The awards says that this year, entrants could win their share of more than R843 000 in prizes. Winners also stand a chance of unlocking the business expertise of Santam, networking opportunities and publicity from FAIRLADY and TRUELOVE to propel their business to the next level.

"As Santam, we are proud to be part of an initiative that seeks to provide women in business with the tools and mentorship to succeed," says Nondumiso Mabece, Executive Head of Brand and Marketing at Santam. 

"In this 11^th year of our partnership, we see the Women of the Future programme as a means to recognise and showcase the incredible role played by women entrepreneurs in helping to solve societal problems, while also driving sustainable economic growth in South Africa. Women from all walks of life have enjoyed the benefits of participating in the awards and becoming finalists. We are looking forward to welcoming the 2025 entrants, hearing about their brilliant business journeys and working with them to enhance their skills," says Mabece. 

The awards feature three categories:

1. The Santam Woman of the Future title is awarded to an entrepreneur whose business is older than 1 000 days and who is well on her way to establishing an extensive enterprise.
2. The Santam Rising Star title is awarded to an entrepreneur between 16 and 35 years old who is still within her first 1 000 days, but whose business, our judges believe, will flourish way beyond them.
3. The Santam Social Entrepreneur title is awarded to an NPO / social enterprise or entrepreneur who is making a real difference in her community. Her business / NPO / social enterprise has survived the first 1 000 days.

According to the awards, the 2025 judging panel comprises: 

• Professor Thuli Madonsela, Director of the Centre for Social Justice in the Faculty of Law at Stellenbosch University, and the Law Trust Research Chair Professor of Law in Social Justice Studies
• Nondumiso Mabece, Santam Executive Head of Brand and Marketing
• Dawn Nathan-Jones, entrepreneurial leader, social advocate and CEO of Over the Rainbow
• Boitumelo Ntsoane, Founder and MD of On Point Healthcare
• Suzy Brokensha, Editor-in-Chief of FAIRLADY, and 
• Mbali Soga, Editor-in-Chief of TRUELOVE / DRUM. 

The awards says that the prizes include:

• R125 000 in cash to the Woman of the Future and R75 000 in cash each to the Rising Star and the Social Entrepreneur from Santam
• a full-page advertisement in FAIRLADY or TRUELOVE to promote your business, social enterprise or NPO
• a FAIRLADY or TRUELOVE digitorial to promote your business, social enterprise or NPO 
• an invaluable mentorship session with one of our judges 
• a beauty hamper from Clarins worth R6 500
• a voucher worth R7 500 from Spectacle World
• an Orb Cuff worth R5 990, a pair of Citronnade earrings worth R5 490 or a limited edition boa necklace worth R5 990 from Kirsten Goss
• business printing worth R5 000 from Lithotech 
• an online masterclass from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) worth R4 650 
• spa vouchers from Camelot Spa worth R5 000 
• a hamper from The IV Bar worth R5 000, and 
• a tote bag, card holder and bag charm from Dyad worth R5 010.

The awards conclude that entries close on Tuesday, 3 June. To showcase your business or to nominate an entrepreneur you know and admire, head to www.womenofthefuture.co.za. 

For more information, visit www.womenofthefuture.co.za. You can also follow Santam on Facebook, LinkedIn or X. 

*Image courtesy of contributor