The spirit of audacity and innovation was alive at The Forum in Hyde Park as Veuve Clicquot honoured two extraordinary women reshaping South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. At the heart of a vibrant ceremony, Retang Phaahla, Co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters, and Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi, Founder and CEO of Hazile Group, were named the 2025 winners of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award and Bold Future Award, respectively.
Now in its fourth year in South Africa and 53rd year globally, the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award celebrates trailblazing women who lead with purpose, resilience, and vision—mirroring the bold legacy of Madame Clicquot, one of the world’s first female entrepreneurs. The award is more than a recognition—it’s a global movement fostering a connected community of fearless women transforming industries and driving social progress across 27 countries.
2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award Winner
Retang Phaahla – Co-founder & CEO, Setšong Tea Crafters
Retang Phaahla is rewriting the narrative of sustainable enterprise through indigenous knowledge. At the helm of Setšong Tea Crafters, a proudly women-led business based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, she is harnessing local biodiversity to create premium, culturally rooted herbal teas. What began as a passion project alongside her mother, Nondumiso Phaahla, has become a model for social entrepreneurship—uplifting rural communities, preserving African traditions, and advancing agri-tourism and agro-processing.
“Boldness is choosing to lead with purpose, even when the path is uncharted,” says Retang. Her impact is tangible—from converting rondavels into production facilities, to upskilling women in rural areas and introducing global audiences to the health benefits and stories behind African herbal teas.
Jury member Amanda Dambuza praised Retang’s mission: “She represents everything right in the world. The audacity to put heritage at the core of a scalable, luxury, impact-driven product is admirable.” Fellow juror Timothy Maurice Webster added: “You’re educating the world about Africa. That’s profound.”
“I am unapologetic about displaying my culture,” Retang declared. “I am a custodian of my culture and heritage.”
2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award Winner
Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi – Founder & CEO, Hazile Group
Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi is redefining climate-smart entrepreneurship through her multidisciplinary company, Hazile Group. Rooted in hydroponic farming, water remediation and renewable energy, Hazile is addressing some of South Africa’s most urgent environmental and social challenges. Her approach aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Climate Action and Gender Equality.
“I’m a woman with a vision to transform South Africa’s food and water status,” she shared. Her work spans beyond Hazile—she’s the founder of Acumind Consulting, a strategic advisory firm, and Basadi Bakopane, a non-profit empowering women and youth in underserved communities. Her board memberships, including at the Water Institute of Southern Africa, reflect her wide-reaching influence.
“Being bold is building even when the odds are stacked against you and rising anyway—not just for yourself, but for the generation of women behind you,” Dr Phindile said.
Jury member Morongwe “Mo” Mokone remarked, “Her story is one of resilience and courage. She kept getting up after every setback.” Amanda Dambuza added, “Phindile is audacious not just in her accomplishments, but in her curiosity to grow and her unwavering impact.”
A Celebration of Boldness and Connection
The ceremony, hosted by Nomndeni Mdakhi, blended elegance with empowerment. A surprise performance by acclaimed South African artist Zoë Modiga added a soulful layer to the evening, while Mo Mokone, 2024 Bold Woman Award winner and founder of Mo’s Crib, passed on the baton with a heartfelt reflection:
“I see myself as a torchbearer for boldness. South African women are seeking community—and I’ll always support the next bold woman.”
Continuing the Bold Legacy
Though the awards ceremony has concluded, the spirit of boldness lives on through the Bold Open Database—a first-of-its-kind global platform dedicated to connecting and elevating female entrepreneurs worldwide. Women ready to join this movement of courage, collaboration, and impact are invited to register at www.boldopendatabase.com/en.
