Nonkululeko Gobodo
Nonkululeko is the CEO of AWAKENED Global. She is the former Chairman and founder of SizweNtsalubaGobodo, now SNG Grant Thornton, the largest black auditing and accounting firm and the fifth largest in South Africa. Nonkululeko is the first black African woman to qualify as a chartered accountant in South Africa. She is a founder member of Gobodo Inc, a medium sized black accounting firm which she established in 1996 with a group of other partners.
Professor Thuli Madonsela
It has been an honour to have Prof Thuli Madonsela on our panel of judges since the very beginning. Currently the Director of the Centre for Social Justice and Law Professor at the University of Stellenbosch, she conducts and coordinates social justice research and teaches constitutional and administrative law.
Dawn Nathan-Jones
Dawn was born with an entrepreneurial spirit. At the age of 21, she joined the Imperial Group and spent 35 years growing the car rental and affiliate businesses. In 2016, she stepped down as CEO to immerse herself in experiences that would allow her to give back. Her illustrious career didn’t end there, she launched into reality TV as the only female judge on the M-Net reality show Shark Tank South Africa.
Norah Sehunoe
A passionate HR professional and qualified coach with over 20 years’ experience in financial services (insurance and banking). Norah holds a Masters degree in Industrial Psychology (UNISA), and a post-graduate diploma in Business Management (Wits). Her experience spans the entire HR value-chain, and she has partnered with several Business Executive teams to deliver on the business strategy through unlocking the potential of the human capital.
Suzy Brokensha
Suzy Brokensha is passionate about recognising and rewarding South African women who have started their own businesses. ‘South African women have always had to hustle,’ she says. ‘It’s not unusual. But the fact is they’re often overlooked when it comes to being supported and recognised in the business world, and I think it’s important to rectify that. Like FAIRLADY, Santam is determined to do something about it, and we’re delighted to partner with them in this initiative.’
Mbali Soga
There’s a quote by screenwriter, producer and author Shonda Rhimes that resonates strongly with TRUELOVE editor Mbali Soga: ‘I am not lucky. You know what I am? I am smart, I am talented, I take advantage of the opportunities that come my way and I work really, really hard. Do not call me lucky – call me a badass.’
For Mbali, these are words that entrepreneurs should draw on when faced with the inevitable challenges of running a business.