrepreneurship results

    165%

    Avarage head count growth since becoming Entrepreneurial Winning Women (according to a 2017 EY impact study)

    Entrepreneurship results

    35%

    Average CARG growth since becoming Entrepreneur Winning Women (according to a 2017 EY impact study)

  • Criteria for the South Africa Program

    Entrepreneurial Winning Women will be expected to demonstrate the necessary qualities to take the fullest advantage of this opportunity, including ambitious company growth goals, energy, creativity, entrepreneurial purpose and passion.

    What we are looking for

    Women entrepreneurs who:

    • Are owners/founders/co-founders/CEOs with a substantial ownership of the business
    • Demonstrate the passion to grow their business and scale up internationally

    Applicants must fit the following criteria to participate:

    1. Have a substantial ownership of the business – at least 50%
    2. Businesses must be at least three years old and have reported at least R2.5m revenue during the last financial year.
    3. Provide complete and full financials in addition to completing application form financials
    4. Provide colour high resolution professional photograph in jpg format
    5. Provide conscise and approved bio of yourself, including the business in word format – no more than 380 words.
    6. Have decision making roles and –
      1. Demonstrate passion to grow their business and scale up
      2.  Are ready to fully commit to the programme and attend the series of four – five workshops in Johannesburg over the twelve months
    7. Demonstrate passion to grow their business and scale up
    8. Businesses must be at least three years old and have reported at least R3.5m revenue during the past two years.

    The current class is closed for applications.

Engaging more than 500 founders worldwide since inception, our Entrepreneurial Winning Women programme provides access to high-value networks and creates affirming communities of women entrepreneurs across the globe. Studies show these close connections among women entrepreneurs is a key factor to their long-term success.
Kath Carter
EY Global Markets, Strategy and Transactions, Accounts and Business Development Leader; EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ Global Executive Sponsor

EY Entrepreneurial Winning WomenTM programme around the world

Find out about our programme across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa).

Learn more

Our Alumni

  • Class of 2021/22

    • Asanda Gcoyi (South Africa), CEO of Frontline Africa Advisory
    • Charlaine Baartjes (South Africa), Managing Director of EcoPartners
    • Gina Beyers (South Africa), Owner of The Source PR and Event Management
    • Kabwe Mulolo (South Africa), Founder of Construct Executive Search (Pty) Ltd
    • Kelebogile Makhafola (South Africa), Head Brand Strategist and Founder of Maruapula Brand
    • Megan Willson (South Africa), CEO and Creative Director of 360 Degrees Production House
    • Michele Carelse (South Africa), EO of Feelgood Health
    • Michelle Booysen (South Africa), Group President and Transformation Solution Designer of Petanque NXT Group
    • Mmamontsheng Rakumakoe (South Africa), CEO of quadcare
    • Sasha  Knott (South Africa), Managing Director of Job Crystal
    • Suchitha Gajathar (South Africa), CEO of The Vegan Chef
    • Tammy Frazer (South Africa), Founder of Frazer Parfum
  • Class of 2019/20

    “We are pleased to welcome a new class of business women to our programme. Unlike many programmes which are focused on helping women start a business, EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women is focused on supporting women in their growth journey beyond start-up businesses. A critical part of the programme is providing the women with access to successful role models and business-building networks.”

    The 16 women will join an elite business network of the country’s best high-growth companies and participate in year-round activities designed to build both personal and professional confidence” - Azim Omar, EY Africa Growth Markets Leader.

    • Construct Executive Search (Pty) Ltd, Kabwe Mulolo
    • 360 Degrees Production House, Megan Willson
    • EcoPartners, Charlaine Baartjes
    • Frontline Africa Advisory, Asanda Gcoyi
    • Hooked on Books, Shaeleen Tobin-Setzkorn
    • Hooked on Books, Laura Tobin-Setzkorn
    • Human Destiny Exec Search & Recruitment, Elena Mouyis
    • Kapcor Construction (Pty) Ltd, Caroll Masevhe
    • NXA Technology, Lerato Dontache
    • People Solutions, Nita Goodall
    • Petanque NXT Group, Michelle Booysen
    • PBM Group, Refilwe Sebothoma
    • Ricinz Construction, Indrani Govender
    • Sheer Bliss, Nadine Hocter
    • The Source PR & Event Management, Gina Beyers
    • Zvikai Systems (Pty) Ltd, Ivy Gwewera
  • Class of 2018

    • ANH Investments Holdings, Mmabatho Hlabangane
    • Bee Recruitment, Cloe Dennis
    • Caveat Legal, Yvonne Wakefield
    • Equitable Proxies Co, Phindile Mahlalela
    • Flow Communications (Pty) Ltd, Tiffany Turkington-Palmer
    • IT Networks, Thavamoney (Ruby) Moodley
    • Livingfacts, Marylou Kneale
    • MFT Executive Advisory Service, Manisha Dass
    • Olwazini Consulting Service (Pty) Ltd, Phindile Msomi
    • Oryx Desert Salt (PTY) Ltd, Samantha Skyring
    • Pure Grit Project and Exhibitions, Zaida Enver
    • RecruitMyMom (PTY) Ltd, Phillipa Geard
    • Step Ahead Staffing, Melisa Evans
    • Summer Time Creatives CC, Raksha Mahabeer
    • Zevoli 351 (Pty) Ltd, Mpopi Khupe
  • Class of 2017

    • Kgobati Magome, Community Innovations
    • Gail Downing, Acorn Products (Pty) Ltd
    • Zandile Nzalo, Zanenza Holdings
    • Candice Roberts, CallForce
    • Stacey Brewer, Spark Schools
    • Dikeledi Mosime, TIN-PAC Promotional Packaging
    • Tara Turkington, Flow Communications (Pty) Ltd
    • Tania Reid, Ithemba Office Solutions
    • Lauren Gamsu, Black Sheep Design
    • Jodi Fittinghoff, Jodam Manufacturers cc
    • Viloshnee Singh, Thembane Chemicals (Pty) Ltd
    • Najmah Mallick, Meezan Building Services
    • Lynette Bezuidenhout, Mobile Agri Skills Development & Training (NPC)
    • Nonkululeko Ntshona, Nonku Ntshona & Assoc Quantity Surveyors (Pty) Ltd
    • Jennifer Claasen, Ngaphaya Y2K10 Trading cc
    • Jutta Berns-Mumbi, Ecocentric cc
    • Jean Chawapiwa, Win Win Solutions 4 Africa
    • Judy Sunasky, Blendwell Chemicals
    • Dinao Lerutla, Alula Water Pty Ltd
    • Vino Govender, LA Consulting Engineers
    • Toni Glass, Toni Glass Collection
  • Class of 2016

    • Christi Maherry, LAWtrust
    • Fee Halsted, Ardmore Ceramic Art
    • Risna Opperman, Roses for U t/a Urth
    • Kariema Price, Pyramid Electrical Contractors
    • Dolly Mbuyane, Nozihle Cleaning Services
    • Shameem Kumandan, Washtub Laundry
    • Melanie Medell, Melaire Linens
    • Dudu Mofokeng, Legaci Superior Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services
    • Patricia Koekemoer, Professional Sourcing
    • Ayanda Mzondeki, Liyema Consulting
    • Gcinile Mamba, Sivivane Construction
    • Phindile Machweu, Sasamela Trading Enterprise & Projects
    • Vimala Ariyan, Southern African Institute of Learning
    • Lerato Molefe, Naaya Consulting
    • Faaeza Doola, Hott Design and Print
  • Class of 2015

    • Annie Malan, Annie Malan Productions
    • Lynette Nontobeko, Boniswa Corporate Solutions
    • Sarisa Ferreira, Areli Veg (Pty) Ltd
    • Precious Thamaga, Precious Celebrations
    • Marthie Jansen van Rensburg, EASTC
    • Paula Fray, frayintermedia
    • Marli Hoffman, The Little Ashford Preschool
    • Jena Mukina, The Little Ashford Preschool
    • Debbi Demetriou, Mitras Amenities
    • Nisha Maharaj, Niche Integrated Services
    • Laura Reynolds, Recruit IT Group
    • Fiona Aitken, Sight Projects & Interiors
    • Dr Lynette Molefi, Telemedicine Africa (Pty) Ltd
  • Class of 2014

    • Kirsty Galliard, General Post
    • Tebogo Mashego, Diep K Steel & Aluminium
    • Mikateko Mdhuli, Zethu Consulting Services
    • Tebogo Molotsi, Stitches Clothing
    • Linda Moore, Ignite Energy Saving
    • Tania Mulligan, Kushesh Trading
    • Hanita Muthray, nt’Shona Langa Valley
    • Albertina Phuti, Niphuti Business Enterprise
    • Dimakatso Sekhoto, Makolobane Farmers Enterprises
    • Amanda Uys, Stay City
  • Class of 2013

    • Nthabi Sibanda, PUO Educational Products
    • Bhekiwe Nxumalo, PUO Educational Products
    • Mellanie van der Byl, Let's Share Trading
    • Cynthia Mkhombo, Masana Hygiene
    • Nkhensani Nkosi, Stoned Cherrie
    • Tracy Foulkes, NOMU
    • Pria Hassan, Women of Africa
    • Johanna McDowell, Mazole Holdings
    • Suzanne Stevens, Brightrock
    • Kurisani Maswanganyi, Kulani Engineering Consultancy
    • Hlamalani Ndlovu, Fikile Construction
    • Divine Ndhlukula,Securico
Entrepreneurial Winning Women group photo

Who sets the pace for tomorrow's women founders? 

According to our most recent global survey, Entrepreneurial Winning Women achieved 166% average headcount growth after participating in the program.

Learn more

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