Rich lists

9 South African Women on Forbes Africa’s 2025 30 Under 50

Published

3 months ago

June 25, 2025

Chiraag

South African women Forbes 2025, Captain Londy Ngcobo dredge master, Candice Swanepoel model, Arlene Mulder coding academy, DJ Zinhle entrepreneur, Refilwe Ledwaba pilot, Ntsiki Biyela winemaker, Minnie Dlamini media executive, Puseletso Manyaka-Lesofe scientist, Joburg ETC

In a year that celebrates seasoned excellence, nine remarkable South African women have earned their place on Forbes Africa’s 2025 30 Under 50 list. Each of their journeys tells a uniquely inspiring story, marking new milestones in their fields.

These women aren’t just successful – they’re changing the game in their industries, building legacies, and reshaping what influence looks like in South Africa.

Also read: Young, Ambitious & Wealthy: Meet South Africa’s 20 Youngest Millionaires in 2025

Captain Londy Ngcobo – Pioneering Dredge Master

Known as the “Black Mermaid,” Captain Londy Ngcobo has broken serious ground – becoming Africa’s first female dredge master. She’s not just navigating ships; she’s charting a new course for women in heavy industry. Her presence in global maritime spaces is a signal that women belong in every room, even ones built on steel and sea.

Candice Swanepoel & Behati Prinsloo – From SA to Global Runways

Global fashion might know them as supermodels, but South Africans know them as exports of elegance and impact. Candice Swanepoel and Behati Prinsloo, both born on SA soil, have turned their careers into platforms for causes like maternal health and conservation – proving that glamour and giving back aren’t mutually exclusive.

Arlene Mulder – Democratising Tech Education

As co-founder of WeThinkCode, Arlene Mulder is breaking down barriers in South Africa’s tech world. Her coding academy offers free, accessible training to underserved youth, levelling the digital playing field. Her work is growing a new generation of African developers – and it’s changing lives line by line.

DJ Zinhle – Entrepreneurial Maestro

From spinning decks to designing décor, DJ Zinhle is a true creative entrepreneur. Her business ventures – Era by DJ Zinhle and Jiyane Atelier – have made her a household name far beyond music. With every move, she redefines what it means to be a multifaceted, empowered woman in South Africa today.

Forbes Africa 30 Under 50 South African women, SA female trailblazers 2025, top SA entrepreneurs 2025, women in aviation SA, African winemakers, SA media leadership, coding education South Africa, health research Africa, Joburg ETC

Image 1: Kezakoo

Refilwe Ledwaba – Networking the Skies

Refilwe Ledwaba isn’t just flying helicopters – she’s flying the flag for gender inclusion in aviation. As founder of Girls Fly Africa, she’s mentoring girls and women to enter aeronautics and aerospace fields. Her influence stretches from the skies to classrooms, showing the next generation what’s possible.

Ntsiki Biyela – Raising a Toast to Representation

Ntsiki Biyela is the force behind Aslina Wines and South Africa’s first Black female winemaker. She’s built an internationally respected wine brand while also advocating for more diversity in the industry. Her journey proves that you can disrupt a centuries-old space – gracefully, boldly, and on your own terms.

Minnie Dlamini – Storyteller & Producer

From actor to executive producer, Minnie Dlamini has carved out a multi-dimensional career in South African media. Beyond the red carpet, she’s shaping content, championing African storytelling, and showing that talent and business acumen can absolutely coexist.

Puseletso Manyaka-Lesofe – Scientific Innovator

As co-founder of the African Institute of Medical Scientists, Puseletso Manyaka-Lesofe is championing African-led solutions in science and health. Her work in medical research isn’t just academic – it’s building future health systems from the inside out, grounded in local context.

Why It Matters (Now More Than Ever)

This list isn’t just a celebration of status. It’s a celebration of impact. These women represent excellence that is earned – not given – and their stories are igniting conversations across South Africa.

From Instagram shout-outs to academic debates, their inclusion on the Forbes list has struck a national chord. Together, they symbolise an SA that’s brave, visionary, and unapologetically ambitious.