Johannesburg’s elite gathered at the breathtaking Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff on Wednesday, 15 July, for the 2026 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award ceremony. Celebrating its 54th year globally and its 5th edition in South Africa, the prestigious event honors fearless women who embody the pioneering spirit, courage, and innovation of Madame Clicquot.
Hosted by MC Nomndeni Mdakhi, the evening culminated in the unveiling of two extraordinary South African leaders: Lindiwe Nkuna-Kgopa was named the 2026 Bold Woman Award Winner, while Pretty Kubyane took home the Bold Future Award.
Poetry, Global Leaders, and High Fashion
The celebratory gathering featured a moving, specially commissioned spoken-word performance by acclaimed poet and author Lebo Mashile, paying tribute to the women reshaping South African business and society.
Adding international prestige to the occasion, Veuve Clicquot President and CEO Thomas Mulliez attended the Johannesburg event in person to welcome the new laureates into the global Bold community:
“More than two centuries after Madame Clicquot shaped the future of our Maison, her spirit lives on through women like Lindiwe and Pretty,” said Mulliez. “Their businesses are creating opportunity and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. It is a privilege to celebrate the legacies they are building.”
Spotted on the Red Carpet: Who Attended?
The star-studded guest list brought together a powerful mix of industry captains, entrepreneurs, and South African media personalities:
- Celebrities & Cultural Icons: Former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida, poet Lebo Mashile, Mogau Seshoene (The Lazy Makoti), Margo Faith Fargo, and Savannah Cozzi.
- Business Leaders & Luminaries: Amanda Dambuza, Nozipho Tshabalala, Vumile Msweli, Linda Gieskes Mwamba, Nomndeni Sethole, Lucratia Mathe, Marcelle du Toit, Nthabiseng Makhokha, Lydie Byart, Sithasolwazi Kentane, and Mbukwashe Zwide.
From recognizing the ground-breaking achievements of Nkuna-Kgopa and Kubyane to highlighting a community of trail-blazing women, the 2026 ceremony reaffirmed the transformative power of female leadership.
