As Women’s Month shines a spotlight on the achievements of women across South Africa, it’s important to celebrate those making tangible differences in communities through nonprofit work and social impact initiatives. Women are driving change in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, and women’s rights. Their leadership strengthens communities and inspires a new generation to step up for social good.
Here are some of the top female social impact leaders in South Africa.
The Role of Women in Nonprofit & Social Impact
The nonprofit sector in South Africa is diverse, ranging from NGOs and charities to community development projects, social entrepreneurship, and advocacy groups. Women in leadership roles are increasingly shaping solutions to social challenges such as educational inequality, gender-based violence, access to healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
Their involvement goes beyond management-they mentor young leaders, champion social causes, and implement programs that generate measurable change.
Criteria for Selecting the List
To identify the top women leaders in social impact, the following criteria were considered:
- Leadership Role: Founder, CEO, executive director, or program lead.
- Measurable Impact: Number of beneficiaries, innovative projects, awards, or national recognition.
- Advocacy & Influence: How they champion social causes and influence policy.
- Mentorship & Empowerment: Initiatives that empower communities and train the next generation of leaders.
Profiles of the Women
1. Alice King – Education Advisor and Mentor
Background & Career: Dr Alice A. K. King is the Education Advisor and Outreach Specialist at the U.S. Consulate General in Cape Town, according to her IEASA conference profile. She is a researcher, author and teacher by profession.
2. Wendy Appelbaum – Philanthropist for Women’s Health and Education
Background & Career: Businesswoman and philanthropist who set up the Wendy Appelbaum Institute for Women’s Health and the Wendy Appelbaum Foundation, which focuses on education.
3. Zandile Ndhlovu – Founder of The Black Mermaid Foundation
Background & Career: South Africa’s first Black female freediving instructor; founder of The Black Mermaid Foundation.
Key Achievements: The foundation works to open up access to the ocean for Black and Brown communities.
4. Myrtle Witbooi – Advocate for Domestic Workers’ Rights
Background & Career: General secretary of the South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union (SADSAWU) and the first president of the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF). She died in January 2023.
Key Achievements: Campaigned for the International Labour Organization’s Domestic Workers Convention, adopted in 2011.
5. Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela – Founder of Tolokazi Brewery and Brewsters Academy
Background & Career: Widely reported as South Africa’s first Black female brewery owner; founder of Brewsters Academy.
Key Achievements: Training young women in brewing, combining technical skills and entrepreneurship.
6. Fasiha Hassan – Politician and Advocate for Gender Equality
Background & Career: ANC Member of Parliament since June 2024 and a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature from 2019 to 2024.
7. Jeanette Marais – CEO of Momentum Group
Background & Career: Group CEO of Momentum Group (formerly Momentum Metropolitan) since August 2023, the first woman to lead the group.
8. Thuli Madonsela – Advocate for Social Justice and Anti-Corruption
Background & Career: Former Public Protector; founder of initiatives promoting accountability.
9. Lorraine Sibanda – Advocate for Informal Workers’ Rights
Background & Career: President of StreetNet International, the international alliance of street vendor organisations, since 2016, and president of the Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations.
Challenges Women Face in Nonprofit Work
- Funding Limitations: Limited budgets restrict program scale and outreach.
- Work-Life Balance: Balancing advocacy, management, and personal life can be demanding.
- Bureaucracy: Government policies and regulations can be hard to work through.
The Impact of Female Leadership in Social Impact
Women leaders are inspiring the next generation by implementing innovative programs and influencing policy. Their contributions create sustainable community development, advance social justice, and ensure that vulnerable populations are empowered through education, health, and economic initiatives.
How to Pursue a Career in Nonprofit & Social Impact
- Qualifications: Social sciences, project management, NGO management, or public administration.
- Entry Pathways: Internships, volunteer work, social entrepreneurship programs, learnerships.
- Networking & Mentorship: Join nonprofit networks and seek guidance from experienced leaders.
- Funding Opportunities: Explore grants, SETA funding, or scholarship programs for nonprofit work.
Also check: Top 10 South African Women in ICT (Information and Communications Tech)
Support their work by volunteering, donating, raising awareness, attending events, or advocating for policy change. By engaging, you can be part of the positive impact these leaders are creating across communities.
