Nelson Mandela University lecturer Algene Koeberg-Van Boomen has been selected for the prestigious DAAD Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists programme, earning an opportunity to conduct research in Germany on South Africa’s transition to electric vehicles and the circular economy.

When the lights go up at the Voice of Courage Fashion Show on 14 August, audiences will see elegant designer garments, confident models and a polished runway production. But behind every step is choreographer Averil Packirisamy, whose passion for empowering women has become just as important as the fashion itself.

What started as a student job has turned into a thriving culinary career for one young Eastern Cape chef who is now helping lead one of Nelson Mandela Bay’s busiest hotel kitchens.

There’s something refreshingly real about Julie Oates. The woman behind has built one of South Africa’s most recognisable local fashion brands Julz Shoes, but there’s no big ego attached to the success. In fact, throughout the conversation, Julie constantly redirects praise back to the people around her.

There’s something quietly powerful about women who build things from scratch. Not loudly. Not with endless resources or backup plans waiting in the wings. Just vision, consistency and the refusal to give up when life leaves very little room for failure.

ELEANOR Douglas-Meyers For decades, Roslyn Klaasen has never allowed disability to define who she is, but in Coming of Age: Growing up More than Once, she candidly reflects on how it reshaped her life, identity and understanding of resilience.

ELEANOR Douglas-Meyers People often say don’t mix family and business. The team behind Serenity Hair sees it differently. For Marlene Adams and her daughter Kelly Milborrow, working together has meant figuring things out in real time, learning where their strengths are, and understanding how to move between being family and being business partners. It is…

ELEANOR Douglas-Meyers For many people, when you think of a successful businesswoman, you picture someone tough, no-nonsense and entirely focused on results. That’s not quite the energy you get from Darushka Chetty Williams, the woman behind the DCW Fitness brand.

For many locals scrolling through TikTok looking for their next place to eat, Gqeberha Food Reviews has become a familiar name. Behind the camera is Henry Hancox, a Gqeberha local who has combined his passion for storytelling, film and good food to create a platform that highlights restaurants and hidden gems across the city.

Strong leadership is not about titles. It is about responsibility. For Janet Pillai, Chief Operating Officer of Inuversal Group, leadership has always been about stewardship. After working across academia, government, heritage, tourism and private enterprise, she believes leaders are entrusted with something bigger than themselves.