2025 Santam Women of the Future Awards finalists announced

Recognising outstanding women entrepreneurs transforming South Africa

The 2025 Santam Women of the Future Awards finalists have been announced. The award programme is a remarkable initiative celebrating South African women entrepreneurs. Presented by Santam in collaboration with FAIRLADY and TRUELOVE magazines, these awards honour women driving industries forward while championing innovation and social change.

The exceptional finalists compete in three categories:

1. Woman of the Future – For businesses operational for over 1,000 days.
2. Social Entrepreneur – Celebrating ventures creating impactful societal change.
3. Rising Star – For entrepreneurs 35 years or younger managing businesses over six months old.

The shortlisted women represent diverse industries, including beauty, mining, eco-conscious products, and community advocacy. Their transformative ventures demonstrate resilience, innovation, and a commitment to societal progress across South Africa.

Innovators in beauty and wellness

Liz Letsoalo of Masodi Beauty is a finalist in the Woman of the Future category. From a kitchen start-up to a bold, global vision, Masodi Beauty was created to address confidence-impacting concerns like hair loss and hyperpigmentation, combining nature’s best ingredients with cutting-edge active ingredients. Today, Masodi Beauty is available in six African countries and is growing.

Shannon Dougall of SKIN functional is also a finalist in the Woman of the Future category. Shannon launched this results-driven skincare brand after solving her own skin challenges through cosmetic science. SKIN functional now leads with data-backed formulas, transparency and a strong focus on customer education – what Shannon calls ‘skintelligence’ – with plans to expand globally.

Chantel Spinazze of Bluum is one of the finalists in the Rising Star category. After years of having her hormonal and gut health issues dismissed, Chantel founded Bluum to offer science-backed, plant-based support for women facing challenges like PMS, perimenopause and burnout. Now stocked by more than 50 retailers, Bluum is building a powerful community and aiming to lead the women’s health space across Africa and beyond.

Celebrating the winners in October

Winners will be revealed at a grand gala luncheon in October 2025. They stand to win prizes valued at more than R1 million, including mentorship programmes, promotional opportunities, and monetary rewards. Voters can take part in selecting a winner for the Readers’ Choice Award through the website or SMS the name of the finalist to 35437. SMSes cost R1,50.

Esteemed judges, such as Professor Thuli Madonsela and prominent business leaders, underscore the initiative’s credibility. This celebratory initiative reflects Santam’s dedication to promoting economic transformation by empowering women entrepreneurs.

For more information and voting, visit the official website.