The 10th Annual Woman of Stature Awards SA dazzled guests at a glittering gala held at the Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre on April 12, where remarkable women — including East London’s Bianca Alberts — were celebrated for their leadership, excellence, and resilience across 14 industry categories.
Alberts, the founder of Beautiful by Bea, was one of nine national finalists in the women in beauty & fashion category, recognised for her work in the cosmetology and wellness space and her advocacy around topical steroid withdrawal (TSW).
Though she did not walk away with the award, her nomination is a powerful reflection of her impact and dedication to empowering women in business and wellbeing.
The standout moment of the evening was the crowning of Tara Penny as the overall woman of stature SA 2025.
Penny, who is the head of news at HOT 102.7 FM, leads 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 also 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.
With more than 700 nominations, this year’s awards marked a record high. A total of 98 finalists were shortlisted through a rigorous adjudication process audited by MGI RAS, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Among these finalists, Alberts stood out as the only nominee from East London. Awards founder and CEO Charlotte du Plessis praised Alberts for being a “motivational resource for others” and a steward in her sector, embodying the values the platform celebrates — integrity, accountability, vision, and dependability.
“The nomination, despite whatever the outcome is, is proof that Bianca is an inspiration outside of her core industry and a motivational resource for others,” Du Plessis said.
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 Miquel
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.
The evening also honoured Nonkululeko Gobodo, SA’s first Black female chartered accountant, with the honorary lifetime achievement award, sponsored by Old Mutual Black Distributors Trust.
Du Plessis reflected on the decade-long journey, saying: “Ten years ago, we set out to build a platform that would elevate, honour, and empower SA women.
“Tonight is a testament to the power of that vision — and to the extraordinary women who have walked this journey with us.”
Du Plessis extended gratitude for the role played by 2025 sponsors and partners:
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, one thing was clear: SA women aren’t just shaping the future — they are leading it.
