Message from Sunday World CEO and Owner

It has been 70 years since women marched to the Union Buildings against pass laws and for greater gender equality. At the time, it was the largest gathering of its kind, and history was forever altered because of those brave 20 000 women.

Today the women of South Africa can flourish outside of the confines of marriage or home, and are not apologetic about taking their place and demanding a seat at the table. Most of the women featured in our Heroic Women Campaign for 2026 are heroes of a different kind. They are breaking barriers in the boardroom; they are looking at novel ways of adding value to existing business ecosystems, and most importantly, they are bringing other women along as they rise.

There were similar themes in the stories that our Heroic Women told. Many of them spoke about having a selfless mentor who believed in them and how that propelled them to greater career heights. Lots of our candidates also encouraged other women to start with what they have instead of giving up before even trying. It was also encouraging to read how some women pivoted endlessly as barriers arose. When they didn’t have the money to continue studying, they worked until they did; when a business failed, they took the lessons and tried again.

I appreciated the sincerity in each of these stories. It was so enriching to read authentic stories of grit, positivity and drive. Without qualms, these women candidly shared their stories of disappointment but also triumph. Most prevalent, though, was the joy with which they approached their careers and lives. They were, and are still, doing a job that they enjoy, and as a result, no challenge has been too big. What a wonderful attitude to have. I hope it inspires the same in you.

There are such important lessons distilled into each one of these profiles, and I hope that you enjoy reading them as much as I did, and that you find a story that stays with you long after reading it, and that it whispers to you when opportunity comes knocking.

John Bailey
Sunday World CEO and Owner

Message from Sunday World Editor 

In celebrating Women’s Month, Sunday World proudly presents this special supplement, Heroic Women. It is both a tribute and a testament to the extraordinary women who continue to redefine leadership, innovation, and resilience across South Africa.

The stories gathered here reflect women who are excelling in diverse fields. They are leaders in banking and finance, telecommunications, science, education, and other fields. They are at the coalface of agriculture, mining, and climate action; making a difference.

Each profile is a reminder that progress is not built on structures alone, but on the courage, intellect, and determination of individuals who dare to lead differently.

Our nation’s history is rich with women who stood firm against adversity, who carried communities forward, and who shaped the moral and social fabric of society. Today’s generation of dynamic women builds on that legacy, not only breaking barriers but also creating new pathways for those who follow. Their achievements remind us that empowerment is not a slogan; it is lived daily in boardrooms, laboratories, classrooms, and farmlands.

This supplement is more than a celebration — it is a call to action. It urges us to recognise that gender equality is not yet fully realised, and that the responsibility to dismantle systemic barriers rests with all of us. By spotlighting these women, we affirm that excellence knows no gender, and that the future of our country depends on the full participation of its daughters.

As you turn these pages, may you be inspired by the stories of women who embody vision, discipline, and compassion. May their journeys ignite conversations in workplaces, homes, and communities about the value of inclusivity and the necessity of creating spaces where women thrive.

To the women featured here, and to countless others whose contributions often go unheralded, we say: your work matters, your voice matters, and your leadership matters. You are the architects of possibility, the custodians of hope, and the champions of progress.

Sunday World is honoured to dedicate this supplement to you. May it serve as both recognition and encouragement — a reminder that Heroic Women are not only shaping today, but are also building tomorrow.

Caiphus Kgosana
Editor-in-Chief

Founding message from Sunday World Chief Sales and Marketing Officer 

Welcome to the fifth edition of Sunday World Heroic Women. Reaching this five-year milestone is both a celebration and a testament to the power of purposeful storytelling. What began as an initiative to recognise extraordinary women has evolved into one of our most impactful flagship platforms, shining a spotlight on leaders whose vision, resilience and achievements are helping shape the future of South Africa.

As we commemorate Women’s Month, the 2026 theme, She Leads Forward, captures the essence of modern leadership. Across every sector of our economy, women are driving innovation, leading transformation, building successful enterprises and influencing the future of their industries. Their leadership extends far beyond individual achievement, creating meaningful impact in businesses, communities and society as a whole.

Over the past five years, Sunday World Heroic Women has grown into a powerful platform that celebrates achievement and champions progress. Through compelling storytelling and the support of valued partners, it has amplified the voices of women driving change across industries and communities, while fostering important conversations around leadership, empowerment and inclusion.

At Sunday World, we recognise the power of trusted media to shape perceptions and inspire ambition. Across our print, digital and audio platforms, we continue to elevate stories that challenge convention and showcase what is possible through talent, determination and opportunity.

This milestone edition would not be possible without the support of our valued sponsors and partners. We thank the organisations that continue to invest in recognising women who are making a meaningful difference and helping to amplify stories that inspire progress.

To the remarkable women featured in these pages, thank you for leading with courage, vision and determination. You embody the spirit of She Leads Forward. You are innovators, pioneers and changemakers who are not only excelling in your respective fields but actively shaping what comes next.

As we celebrate five years of Sunday World Heroic Women, we remain committed to recognising women whose leadership continues to move South Africa forward.

She Leads Forward. Her Impact. Our Future.

Anastacia Martin
Chief Sales and Marketing Officer