Honouring Extraordinary Women: The South African Women Excellence Awards

With just 15 days left until the prestigious instalment of The South African Women Excellence Awards, presented by The South African Literacy Fund, on Sunday, 06 August 2023 in Sandton, anticipation is building to celebrate and recognize the remarkable achievements of women of colour within our communities.

The awards aim to honour the exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication of women of colour who have made profound and positive impacts on the lives of those around them. These accolades serve as a testament to the outstanding accomplishments and tireless efforts of women, reflecting their commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusivity in society.

Nikko Toogood, the visionary Black African-American Entrepreneur and philanthropist, founded this prestigious award to inspire young girls and provide them with role models who epitomize greatness, success, and grace while maintaining femininity. Witnessing women as pioneers who achieved greatness despite challenges inspired him to recognize their invaluable ability to breathe life into people, situations, and the universe. "I created the women's award because I wanted to show young girls the women they can aspire to be and to give them a blueprint and a roadmap to greatness, success, and regalness while maintaining femininity, grace, and class. I was inspired by the women I was surrounded by as a child, watching them pioneer and achieve greatness. Women possess a unique responsibility and skill to breathe life into people, situations, and the universe, and that is what motivated me to initiate this moment," he explained. The honorees of the awards include remarkable individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impact on their communities:

1. Blue Mbombo

2. Brown Mbombo

3. Connie Chiume

4. Gorgeous Mbali

5. Legato Kganyago

6. Nandi Madida

7. Tebogo Mphahlele

8. Sonia Booth

The selection process focused on recognizing women who not only hold positions of leadership but also demonstrate a deep understanding of their heritage and legacy, using it as a driving force for progress in their respective fields. The South African Women Excellence Awards stand apart by emphasizing community-oriented achievements and fostering an environment where honorees are pampered and celebrated, encouraging them to embrace their femininity and be acknowledged and respected in that space.

Founder Nikko Toogood believes in nurturing synergy among women, where they can uplift and empower one another. The awards serve as a platform to celebrate each other's accomplishments and inspire growth and mentorship among the next generation of women leaders.

As the countdown continues, The South African Women Excellence Awards promise an unforgettable experience, commemorating the achievements of remarkable women of colour who have transformed lives and society at large. These awards not only acknowledge their contributions but also serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young women striving to make a difference in the world.