Standard bank honours SA’s top women

By Botlhale Leepile

Successful women to be celebrated in Sandton

South Africa’s most prestigious platform recognising women’s leadership is back. The Standard Bank Top Women Awards 2025 will take place on December 2nd, at the Sandton Convention Centre, shining a spotlight on the individuals and organisations shaping Africa’s future. Under this year’s theme, “Her Power, Africa’s Future,” the awards promise a celebration of innovation, inclusion, and transformative leadership across industries.

The awards follow the resounding success of September’s Standard Bank Top Women Conference, which brought together the country’s foremost female leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. Now, the awards ceremony seeks to honour those making tangible impacts in their organisations and communities, from small businesses to corporate giants.

Leading the event will be a keynote address by Nonkululeko Nyembezi, chairman of Standard Bank Group, whose career exemplifies the visionary leadership the awards celebrate. “Supporting women is an investment in Africa’s future,” said Simone Cooper, head of business and commercial banking at Standard Bank. “When women rise, economies thrive. The Top Women Awards showcase extraordinary talent, innovation, and leadership across the continent.”

The first wave of an esteemed adjudication panel has been unveiled, tasked with identifying South Africa’s true champions of gender equality. The line-up includes industry heavyweights such as Disa Mpande, CFO at merSETA; Takalani Netshitenzhe, chairperson of the Vodacom Foundation; Nonnie Kubeka, executive director at Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau; Shabnum Dawood, CEO of DHL South Africa; and Aminah Sulaiman, communications manager at Procter & Gamble.

“This calibre of leadership ensures that we celebrate the trailblazers who are actively shaping a more inclusive economy,” said Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media, the organiser of the awards.

The 2025 ceremony also promises to be a stylish affair. Nespresso joins as Luxury Lifestyle Partner, bringing its signature coffee experience to the event, while category sponsors including Telkom, RS South Africa, merSETA, and Drs Mashao & Dzichauya Inc underscore a shared commitment to advancing women’s leadership across sectors.

Awards will span both organisational and individual excellence. Categories include Top Women-owned businesses in ICT, construction, health, public service, and youth development, as well as awards for diversity, corporate citizenship, and innovation. Individual awards honour leadership in STEM, professional services, entrepreneurship, and lifetime achievement. Entries close November ,7, offering businesses and leaders a national stage to be recognised for their contributions to gender equality and inclusive growth.

“The Top Women Awards are more than a celebration, they are a movement. They provide visibility, inspire the next generation, and highlight the tangible impact women have in shaping South Africa’s economy and society,” Fletcher said.

Prospective entrants can submit nominations via the official awards portal here. Organisations seeking to align their brand with South Africa’s premier women empowerment platform can explore sponsorship opportunities.

With its combination of prestige, purpose, and celebration, the Standard Bank Top Women Awards 2025 promises an evening where excellence, empowerment, and ambition take centre stage, honouring the women whose leadership will define Africa’s future.