The fifth annual Phenomenal Women of the Winelands Awards brought some of the district’s most inspiring women together at Paarl Town Hall on Tuesday 25 August, as the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM), Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) and Historium Trust honoured women who continued to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Although their titles and professions varied all the winners, runners-up, speakers and special guests shared one defining characteristic: they are powerhouses, leading by example and creating positive change wherever they serve.

Among the winners and runners up were three Stellenbosch and Klapmuts locals – Stellenbosch resident Lorraine du Toit (basic education winner), Klapmuts local Leticia Petersen (early childhood development winner) and Stellenbosch resident Christolene Davids (early childhood development, runner-up).

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Rooted in heritage

Reflecting on the significance of the national milestones commemorated this year, Michael Jonas, director of the ATM, said: “As South Africa commemorates 70 years since the historic Women’s March, 50 years since the Soweto Uprisings and 30 years of our Constitution, we honour the women of the Cape Winelands who continue to embody the resilience, courage and determination that have shaped our nation’s journey towards equality, human rights and community development.”

Guests were inspired by speakers Ambassador Ruby Marks and Advocate Shirlynn Smith.

Marks encouraged women to remain rooted in their heritage, family, culture and traditions, reminding them of the importance of remembering “where our umbilical cord is buried”.

Meanwhile, Smith inspired those present with a message of hope and perseverance, emphasising “someone else’s ‘not yet’ does not mean your ‘never,’” encouraging women to continue pursuing their goals despite challenges and setbacks.

The artists of the Kayamandi township dinner theatre, AmaZink, lifted spirits with their energetic drumming and singing, while Vicky Brink’s moving vocal performance left many guests visibly touched.

One of the event’s most poignant moments was a special tribute to celebrated late poet Diana Ferrus, whose enduring contribution to Afrikaans literature and South African culture was honoured through a memorial segment delivered by family member Lanielle Hartzenberg.

The ATM and Historium Trust then presented the inaugural Diana Ferrus Award to Mary Banda, principal of Klein Nederburg Secondary School, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the promotion of Afrikaans.

In her keynote address CWDM mayor Dr Elna von Schlicht reflected on the significance of the occasion as her 10-year term draws to a close.

“I have met women who quietly carry the weight of their families, who lead businesses, educate our children, care for the vulnerable, work the land, volunteer in their communities and serve without ever seeking recognition,” she said.

“Time and again I have been reminded that the greatest leaders are often those whose influence is measured not by titles, but by the lives they change.”

Opportunities that inspire

The Mayor’s Discretionary Award was awarded to Francis Nieuwoudt, general manager of the Drakenstein Business Chamber, for her exceptional leadership in the economic sector and dedication to creating opportunities that empower, support and advance women in business.

The call for nominations for the 2026 awards opened in June, with communities invited to nominate women making a positive impact across the Cape Winelands.

In August an esteemed panel of accomplished women judges selected the winners and runners-up in each of the 10 categories.

The winners and runners-up were invited to attend the gala event as nominees, unaware they had already been selected for top honours in their respective categories.

Congratulating the winners and runners-up, Von Schlicht noted the awards are about far more than recognition.

“It is about the lives you have touched, the hope you have inspired and the difference you continue to make in your families, workplaces and communities,” she said.

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