In celebration of Women’s Month, the Her Brand Story Seminar will spotlight the resilience, creativity, and leadership of female winners of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. This empowering platform will allow these trailblazers to share their entrepreneurial journeys, celebrate their successes, and inspire other women in business to dream bigger and lead boldly.
Dr Pulane Modiha
Chief Operating Officer, Part-Time Lecturer, Keynote Speaker
A distinguished business executive and academic with over 20 years’ experience in the financial services sector. She is widely recognised for her ability to lead with purpose, inspire through thought leadership, and drive meaningful transformation across complex business environments.
As a keynote public speaker, Dr. Modiha brings powerful insights on leadership, innovation, and gender equity—delivering messages that ignite action and inspire resilience. She is also a passionate academic, serving as a part time lecturer and MBA research supervisor across leading South African business schools, where she mentors the next generation of leaders.
With deep expertise in Banking, Strategy, Digital innovations, Customer experience, Risk, and Governance, Dr. Modiha is a trailblazer who bridges corporate excellence with social impact—empowering women to lead boldly and build a future grounded in purpose and possibility.
Mbali Sebapu
CEO and Founder, Hermosa Flor Cosmetics
The award-winning CEO and founder behind four pioneering beauty brands: Hermosa Flor Cosmetics, Hermosa Kids, Laze, and Serene. A holder of a degree in Military Science from the University of Stellenbosch, Mbali also boasts a Certificate in Business Development and a Certificate in Business and Marketing Management, which have collectively equipped her with a unique blend of strategic thinking, leadership, and business acumen.
A former South African Navy officer, Mbali boldly transitioned from a distinguished military career to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship and cosmetics. Her naval experience instilled discipline, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, which she now leverages to navigate the competitive beauty industry.
Each of Mbali’s brands has a distinct focus: – Hermosa Flor Cosmetics is dedicated to empowering women through natural, effective, and inclusive products. – Hermosa Kids offers gentle, safe, and effective products for children. – Laze is a men’s grooming brand, providing high-quality products for the modern man. – Serene is a body care brand, offering products that promote relaxation and self-love. Mbali’s vision for her brands is rooted in her commitment to diversity, sustainability, and community empowerment. Under her guidance, each brand has become synonymous with high-quality, crueltyfree, and eco-friendly products that celebrate individuality and promote self-love. As a trailblazing entrepreneur, Mbali Sebapu embodies resilience, creativity, and determination. Her remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams and making a meaningful impact in the world.
Recognized for her outstanding achievements, Mbali has received prestigious awards, including: – Africa’s Most Promising Female Business Exemplary of the year at the Consumer Choice Awards – BEAUTY AND LIFESTYLE Winner at the FORTY UNDER 40 SA awards These accolades are a testament to Mbali’s dedication, perseverance, and pioneering spirit. Through her four brands, she continues to inspire and uplift individuals, fostering a culture of empowerment, inclusivity, and beauty for all.
Nombuso Sandawana
Founder, NOH Eyewear
Founder of NOH Eyewear, designs and makes spectacles- a companion that at least 10% of the global population relies on daily.
Supplyig frames to South Africa’s high-end optometrists, she creates pieces that celebrate individuality and invite self-expression.
Her path into design is layered and dynamic- rooted in precision, yet inspired by color, imagination and freedom. With NOH eyewear, Nombuso embraces the power of reinvention and the beauty of transition, offering frames that are personal as they are striking.
Zandile Mkhwanazi
CEO and Founder, Girl Code
A trailblazing entrepreneur and advocate for women in tech. As the Founder and CEO of GirlCode, a leading organization empowering women through technology that has impacted the lives of over 80,000 girls and women. With a proven track record of success in both education and entrepreneurship, Zandile is a driving force in the South African tech ecosystem. Her leadership and vision have earned her recognition as a leading authority on women in tech, including being named one of Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans; Santam Women of the Future Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Digital Woman Winner at the GovTech ’23 ; Telkom Top 10 phenomenal women ‘23 and Sunday World Heroic Women ‘24. Zandile is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for girls and women in tech.
Mbali Mdluli
CEO and Founder, Reliable Renders Home Deco
A dynamic and accomplished individual from Mamelodi, Pretoria, who is making waves in both business and sports. At 27, she is currently in her second year of a BCom in Marketing, further expanding her skill set and expertise.
Recent Achievements:
2025. She clinched the YOBA Top 16 Award for her innovative contributions.
2024: Completed the MIKTA Training, enhancing her global insights and strategic thinking.
2023: Secured third place in the Tinyloti Tea FREC Funding Competition, highlighting her entrepreneurial spirit. Foundational Milestones:
2020 :Digital Marketing Graduate from the Open University, equipped with modern marketing techniques.
2022: Graduated from the Gordon Institute of Business, solidifying her business acumen.As a Certified Exporter through SEDA, Mbali has proven her capabilities in international trade.
2019: Graduated from the University of Pretoria, laying a strong academic foundation.
2018: Became a SAFA-accredited football coach, combining her love for sports with her professional journey.