Real, lasting change happens when someone steps up and takes initiative to address the challenges around them. These ten extraordinary women are doing just that, pouring their hearts into their communities and transforming lives across South Africa.
Cape Town, South Africa (03 November 2026) – The protea, South Africa’s national flower, stands for resilience and transformation – making it a fitting symbol for the incredible women leading organisations, strengthening communities, and tackling our nation’s most complex social challenges.
Celebrated as the Proteas of Mzansi, Nation Builder recently announced and recognised 10 of these women as its 2026 honourees. These are the female powerhouses whose work advocates for disability rights, guides young people through skills development, runs learning and after-school programmes that help children thrive, and makes sure our elderly are never forgotten. Some are even bringing joy through dance and identity-building classes in under-resourced schools.
Simply put, Nation Builder’s Proteas of Mzansi celebrates the unsung heroines who pour their hearts into changing lives and building stronger communities, often with little public acknowledgement but always with deep, lasting results.
Across the country, they are building organisations, developing solutions, mobilising communities and carrying significant responsibility within the social impact ecosystem.
Every year, Nation Builder invites South Africans to nominate the female changemakers in their midst. This year was no different, and we are proud to introduce the 2026 Proteas of Mzansi:
- Irene Snell Carroll — Age-in-Action Western Cape
- Levona Solomons — Arise and Shine Initiative for People with Disabilities
- Lyndi Lawson — Umuzi
- Ushama Ross Jerrier — Field Band Foundation
- Ntsako Ngomane — Property Point NPC
- Talitha de Klerk — Rhythm of Hope Outreach NPO
- Bongiwe Mhlongo — Zamisizwe Resource Centre
- Nomkhosi Sinenhlanhla — Natal Midlands Development Programme
- Faye Bronwyn Curtis — Lungisani Indela Trust
- Jane Mpholo — Jane Mpholo Pty Ltd
During August, these incredible women gathered at KWV’s iconic Cathedral Cellar in Paarl for a gala evening filled with honour, storytelling, creativity, and joy. The event beautifully brought together people, partnership, food, music, poetry and considered details, all centred around 10 women whose work deserves to be known and celebrated.
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How the Vuyani Safe Haven Helped Jonathan Hermaans Find His Second Chance at LifeBut Proteas of Mzansi was never intended to end when the last guest left the event. In fact, the real journey has only just begun. The 2026 honourees have now been onboarded into the Nation Builder Network to join a national community of like-minded changemakers.
Together, they’ll have access to practical resources, learning opportunities, meaningful connections, and spaces to collaborate. They will also gain access to professional support designed to strengthen personal wellbeing, leadership and organisational growth.
From mentorship, leadership development, and business coaching to counselling and emotional intelligence training, the initiative goes far beyond simple recognition. It ensures these women, and the organisations they lead, are truly seen, supported, and built up for the road ahead.
At its heart, this campaign is all about helping these leaders grow from strength to strength. Because when they thrive, their impact deepens for the communities they serve and ultimately strengthens South Africa’s social impact ecosystem.
Nation Builder extends its gratitude to its partners KWV, Hertz, Airlink and the Val de Vie Foundation, as well as Rolene Strauss, former Miss World, for her collaboration.
“Nation Builder extends its sincere appreciation to KWV, the primary sponsor of Proteas of Mzansi 2026, for its significant support of the initiative. We also acknowledge the valued contributions of the Val de Vie Foundation, Hertz and Airlink, alongside other stakeholders whose collaboration helped make the initiative possible.”
Congratulations to each deserving honouree. Your stories continue to inspire a more just, connected, and compassionate South Africa.
Sources: Nation Builder
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