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Tara Penny is the Woman of Stature South Africa 2025
The 10th Annual Woman of Stature Awards South Africa dazzled guests at a glittering gala at the Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre.
They celebrated remarkable women for their leadership, excellence, and community impact across 14 industry categories.
The crowning of Tara Penny as the overall winner was the highlight of the evening.
Penny is head of news at HOT 102.7 FM, leading a dynamic team producing award-winning human-interest stories.
Her work, acclaimed globally, including at the New York Radio Awards, tackles pressing topics such as bullying, parenting, mental health, and substance abuse while bringing lightness with stories on theatre, online dating, and pop culture.
Penny is also a driving force behind Hot Cares, the station’s community outreach platform that impacts lives daily through authentic, meaningful interventions.
With over 700 nominations, this year’s awards marked a record high. They shortlisted 98 finalists through a rigorous adjudication process audited by MGI RAS, ensuring fairness and transparency.
The event also honoured Nonkululeko Gobodo, South Africa’s first black female chartered accountant, with the honorary lifetime achievement award, sponsored by Old Mutual Black Distributors Trust. Her pioneering leadership in finance and transformation remains a beacon of inspiration.
Alberton resident Tandi Potgieter, CEO of Icarus Media, played an integral role in the success of the awards in her capacity as communications director and a board member. Potgieter also presented the woman in media award to Penny.
Tandi Potgieter and Tara Penny.
“It was a proud moment to not only represent our community on such a national platform but also to acknowledge Tara’s powerful impact has made through storytelling and media,” said Potgieter.
“The awards continue to spotlight brilliance and community impact of women across South Africa. Being part of the 10th season of these prestigious awards was special.”
Charlotte du Plessis, CEO and founder of Woman of Stature Awards South Africa, reflected on the journey, saying:
“Ten years ago, we set out to build a platform that would elevate, honour, and empower South African women.
“This event is a testament to the power of that vision – and to the extraordinary women who have walked this journey with us.”
The board of directors Charlotte du Plessis, Angelique Smith, Hazel Bango, Thandi J Mabena, and Tandi Potgieter, stood proudly alongside the winners, reflecting the organisation’s dedication to recognising women of excellence.
The evening had vibrant entertainment, including performances from Rachel Mathi, HunTer Leite debuting an original tribute song, and Lloyd Cele who lit up the stage with a high-energy, soulful performance that had the audience on their feet.
MCs Nicole Capper and Noni Khumalo kept the audience energised throughout the evening. The Red Carpet, hosted by the effervescent Hunadi The Host, added glamour and flair as nominees and guests arrived in style.
The 2025 sponsors and partners included MGI RAS, Old Mutual Black Distributors Trust, Old Mutual SME GO, Nedbank, Cyberlogic, ApexU, Universal Kitchens, Future Banker, Two Rivers Platinum, Indaba Hotel, African Hills Safari Lodge, Hotel Sky, NeuroCoach & Mentor Institute, Event Synthesis International, Icarus Media, Primorial Solutions, African Brand Architects, Shoe Boutique, EPH Group, Evolve, and TCT Enablers.
As the curtain closed on this milestone 10th season, it was clear South African women are not just shaping the future – they are leading it.
2025 category winners included:
• Woman in arts & culture: Yamkela Tywakadi
• Woman in beauty & fashion: Lesley-Rae Coetzer
• Woman in coaching & mentoring: Natalee Holmes
• Woman in community: Tracy Mcquarrie
• Woman in education & training: Prof Lethiwe Nzama-Sithole
• Woman in engineering & mining: Tshidi Mndzebele
• Woman in financial services: Thokozile Mahlangu
• Woman in health & wellness: Prof Isabel Coetzee-Prinsloo
• Woman in media & journalism: Tara Penny
• Woman in MICE, tourism & hospitality: Estie Fourie
• Woman in sport: Tiffany Miguel
• Woman in technology: Nomfundo Mthethwa
• Entrepreneur of the year: Chantal da Silva
• CEO of the year: Joani Jacobs
• Public choice award: Lesley-Rae Coetzer
• Fundraiser of the year: Cindy Brits.
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