“Mama Africa” introduced the world to South African music, and political struggles. From poets to rappers to producers and everything in between, South African women … Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was born on June 28th, 1995, in Sedgefield, Western Cape. Her mother later committed suicide – something which is said to have kindled Jonker’s poetry. She’s won the SA Style Icon of the Year, Female Continental Style Influencer of the Year, Favourites South African Radio DJ (Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards), Africa’s Most Powerful Women in Media and GSport Style Star awards and has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Elle, Grazia, Cleo and Glamour magazines. One of her most noteworthy achievements was undoubtedly when she became the international female tennis player to hand world no.1 player, Steffi Graf her worst ever defeat – beating her by 6-0 and 6-1 in 56 minutes. Semenya is undoubtedly not your average South African woman. She was also an important civil rights activist – a title which saw her exiled from her country for several years. Samantha has killer curves that justifiably fit her on the list of South Africa’s sexiest women. Bonang Matheba is most well known for being the only face of Revlon outside the United States – joining the other three ambassadors Olivia Wilde, Halle Berry and Emma Stone as one of the faces for this prominent brand. Since then, … In 1907 she was elected to the South African Society for Artists and represented her work at the annual SASA exhibition. Although she was appointed to the position of Public Protector by President Jacob Zuma, this has not deterred her from investigating the presidency and other prominent politicians and businessmen for corruption and she’s taken a stand for the public in holding leaders accountable for their actions. 10 Inspirational African Women. South Africa has produced many actors and actresses starring in movies and TV series in Hollywood, USA. She subsequently opened her own art studio. She later won gold in the All-Africa Games while competing against able-bodied swimmers. After appearing in a European TV commercial she was chosen as cover girl for Maxim in Germany and a year after in the American addition. The list goes beyond the media because the academic and political circles have also delivered some of the most influential women in the country's history. She holds both an MBA as well as a Masters in Engineering. Image: twitter.com, @Londie LondonSource: Twitter. Find out more about the greatest South Africans, including Elon Musk, Charlize Theron, Nelson Mandela, Oscar Pistorius and Candice Swanepoel. After receiving her BSc in zoology from the University of Cape Town, she got her MA from Cambridge University and a PhD in microbiology from Rhodes University. She became involved in female activism as well as civil and women’s rights movements. In 1936 she was elected to the selection panel of the British Empire Exhibition and in 1943 she received the honorary medal of the Academy of Arts and Science in South Africa with numerous subsequent awards, medals and honours thereafter. DJ Zinhle hosted her own show on radio YFM. Image: facebook.com, @Bonang MathebaSource: Facebook. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Her survival has been called a medical miracle, but her courage and attitude after her ordeal are the truly laudable parts of this story. She started the Student Passive Resistance committee as well as the Durban District Women’s League. The three famous black African women South African Dulcie Evonne September, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Kenyan Dr. Wangari Maathai played a vital role for women throughout the world in history. She started the clothing range, Legit in 2008 and has a lingerie line with Woolworths. Famous South African actors in America. Cosplayer. Below is a list of 20 famous women who are not just beautiful but also talented, resourceful, and influential in their respective areas of participation. Required fields are marked *. She is first a mother, businesswoman, media personality and an actress. Olive Schreiner was a prominent author, anti-war campaigner and intellectual who graced South Africa with her presence from 1855 to 1920. Image: facebook.com, @Minnie DlaminiSource: Facebook. She won the competition and made her TV debut. She’s most well known for being the first Afrikaans South African rock star. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was born on June 28th, 1995, in Sedgefield, Western Cape. Her reporting saw her receive assignments for ITN, Fox/Sky, CBS News, ABC News, NBC and CNN. Among others she’s credited with co-writing famous artist Demi Lovato’s song, Heart Attack and her debut single was co-written by Sia and produced by Stargate (Rihanna, Katy Perry). Image: facebook.com, @Jo Ann Cindy StraussSource: Facebook. People like the late Winnie Mandela will remain etched as the most popular women in the country's struggle against racism and political liberation. 1 player Martina Hingis in Leipzig. She started as a dancer, but was awarded a modelling contract at 16 which prompted her to move to Milan. Her art is often inspired by African culture. Tosca Musk. Dulcie Evonne September was an anti-apartheid activist, humanitarian and political prisoner. Image: facebook.com, @Khabonina QuebekaSource: Facebook. She is known in the industry for her work in photo-dynamic therapy for cancer treatment and one of the top three published scientists in South Africa. Miriam Makeba. Votes: 167 Spotted by a model scout in Durban flea market at the age of 15, she soon made it onto international catwalks and appeared in editorials in America, Italy, Britain, Spain, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea, China and Mexico. She established the Laboratory for Molecular and Cell Biology for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and became head of the microbiology department at the University of Cape Town. After her death by suicide her works were translated to English, German, French, Dutch, Polish, Hindi and Zulu. Moghel is a South African slang word that loosely translates into homegirl. Robert Broom (1866 - 1951) Paleantogist, discovered the famous Taung Child Although born in Southern Rhodesia, Patta moved to South Africa as a child where she attended school and university – obtaining a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in 1984. Her childhood story is one to sympathize with as she spent most of her childhood without wearing shoes and in a two-roomed shack. Her tall and beautiful body is an excellent fit for modeling gigs, which is what she does more than anything else. Her overall beauty aside, she has grown a fantastic crop of long, dark natural hair. Popularly known as DJ Zinhle, Ntombezinhle Jiyane is a South African female DJ and an aspiring actress who made her debut in 2004. Khabonina is curvy and beautiful. She released her first debut album, Voice of Hope in 2014 and her second ‘Arias’ in May this year. In 1973 she won the right for political prisoners on Robben Island to have access to lawyers and she’s involved in numerous social activities such as shelters for victims of domestic violence and the Advice Desk for victims of abuse. This is just an introductory list of the 20 most famous women, because owing to South Africa's great potential, their number continues to grow every day. Lebo Mashile Lebo Mashile is a South African poet who was born in U.S. and returned to South Africa after the fall of apartheid in the 1990s. There’s hardly a woman in South Africa who can claim to have survived such a harrowing experience as Botha – coming out not only as survivor, but as inspirational speaker. 23 December 1960, South African. Zenzile Miriam Makeba was one of South Africa’s most influential singers of all time. From a young age Paarman witnessed, sampled and enjoyed her gran’s home-roasted coffee, home baked bread and other culinary creations. 4. Kumalo's kind and humane heart pools her up with the most influential and inspiring women in the country. She was the first South African woman to reach a Grand Slam semi-final and in 1997 she beat World No. She stands out because of her electric personality, magnetic smile, and a husky voice. Minnie was born and raised in Durban Kwa Zulu Natal. Bonang Matheba, South Africa “From moghel to mogul,” Bonang Matheba, 32, tweeted after the list was made public. Nandi was born and raised in KwaZulu Natal. Charlize Theron Nine years later,he is discovered and taken away. She has become a prominent campaigner against drug abuse stemming from her youth as an addict. She was directly opposed to things like the ‘strop bill’ imposed by Cecil John Rhodes which allowed the flogging of black and coloured servants for minor offences. The media has particularly been quite instrumental in producing some very influential women. She is a South African Television presenter and model who is best known for co-hosting SABC1s educational series, The Media Career Guide show in 2011. Yolandi. In December 1994, Botha was abducted outside her house and taken to the outskirts of Port Elizabeth where they raped and assaulted her, disembowelled her with more than 30 stab wounds to her stomach and slashed her throat. She’s noted as a game-changer in the South African music industry and has recently joined the judging panel of The Voice SA and started the late night talk show Republiek of Zoid Afrika. Zindzi Mandela. She has been featured in the Women's health, Cosmopolitan, and Sports Illustrated magazines. She is the first SA model to work for Victoria Secret (the Lingerie big shot). She also appeared on the inaugural cover of the South African edition of the Maxim in 2013. Image: facebook.com, @Nandi MngomaSource: Facebook. She won a Grammy Award in 1966 and several other awards during her lifetime. UK’s new point-based immigration system – the benefits for South Africans, Accessing retirement fund withdrawal benefits on emigration – changes effective 01 March 2021, Why timing is everything when emigrating from South Africa, Top 5 South African dessert recipes you can make at home. She is currently the Senior Mobile Developer for DStv online but also assists the Non-Profit organisation, Bookdash with mobile app development. Today her world-renowned jewellery is worn by A-list celebrities like Celine Dion and Serena Williams and one of the most prominent brands in South Africa. 07 August 1975. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookie settings at any time. In June this year her wine, the De Morgenzon Chardonnay Reserve 2015 was named the best wine in the world at the 2016 Decanter World Wine Awards in the UK. In 2011, she was voted as one of the sexiest women in the world by the FHM magazine. Originally called Ntombezinhle Jiyane, Zinhle is an ace DJ who has presented on SABC1 music the show Jika Majika. Jennifer Thomson is one of the greatest scientists in South Africa. 01 December 1984, South African. She’s shared the stage with international stars like John Mayer, Annie Lennox, Metallica, Simple Plan and UB40 and has won numerous awards during her career. She appeared in The Black Panther movie and was also nominated for a 2017 BET award. Every year March is designated Women's History Month in the United States but influential women are not limited just to the USA. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Mom rocks baby to sleep while singing amapiano, leaves Mzansi howling, Weekly wrap: 'Uzalo' drops Novuka, Skeem Saam 'slap' & Thobeka Majozi stuns, Mohale Motaung Mhlongo shares a new pic, fans notice ring is gone, New couple alert: Boity Thulo and Anton Jeftha go official on Instagram, Ayanda Ncwane fears S’fiso Ncwane was poisoned, won’t eat out, 17-year-old suspect arrested in Itumeleng Khune’s sister's murder case, Anele Mdoda: 2-parent homes do not always guarantee perfect partners, The Reconstruction and Development Programme. She subsequently represented South Africa at the 1992 Summer Olympics, even though she’d retired from international competitions at the time. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. She performed for the likes of John F. Kennedy and was admired by stars like Marlon Brando, Bette Davis, Nina Simone and Miles Davis. At the 2005 Paralympics she one five old and one silver medal and was consequently awarded the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year award. She then moved to Los Angeles here she appeared in films like Army of Darkness and Schindler’s List before moving on to bigger roles in Murder in the First, Matilda, Fallen, The Gingerbread Man, Mansfield Park, Bicentennial Man, Bridget Jones’ Diary, The Emperor’s Club, Junebug, Fracture, The Amazing Spiderman and the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Starting her career as an engineer at IBM in North Carolina, she soon relocated to Dallas before returning to South Africa. She is an internationally acclaimed speaker and serves on several biotech and microbiology boards. Labuschagne is also the only female member of the SA Air Forces elite 2 Squadron which pilots single and dual-seat Gripens. Diplomat. Her woman-owned business is focused on social change and she is noted for such green innovations like the Repurposed Schoolbags which charge up during the day to provide light for children in evenings so they can study. Another amazing woman in South Africa is undoubtedly Major Catherine Labuschagne who became the first female fighter pilot ever to fly the supersonic South African Air Force Gripen Jas 39C in October 2010. She became a presenter on the video game TV show called PlayR which expanded to a live show called The Verge. Starting off as a common miner in the 1908s, it’s amazing how Radebe has grown in strength to become one of the most prominent women in the mining industry. A well-noted and documented fact is that not a single woman applied for amnesty. Director: Katinka Heyns | Stars: Shaleen Surtie-Richards, André Rossouw, Lida Botha, Dawid Minnaar. She consequently became the first and only player ever to defeat Steffi Graf, Martina Hingis and Lindsay Davenport while they were ranked no. What made her most noteworthy is the fact that she was the sole parliamentarian opposed to apartheid for thirteen years in cabinet as part of the Progressive Party. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Learn how your comment data is processed. As a South African female writer, academic, screenwriter and anti-apartheid activist, Fatima Meer’s name is one which will always be remembered. This list may not reflect recent changes ( learn more ). Ingrid Jonker was a prominent South African poet who is known for her work which mirrors that of American poet Sylvia Plath. Believing that ethics is crucial to her business, Clifford uses only conflict-free diamonds, has dedicated an entire range to the Stop Rhino Poaching initiative and outsources much of her business to local workers and manufacturers. She is a model, businesswoman, and public speaker. Simply known as Pumeza throughout the world, this South African operatic soprano is one of the most prominent female singers to have made it onto the world stage. As a Master of Ceremonies, she’s shared the stage with Prince Harry of Wales, the Kardashian Sisters and other prominent international stars. Though the results were never disclosed, the IAAF cleared her for participation in international competitions as a woman. Thato Kgatlhanye is a South African social entrepreneur and CEO of Rethaka (Pty) Ltd. Image: facebook.com, @ Demi-Leigh Nel PetersSource: Facebook. She twerked her way to fame while performing with the group ProTwerkers. Famous south african writers - South Africa is one of the most economically stable countries in Africa and also home to one of the most renowned authors ... and some men and women … Though she has received much criticism for some of her views, Radebe has undoubtedly become one of the most prominent business women in South Africa. Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, this South African singer/songwriter is probably most famous for having being married to Hollywood actor Nicholas Cage’s son, Weston. One of her projects during her studies included a Robotic Guide Dog Prototype which could assist blind users with navigating through their environment. Londie London is a curvaceous Instagram model, jewelry designer, musician, and businesswoman. Born in 1988 in South Africa, Candice Swanepoel became the youngest supermodel to make the Forbes 10 Top Earning Supermodel list in 2012. However, today, she is one of the most attractive women in South Africa. She made her acting debut as Juliet in a stage production of Romeo and Juliet and moved on to minor roles in South African Productions. South African Female Leaders. She is the second South African to hold the title since Margaret Gardiner took it in 1978. She was subsequently included on the British Magazine, New Statesman’s list of 50 People that Matter in 2010 for casting a spotlight on our traditional expectations of women and how a changing world requires us to re-evaluate those expectations. Born to Jewish Lithuanian immigrants, Suzman would become one of the most prominent names in South Africa’s political history. In 2004 she received the L’Oreal/Unesco award for women in science. She was named as Forbes Africa’s Richest Women in 2012 and has received numerous awards, including: Business Personality of the Year, Ambassadrice Honoraire, Sakeleier van die Jaar, Artemis Award, One of Leading 50 Women Entrepreneurs in the World and Businesswoman of the Year Award. After her grandfather’s death she, along with her sister, mother and grandmother were left destitute. She’s currently director of Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, director of Southern African board of the Synergos Institute and board member of the Women’s Leadership board at Harvard University. Living with a father who was a newspaper editor, she became aware of social injustices in South Africa. She was spotted by chance by a talent agent, John Crosby, after she got into a shouting match with a bank teller who refused to cash her check. She is also known for co-hosting SABC1 celebrity show The Real Goboza, with Phat Joe and Sinazo. Famous People From South Africa. Mary Malahlela, first black woman to register as a medical doctor in South Africa (1916–1981) Joan Morice, first female veterinary surgeon in South Africa (1904–1944) Anna Coutsoudis, public health scientist (born 1952) Patrick Soon-Shiong, surgeon, founder Abraxis BioScience, billionaire (born 1952) In addition to being our most famous female sprinter and world champion middle-distance runner, she has had to face a battering of questions, testing and worldwide criticism following gender testing by the IAAF. She’s also the first South African celebrity to launch an online reality show. She hails from Dannhauser KwaZulu Natal and is now 35 years old. Though young, she is one of the most influential and inspirational South African. In addition to her modelling, Swanepoel is actively involved in the charity Mother2Mother devoted to the prevention of HIV/AIDS. She won five more gold medals at the 2008 Summer Paralympics. Image: facebook.com, @Bontle ModiselleSource: Facebook. Apart from her screaming beauty, the petit girl is an artist with a thriving music career. Pages in category "South African female singers". Following her noble contributions, she has been recognized and awarded by. She then decided to start her own cooking school and wrote a book Cook with Ina Paarman for which she could not find a publisher. Bonang is a radio host, TV presenter, and style icon. Here she started her career as writer, producing world famous novels like When Rain Clouds Gather, Mary and A Question of Power and was awarded the South African Order of Ikhamanga in Gold in 2003 for her exceptional contribution to social change and freedom. We look forward to seeing what Nikki does next in her career. After returning to South Africa, her work received harsh criticism, but she persevered and had her first solo exhibition in 1929. After meeting Edward Roworth, her interest in art was piqued and she studied under him for two months in 1903 which saw her earn a silver medal for her work. Of course, the country boasts numerous heroines, but this piece has only isolated the 20 famous women in South Africa in their different fields of participation, Image: facebook.com, @Amanda Du PontSource: Facebook. She later founded the South African Conciliation Committee and became friends with Gandhi through their corresponding views. She’s most well known for being the first Afrikaans South African rock star. She was also an... Pippa Tshabalala. 20 July 1974. After requesting a visa to Afghanistan for GMTV, she infiltrated the American-British-backed Northern Alliance and interviewed their commander General Babajan.