Business and Entrepeneurship
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Business and Entrepeneurship

Rumisha Chaithram

Vice president - Australia & Southern Africa
Robit
https://za.linkedin.com/in/rumisha-chaithram-3a58a44a
https://www.robitgroup.com/

Rumisha Chaithram, a beacon of change in the mining industry, grew up in Lenasia South with dreams of becoming a teacher. However, life had other plans, leading her into the mining industry, a twist that became her true calling. Today, she serves as vice president for Australia & Southern Africa at Robit, driving strategy, market expansion, and operational excellence in one of the world’s most complex and traditionally male-dominated sectors. Rumisha holds an MBA and a Programme for Management Development (PMD) from the Gordon Institute of Business  Science (GIBS). She oversees end-to-end mining operations, ensuring equipment efficiency, safety compliance, and profitability across multiple sites. Her leadership emphasizes operational excellence while mentoring emerging leaders, particularly women and youth, to thrive in the sector. She is also the author of Women@Work: My Journey into a Macho World, a candid account of her experiences navigating the mining industry as a woman. Rumisha is a staunch advocate for diversity, inclusion, and the empowerment of women in technical industries. Her proudest achievements include publishing her book and successfully leading large-scale mining operations while creating a platform for women in the industry. She lives by the mantra: “Fail, and fail forward — every failure is a stepping stone to progress,” turning challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • MBA, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
  • Programme for Management Development (PMD), Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • The proudest achievement – publishing a book, Women@Work and using my voice to contribute to conversations about gender, resilience, and leadership in mining. 
  • The most valuable lesson is to never stop learning and to remain comfortable with being uncomfortable. Those moments of discomfort are where real growth happens.
Author - Sewela Mamphiswana
| mg.co.za
Nomazibulo Tshanga

Nomazibulo Tshanga

Group executive officer
Ziyana Group
https://www.instagram.com/p/DM-BpJ2MtLy/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nomazibulo-tshanga-mba-52a27120/?originalSubdomain=za
www.ziyanagroup.com

Nomazibulo Tshanga is the group chief executive of Ziyana Group, where she leads with vision, strategy, and people. She holds an MBA from Henley Business School, reflecting her commitment to continuous growth and global leadership. Her typical day balances engaging with clients and partners, overseeing operations across business consulting, training, and technology, and guiding her team to deliver impactful solutions. She also focuses on shaping proposals and strategies for leading organisations,  ensuring innovation aligns with real-world impact. What excites her most is building people and creating opportunities. Through Ziyana Group, the Ziyana Foundation, and Africa Rising Leadership, she develops young leaders, supports women, and transforms workplaces across the continent. “Seeing lives and organisations change in real time is the most rewarding part of my work,” she says. Her upbringing inspires Nomazibulo’s journey in Zwide, where limited opportunities fueled her passion to create access for others. Her work is grounded in the belief that leadership is measured by the impact one makes, not the titles one holds. She serves on the 4IR Advisory Committee, a role that enables her to make significant contributions to shaping Africa’s future of work and technology. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, storytelling, and spending time with her family, which keeps her grounded and inspires her leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • MBA, Henley Business School
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, UCT Graduate School of Business
  • Executive Development Programme, Wits Business School
  • BA Human Resource Management,  Nelson Mandela University

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Launching Africa Rising Leadership Summit & Awards (2025) – a pan-African platform celebrating and shaping leadership across the continent.
  • Building Ziyana Group Across Africa – expanding from South Africa to serve leading clients in multiple African countries.
  • Appointment to the MICT SETA Board (2025) – a national role influencing skills development and digital transformation.
  • Completing an MBA at Henley Business School (2025) – a milestone of resilience and growth that strengthened a global leadership perspective. 
| mg.co.za
Nadia Hearn

Nadia Hearn

Founder | PR strategist | Business mentor | Purpose agent
Get Published
https://www.instagram.com/nadiahearn
https://za.linkedin.com/in/nadiahearn
www.get-published.co.za

Nadia Hearn is a powerhouse in PR and marketing communications, blending creativity, strategy, and purpose to transform brands and lives. Nadia, founder of Get Published, a bespoke Cape Town-based agency, has spent over two decades shaping national and international campaigns, guiding SMEs, NGOs, and global brands to articulate their essence and connect deeply with their audiences. Certified as a Chartered Public Relations Practitioner (CPRP) and a licensed facilitator of development courses, Nadia brings a unique approach to brand strategy. Through her Brand Soul Map method, she helps clients uncover their purpose and craft emotionally resonant narratives that drive impact. Beyond business, she mentors individuals to discover their calling, equipping them with the tools to design the lives they truly want. Her portfolio includes impactful initiatives such as the Better Bellville Together campaign for CTP and the CoCT, as well as the Rotary District 9350 ACT4IMPACT membership drive,  demonstrating her ability to create meaningful change through effective communication. For  Nadia, life and business are guided by principles of consistency, adaptability, and empowerment. “Change is the only constant,” she says. “Use it as a gift to build initiatives that enable  women to challenge limitations, gain  nancial literacy, and create the lives they choose.” Her work demonstrates that purpose-driven communication can not only reshape brands but also communities

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Certified Chartered Public Relations Practitioner (CPRP)

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Proud of so many, but most recently the Better Bellville Together campaign, which we created and worked on with our client CTP and the City of Cape Town. Then the Rotary District 9350 ACT4IMPACT campaign — a membership drive.
| mg.co.za
Mahlasedi Mmakola

Mahlasedi Mmakola

Chief executive | Founder
TO-BE-US Holdings Pty Ltd | Mmakola Outreach Foundation

Mahlasedi Mmakola, the chief executive of TO-BE-US Holdings Pty Ltd, the franchise owner of McDonald’s Groblersdal, and the founder of the Mmakola Outreach Foundation, is a firm believer in the potential of young people. She also owns a Game Lodge, which she is developing into a sustainable, community-linked hospitality and conservation project. Her daily work spans business operations, staff mentorship, community outreach, and the development of new initiatives. She is hands-on with her teams, ensuring the highest standards while fostering an environment that encourages young people to grow. Mahlasedi finds joy in seeing potential come to life  — whether a young employee becomes a manager or a child supported through her foundation gains confidence. Her late father inspired her approach to business and community. Following his passing, she has expanded his legacy, ensuring that her ventures not only succeed commercially but also uplift others. The Mmakola Outreach Foundation supports underprivileged children, giving them the tools and confidence to dream beyond their circumstances. The forthcoming Mahlasedi Institute of Excellence continues this mission, combining education, leadership, and community enterprise. Mahlasedi is deeply passionate about children, education, and creating opportunities in rural Limpopo. She believes leadership begins with service, humility, and lifting others as you rise. Guided by her father’s words — “Never let success make you forget why you started” — she strives to build purpose-driven ventures that create lasting impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Regenesys Business School (*in progress)

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Continuing and expanding my late father’s McDonald’s legacy in Groblersdal.
  • Establishing the Mmakola Outreach Foundation, focused on children’s upliftment and community development.
  • Acquiring and developing a game lodge, positioning it as both a luxury destination and a training ground for local hospitality talent.
  • Founding an Institute of Excellence — a future-focused academy designed to merge education, leadership, and community enterprise.
  • Creating sustainable jobs for women and youth through all my ventures, especially in rural Limpopo.

 

| mg.co.za
Katie Mohamed

Katie Mohamed

Chief executive | Founder
BrandFusion | W-Suite | ChangeHub
https://www.instagram.com/katie_mohamed/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mohamed-00762641/?originalSubdomain=za
https://brandfusion.co.za/

Katie Mohamed is a powerhouse of purpose — a storyteller, strategist, and social changemaker shaping South Africa’s narrative through creativity and impact. As chief executive of BrandFusion, she leads with vision, helping brands move markets and mindsets through authentic storytelling. Her work spans boardrooms and communities alike, blending strategy with a sense of soul. Through W-Suite,  Katie champions women in leadership and investment, creating platforms that turn empowerment into action — from mentorship sessions to policy dialogues. With ChangeHub, she takes that mission further, driving socio-economic development that connects business and community, transforming ideas into measurable change. A documentary filmmaker, Katie brings her unique storytelling skills to the forefront. As the author of Brave Today and host of The Influence Equation on  919FM, Katie uses every medium at her disposal to amplify voices and challenge conventions.  She’s also a fashion icon, judge for the SA Style Awards, and regular keynote speaker on wom- en’s empowerment and ethical leadership. For Katie, bravery and purpose are inseparable. “Real leadership begins the moment you choose to lead with authenticity — even when it’s uncomfortable,” she says. Whether she’s building brands, inspiring women, or curating conversations of influence, Katie leads from the heart — proving that courage, creativity, and compassion remain the proper measures of legacy.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Fashion Design, Technical College in Pietermaritzburg
  • Certificate in Public Relations, Dale Carnegie
  • Project Management, University of Stellenbosch

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Documentary filmmaker (Voices of Victory), producer, author (Brave Today), motivational speaker, and creative producer. Founder of Wsuite, ChangeHub, and Brandfusion.
  • Fashion icon and judge for the SA Style Awards.
  • Host and creator of The Influence Equation on 91.9FM.
  • Regular keynote speaker and commentator on women’s empowerment, nation branding, and ethical leadership.
  • Curated platforms such as the Women Investment Summit and Winning Women Wednesday, amplifying women’s voices across business, media, and investment.
| mg.co.za
Gugu Sepamla

Gugu Sepamla

Group corporate affairs and public policy executive | Board member | Harvard Fellow
Babcock Africa
https://www.instagram.com/gmsibi/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gugulami-sepamla-903816186/?originalSubdomain=za
www.babcock.co.za

Gugu Sepamla is a visionary leader in corporate affairs, serving as group corporate affairs & public policy executive at Babcock Africa. She holds a Master’s in Leadership & Strategy from IE University in Madrid, complemented by programmes at INSEAD and Harvard. She brings a global perspective to shaping the company’s relationships with government, media, investors, and society. “Not one single day is the same,” she says. “This role is about strategy, action, and creating meaningful impact.” A passionate advocate for women in leadership, Gugu co-founded the NALA Executive Leadership Programme with the Boston Consulting Group. This nine-month journey accelerates the leadership and success of senior women. She also leads My Table Is Big Enough, a mentorship initiative encouraging women to create space for one another in corporate settings. Her leadership style blends strategic insight with inclusivity, nurturing emerging talent while translating vision into action. A Harvard Fellow, she embraces continuous learning and innovation. Equally proud of her role as a mother, Gugu balances career and family with intention and purpose. Her guiding principle: “Success is not owned, it is leased. Rent is due every month. So show up.” Through advocacy, mentorship, and decisive leadership, she continues to shape South Africa’s corporate and social landscape, inspiring others to lead with courage, integrity, and impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies (Journalism), University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Master’s degree in Leadership & Strategy, IE University in Madrid

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Proud to be a Harvard Fellow, having never imagined the opportunity to immerse fully in student life again. The proudest role, however, is that of being a mom.

 

| mg.co.za
Mbali Phejaolema

Mbali Phejaolema

Group manager for strategy development & integration
Exxaro Resources
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbali-phejaolema-55364129/
https://www.exxaro.com/

With a B.Eng in Mining Engineering and an Honours in Technology Management from the University of Pretoria, as well as an MBA from GIBS, Mbali Phejaolema has built a career that spans mining, finance, and corporate strategy. As group manager for strategy development and integration at Exxaro Resources, she collaborates with executives to devise long-term strategies that address complex challenges—from climate change to sustainable growth—across 11 business functions. Her role blends analysis, risk assessment, and strategic alignment, ensuring that no two days are ever the same. Her career spans mining, finance, and corporate strategy, providing her with a unique perspective on how capital, operations, and communities intersect. Beyond Exxaro, Mbali serves as chairperson of ABSIP Women in Focus (AWIF), leading initiatives that develop female professionals, support entrepreneurship, and promote financial inclusion. Under her leadership, AWIF has launched programmes, webinars, and events that have empowered hundreds of women nationwide. A dedicated fitness enthusiast and mother of three, Mbali’s commitment to her work and her conviction that meaningful change begins within one’s own sphere of influence are genuinely inspiring. “It begins with us — leading with purpose and lifting others as we rise,” she says. Guided by this principle, she continues to make an impact not just through business but by mentoring, empowering, and creating opportunities for others to thrive alongside her. Mbali exemplifies leadership with vision, purpose, and heart.

ACHIEVEMENTS

As the chairperson of ABSIP (Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals) Women in Focus (“AWIF”) Sub-Committee, and under my leadership, AWIF has achieved the following:

  • Supported over 150 female professionals through our strategic partnerships and sponsor-led programmes, including the IoDSA Certified Director Programme, SAVCA GIBS Private Equity Programme, Ashburton Investments Credit 101, and Franklin Templeton Investment Programme.
  • In July 2024, we successfully launched the WIB in partnership with Allan Gray. The initiative aims to build a movement and support base where women entrepreneurs can convene, learn from one another, and develop solutions. Given the high unemployment rate in the country, this platform seeks to ensure SMMEs not only survive but thrive.
  • In July 2024, AWIF committee members visited Orange Farm, where they impacted 12 young people by providing care packages. In 2025, we hosted the Mandela Day MpowerHER Initiative Webinar, providing live coaching sessions to 67 young female professionals from leaders within financial services and human capital.
  • In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, we ran a campaign featuring trailblazing women sharing insights on ensuring women always have a seat at the table. Speakers included Snowy Masakale (Sanlam Private Wealth and past AWIF Chairperson), Funeka Montjane (Standard Bank PBB CEO), Thandie Mashego (EPPF CFO), and Zodwa Mbele (DBSA CFO)
  • In September 2024, in partnership with the Franklin Templeton Institute, we explored sustainability frameworks, sustainable investing in fixed income, taxonomy, and the Sanlam ESG Barometer, presented by Teboho Makhabane.
  • Hosted with Ann Simpson (Franklin Templeton Global Head of Sustainability) alongside industry experts Santhuri Thaver and Tshepo Ntsane, engaging ESG stakeholders from the ABSIP community to discuss recent developments.
  • Our flagship event, held on 23 August 2025 during Women’s Month, was themed Solidarity, Equality & Sustainability: Has the Needle Moved for Women’s Financial Inclusion? The panel included Florence Musundwa, co-Chair of G20, who shared G20 Empower’s key priorities under the South African Presidency, focusing on women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, STEM, and innovation. She highlighted advocacy for the WE Finance Code to drive financial inclusion and increase access to capital for women-led businesses.
  • Under my leadership, AWIF was a finalist in 2023 and 2024 for the Accenture Gender Mainstreaming Awards in the category “Investing in Young Women.” We have successfully built a female professional community where women can access emotional support, acquire essential skills and qualifications, and create tangible impact when opportunities arise.

 

| mg.co.za
Taryn Hunter Sharman

Taryn Hunter Sharman

Co-founder | Managing director
Faith and Fear and The Brave Collective
www.linkedin.com/in/taryn-hunter-sharman-b899a5149

Taryn Hunter Sharman, a trailblazer in entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing communications from the University of Johannesburg (formerly Rand Afrikaans University, RAU). As co-founder and managing director of Faith & Fear and creator of The Brave Collective, she has built platforms that empower women to rewrite their own stories. Her work spans managing campaigns for major brands like Profmed, Liberty, and RMB, while The Brave Collective now supports over 2,000 women monthly in conversations about leadership, money, and self-worth. Taryn’s entrepreneurial spirit was sparked early—having lost her father at seven and witnessing her mother’s resilience, she began selling homemade goods at the age of  nine. From corporate advertising to leading Ebony + Ivory and finishing in the top three on The Apprentice South  Africa, she has consistently pushed boundaries in male-dominated industries. Through Faith & Fear, she has built a  R20 Million, 100% women-owned business and a network of over 25 women-led contractors. Her philosophy, which she lives and breathes, is simple yet powerful: self-worth and net worth are inseparable; when women recognize their value, they unlock opportunities for themselves and those around them. Guided by the principle, “Don’t strive to be well known. Strive to be worth knowing,” Taryn continues to create impact, opportunity, and empowerment across South Africa.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Arts Marketing Communications – Rand Afrikaans University (RAU)

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Motherhood – raising three children, a grounding achievement and the inspiration behind much of the work undertaken.
  • Building Faith & Fear – grew the business to a R20 million turnover; 100% women-owned, demonstrating the power of female-led leadership in a competitive industry.
  • Contractor Network – created a network of 25+ women-led businesses, investing over R10 million annually into their growth and sustainability.
  • Co-founding The Brave Collective – reaches over 2,000 women monthly, providing a platform for connection, growth, and honest conversations.
  • Partnerships with National Brands – collaborated with Profmed, Liberty, Versofy, Talent10, and RMB to deliver communications strategies that scale revenue and impact.
    Advertising Recognition – shortlisted for a Loerie Award for the Profmed Findr initiative, which has helped over 800 doctors find work, addressing South Africa’s medical unemployment crisis. Case study link

 

| mg.co.za
Rapelang Ramatlhodi

Rapelang Ramatlhodi

Founder | Chief executive
Solarev Solutions
https://www.instagram.com/rapelang_victoria_ramatlhodi/
www.solarevsolutions.co.za

Rapelang Ramatlhodi is reshaping South Africa’s energy landscape as the founder and chief executive of Solarev Solutions, a renewable energy company creating green economy opportunities while addressing the nation’s energy challenges. She holds a Diploma in Events Management from Tshwane University of Technology and a Certificate in Brand Marketing from Vega Institute. Her days are dynamic, as she provides strategic direction, oversees operations, and ensures her team maintains high standards of safety, professionalism, and innovation. But what she enjoys most is nurturing client relationships, ensuring their needs are met and their expectations exceeded. Solarev began as a solar panel cleaning and maintenance business and has grown into a whole ecosystem offering solar  PV installation, training, and capacity-building programs for youth and entrepreneurs. Rapelang’s inspiration stems from her belief that renewable energy is a new gold mine,  capable of transforming lives and communities. Her proudest milestones include helping clients achieve up to 135% efficiency performance, being named a Top 3 Future Bold Women Award nominee by Veuve Clicquot, and serving as a founding member of the Global Solar Cleaners Network. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: believe in your vision, surround yourself with like-minded people, and protect the light of your dream. Through Solarev, Rapelang advances renewable energy while building careers and hope across South Africa.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Diploma in Events Management, Tshwane University of Technology
  • Certificate in Brand Marketing, Vega Institute;

ACHIEVEMENTS

I am proud of the Solar Cleaning Project, which we have been managing. The client reached their performance guarantees for the year, with our support helping them achieve 135% efficiency. Last year, I was nominated as a Top 3 Future Bold Women Award nominee by Veuve Clicquot. In 2023, I was selected as a founding member of the Solar Cleaners Network, representing South Africa globally. I was also part of the 2024 54 Founder Collective Cohort.

| mg.co.za
Phindile Msomi

Phindile Msomi

Group chief executive
Hazile Group
https://www.instagram.com/phindimsomi/
www.linkedin.com/in/drphindi-msomi-hazile
http://www.hazilegroup.co.za

Dr Phindile Msomi’s journey began in Orlando West, Soweto, a place where resilience and community were the cornerstones of her early life. Her initial aspiration was to become a doctor, driven by a deep-seated desire to make a difference. However, her path led her to a different kind of leadership. She earned a doctorate in Business  Administration and became a force to be reckoned with in entrepreneurship and agribusiness. As the group chief executive of Hazile Group, Msomi leads ventures that span agri-business, consulting, and social development. Her days are a whirlwind of activity—she reviews operations, meets with clients, oversees governance, mentors women and youth, and even works hands-on in hydroponics tunnels. She drives innovation through water-efficient farming solutions and sustainable business strategies, combining leadership with practical impact. Personal challenges, including becoming a mother at 19 and losing her husband at 27, only served to fuel her commitment to empowerment. She teaches entrepreneurial skills, leadership, and confidence-building through initiatives like Basadi Bakopane NPO, which fosters community development and opportunities. Her achievements include expanding Hazile’s hydroponics farm, launching the Eco-Farm Pod prototype, and completing her DBA at the age of 53, all while balancing leadership, motherhood, and social impact. Guided by the principle “Lift as you rise,” Msomi measures success by the opportunities she creates for others, turning setbacks into stepping stones and multiplying impact through mentorship, empowerment, and sustainable innovation.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), Milpark Business School
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA), Milpark Business School

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Expansion of Hazile’s hydroponics farm – growing from one to three tunnels and reviving our farm after COVID losses, increasing production of herbs to agroprocessed products, and recently successfully completing the Eco-Farm Pod prototype and TM registration, while training women and youth in modern, sustainable farming practices.
  • Empowerment and mentorship initiatives – leading programmes that teach entrepreneurial skills, leadership, confidence-building, and communication, fostering the next generation of women and youth entrepreneurs.
  • Water management and renewable energy projects – implementing grey and rainwater harvesting systems, water cleaning and reuse, and promoting on-demand renewable energy solutions.
  • Governance and board contributions – serving on multiple boards to share governance expertise, ensuring strategic direction, accountability, and sustainable growth.
  • Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) – achieving a doctorate at 53 years while balancing leadership, single motherhood, business operations, and social impact initiatives, demonstrating resilience and commitment to lifelong learning.
  • Social impact through Basadi Bakopane NPO – driving initiatives that improve lives in local communities through entrepreneurship, skills development, and community upliftment.
Sewela Mamphiswana | mg.co.za
Letty Nthabiseng Baloyi

Letty Nthabiseng Baloyi

Founder and director
Hyades Cleaning Solutions
https://www.linkedin.com/in/letty-baloyi-38043215b
https://hyadescleaning.co.za/

Letty Nthabiseng Baloyi, an entrepreneur from Leeufontein, Mpumalanga, has made a significant impact in the business and community sectors. After completing her matric in the science stream in 2015,  she pursued certificates in computer literacy, call centre training, and a short course in entrepreneurship at Chartall Business College. Motivated by a desire to serve, Letty founded Hyades Cleaning Solutions, a business delivering professional cleaning services while creating jobs and empowering her community.  “No two days are ever the same,” she says. “I coordinate teams, oversee projects, liaise with clients, and ensure high-quality standards. The most rewarding  part is watching our staff grow, gain skills, and provide for their families while transforming spaces for  our clients.” Since its inception, Hyades has expanded across multiple cleaning sectors and secured a year-long contract with a leading property management company. Letty’s exceptional leadership earned her the 2024 Global Recognition Award for excellence in business and community impact. Beyond running her company, she mentors emerging entrepreneurs,  champions community initiatives, and invests in personal development, making empowerment a central part of her mission. Guided by resilience, purpose, and the mantra, “focus on what you can control and give your best,” Letty is building more than a company — she’s creating a platform for opportunity, growth, and transformation.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Short course in Entrepreneurship Skills, Chartall Business College 

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Successfully founded and grew Hyades Cleaning Solutions, providing professional cleaning services and creating job opportunities.  
  • Secured a one-year cleaning contract with a leading property management company, creating eight job opportunities and generating a monthly turnover of R100,000.  
  • Expanded service offerings to include post-construction cleaning, deep cleaning, office cleaning, retail cleaning, window cleaning, and upholstery cleaning.  
  • Completed a short course in Entrepreneurship Skills at Chartall Business College, strengthening business strategy and operations.  Recognised as the 2024 Global Recognition Award Winner for excellence in business and community impact.  
  • Built a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and community empowerment in the cleaning industry.

 

Sewela Mamphiswana | mg.co.za
Aditi Radhakrishna

Aditi Radhakrishna

Co-founder | Director
Ruby Rose Feminine Hygiene SA (Pty) Ltd | Akhile Management and Consulting (Pty) Ltd
https://www.instagram.com/aditir_cpt/
www.linkedin.com/in/aditi-radhakrishna-80bb0a24
https://www.rubyrosesa.co.za/ | https://akhile.co.za/

Aditi Radhakrishna, a chartered accountant and social entrepreneur, is redefining the business landscape with her belief that purpose and profitability can coexist. She holds a Bachelor of Business Science in Finance and Accounting from the University of Cape Town and an MBA. As the co-founder of Ruby Rose Feminine Hygiene SA and director at Akhile Management and Consulting, Aditi is a pioneer in merging financial leadership with purpose-driven innovation. At Akhile, she leads projects in local government that focus on economic sustainability, governance, and digital transformation. Ruby Rose, however, is where her mission-driven spirit truly shines. The company manufactures environmentally friendly, SABS-approved sanitary pads, provides menstrual health education, and creates entrepreneurial opportunities for women. But for Aditi, Ruby Rose is more than a business. It’s a platform to eradicate period poverty, challenge harmful taboos, and empower women to take control of their future. Her proudest milestones include commissioning a state-of-the-art sanitary pad facility in Paarl, securing SABS approval, and positioning Ruby Rose as one of South Africa’s few entirely women- and youth-owned sanitary pad manufacturers. Recognised on platforms from Good Hope FM to the Cape Argus Women in Business  Initiative, Aditi proves that purpose and profitability can coexist. Her mantra is simple: purpose and perseverance go hand in hand, and magic happens when you step into discomfort. Through her work, she inspires a generation of women to build businesses that truly matter.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, University of Cape Town
  • Bachelor of Business Science in Finance and Accounting, University of Cape Town
  • Member, South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
  • Short courses completed: MBA Essentials, University of Stellenbosch Business School – Digital Transformation Strategies, University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business – Business Development Management, University of Cape Town

ACHIEVEMENTS

I am most proud of milestones that reflect both impact and progress. In 2024, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility was commissioned in Paarl, Western Cape, and SABS approval was secured for the products — achievements that set a new benchmark for quality and safety in menstrual health. Ruby Rose is also one of the few 100% women-owned and youth-owned sanitary pad manufacturers in South Africa, underscoring a commitment to inclusive and representative leadership. Through strong partnerships with NGOs and community groups, access to menstrual products and education in vulnerable communities has been expanded. This has already led to measurable outcomes, including reduced absenteeism among girl learners, improved matric pass rates, and increased sports participation among girls receiving menstrual hygiene support. On a personal leadership level, there has been the honour of sharing insights on platforms such as 5FM, Goodhope FM, and Paarl FM, and being recognised as a finalist in the Good Hope FM Warrior Women Awards (Entrepreneurship), the South African Forty Under 40 (Manufacturing), and the Cape Argus Women in Business Initiative.

 

| mg.co.za

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