Winners 2018

Patricia Schröder of Reclite SA has been named the 2018 FAIRLADY Santam Woman of the Future (awarded to a female entrepreneur who has survived the first 1 000 days of business). Reclite SA collects, transports and recycles lighting, batteries and electronics. “Winning the Woman of the Future Award is recognition for all the hard work that my team and I have done and a reminder that hard work does pay off in the end. It will also serve as inspiration for other women to chase their dreams and passions,” says Schröder.

Vere Shaba of Shaba and Ramplin Green Building Solutions is the winner of the2018 FAIRLADY Santam Rising Star Award (awarded to a female entrepreneur who is still within her 1 000 days of business). Her engineering consulting firm specialises in green building certifications, engineering solutions, energy solutions and strategic partnerships across the African continent. 
“Winning this award will enable me to create opportunities in the green building sector for South Africans in the future, as well as expand the business into key economic hubs in Africa and Europe,” Shaba adds.

Lindiwe Matlali of Africa Teen Geeks won the 2018 FAIRLADY Santam Social Entrepreneur Award (awarded to a female entrepreneur who is making a real difference in her community). 
Africa Teen Geeks offers children between the ages of six and 18 free lessons on how to code. The NPO has partnered with UNISA to facilitate Saturday classes in its computer labs countrywide. 
“Knowing that we give kids hope and raise their aspirations is my biggest achievement and driver,” says Matali.

The three winners were selected from a shortlist of finalists by a panel of South African judges –FAIRLADY editor, Suzy Brokensha; Professor Thuli Madonsela; head of HR business partners at Santam, Annette La Grange; media entrepreneur and international speaker, Jo-Ann Strauss; and businessperson, Dawn Nathan-Jones.