The Brave Collective returns with biggest Women’s Month gathering yet

Women’s Month is fast approaching, and one of South Africa’s longest-running communities for women in the creative sector is preparing to host what organisers say will be its largest gathering yet.

As announced by The Brave Collective, its eighth flagship event, Fortune Favours the Brave. Own It., will take place on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, at The Forum in Bryanston, Johannesburg, bringing together more than 400 women from the advertising, marketing, production and creative industries.

While the event will be held in Johannesburg, it is expected to attract professionals from across the country, including the Western Cape, making it a notable addition to South Africa’s Women’s Month calendar.

From 40 women to a community of more than 4 000

Six years ago, The Brave Collective began with a single gathering of just 40 women. Since then, it has grown into a community of more than 4 000 members, creating a platform where women can connect, learn and have honest conversations about both their careers and personal development.

This year’s programme has been built around leadership, brand-building, financial confidence and personal reinvention, reflecting the challenges and opportunities many women face throughout their professional journeys.

Co-founder Taryn Hunter Sharman says the community was created to encourage conversations that often don’t happen in traditional networking spaces, particularly around financial wellbeing, self-worth and long-term independence.

A line-up of influential voices

Attendees will hear from several prominent South African business and creative leaders throughout the morning programme.

The speaker line-up includes:

• Khensani Nobanda, Nedbank Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs, speaking on leadership, influence and decision-making.
• Lihle Nxumalo-Ngini, Managing Director of MaXhosa Africa, who will discuss building a heritage-led brand into a globally recognised business.
• Rachel Kolisi, presenting Falling Forward, a personal reflection on resilience and rebuilding through life’s challenges.
• Carla Venter, founder of Money With Carla, who will lead a masterclass on financial confidence and long-term financial independence.

The programme will conclude with The Brave Collective’s signature Greatest Fears Share Session, where attendees are invited to openly share the fears they often carry in silence.

Why the conversations still matter

Organisers say The Brave Collective is built on three pillars: self-worth, network and net worth.

They also point to South Africa’s recent legal history, noting that women married under customary law were only fully recognised as legal adults in 1998. Against that backdrop, they believe conversations around leadership, financial literacy and economic participation remain as relevant as ever.

Returning as headline sponsor, Nedbank will once again support the event alongside partners including Biogen, Estée Lauder, Curious Tom, Pop Up Sisters, Profmed and Chapters.

Doors open at 07:30, with the programme running from 09:00 until 13:00, followed by lunch.

Whether attending from Johannesburg, Cape Town or elsewhere in the country, the event aims to bring together women committed to growing their careers, expanding their networks and investing in their future.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com