Meet the game-changers: Young South African women making their mark

As we celebrate Women's Month and the launch of IOL's Elevate Her campaign, there's a powerful narrative unfolding across South Africa, one that speaks to an unstoppable force of talent, passion, and purpose.

It's a story of a generation of young women who are not just waiting for opportunities, but actively creating them.

From the sports fields to the frontlines of social change, these trailblazers are not just making their mark; they are rewriting the rules, proving that when passion meets purpose, anything is possible.

Clarins South Africa has brought together this group of ten South African women under the age of 30 whose work and influence are helping to reshape ideas of beauty and identity. 

The campaign, called The Next 10, spotlights a new generation of changemakers—each with their own journey, yet united by a belief in the power of combining passion with purpose to drive cultural and social progress.

Nonkululeko Mlaba: Cricket's fearless trailblazer

From the township streets of Durban to the international stage, Nonkululeko Mlaba is a left-arm spin sensation for the Proteas. 

As a Proteas player since 2019, she has a fearless attitude that has inspired her teammates and fans alike. In a historic achievement in December 2024, she became the first South African woman to take a ten-wicket haul in a Test match, a milestone that cemented her status as a cricketing force. 

Yewon Choi: A storyteller of culture

Yewon Choi is a South African by heart, though Korean by birth. She has become a celebrated storyteller of culture, weaving together her love for local brands with the authentic flavours of her home. 

Through her content, she shares the beauty of Asian cuisine, skincare, and style, creating a world rooted in identity, care, and connection. Her work highlights the joy of feeling seen and celebrated.

Masabata Sebusi: The agri innovator

Masabata Sebusi is an agri-innovator transforming South Africa’s food systems from the ground up. She co-founded AgriVuno, an organisation that empowers smallholder farmers with training and access to markets. Sebusi is a fierce advocate for youth leadership and sustainability, helping build a future that feeds both people and purpose.

Sive Mfenyana: High-flying role model

From cadet to senior first officer, Sive Mfenyana is an airline pilot for South Africa’s biggest airline, FlySafair, flying Boeing 737-800s. As one of the country's few black female pilots, she is a role model for aspiring aviators. Mfenyana is passionate about mentoring individuals from under-represented communities, proving that women belong in the cockpit.

Constable Brooke Erin Fritz: Underwater hero

Constable Brooke Erin Fritz is redefining bravery as the youngest female SAPS diver in the Western Cape. 

Her work spans from crime-scene recovery to life-saving rescue missions. She was celebrated by the SAPS during Youth Month 2025 as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that women belong at every depth of service. 

Jessica Thompson: Teenage swim star

At just 16, Jessica Thompson is a rising star in the swimming world. She made waves at the Commonwealth Youth Games by breaking the record in the 50m butterfly. 

She also holds three age-group records at the SA Nationals and came within a whisker of qualifying for the Paris Olympics. With Romania 2025 on the horizon and LA 2028 in her sights, she is training to make history in the pool.

Georgina Bennett: Fashion’s circular champion

As the brand director at Style Rotate, one of South Africa’s most innovative fashion rental platforms, Georgina Bennett is making fashion more sustainable and accessible. 

She has styled icons like Rachel Kolisi and led major campaigns, including the Style Rotate X Poetry Collection, rewriting the fashion rulebook with elegance and a commitment to circularity.

Bridget Mangwandi: MasterChef with a mission

At the age of 20, Bridget Mangwandi made television history by becoming the youngest and first black female winner of MasterChef SA, pocketing a cool R1 million. 

A food science student, she impressed judges and viewers alike with her ability to blend creativity with culinary heritage. Now, she is building a culinary empire, with plans for a cooking show, studio, and her own product line.

Candice Chirwa: Minister of menstruation

Candice Chirwa is a gender activist, author, TEDx speaker, and founder of Qrate, a non-profit organisation dedicated to menstrual education and policy reform. 

Popularly known as the "Minister of Menstruation," Chirwa has authored books such as “Flow” and “Perils of Patriarchy”. She is shifting the conversation around period poverty, paid menstrual leave, and reproductive rights, sparking national dialogues that aim to turn shame into strength.

Lindo ASMR: Zulu's calmest voice

Lindo ASMR is one of South Africa’s few isiZulu ASMRtists, delivering soothing content rooted in comfort and care. 

With every whisper, she promotes language pride, wellness, and accessible relaxation for local and global audiences. Her videos, which include name pronunciations, skincare rituals, and bedtime stories, offer a unique form of healing through soft sounds.

IOL Lifestyle