PICTURE: SUPPLIED/ Morongwe Mokone
As entries open for the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award, a new wave of remarkable women will soon join the dynamic community of trailblazers who embody Madame Clicquot’s pioneering spirit.
For the 2024 winners, Morongwe Mokone and Refilwe Sebothoma, this recognition has been nothing short of transformative—opening doors, amplifying their voices, and elevating their businesses to new heights.
The award has not only validated their hard work but propelled them into global conversations and networks, offering opportunities they never imagined. As they prepare to hand over the reins to the next generation of Bold Women, they reflect on the profound impact this journey has had on their lives and the exciting growth still ahead.
Refilwe Sebothoma, the recipient of the 2024 Bold Future Award, is the founder of Hakem Energies and says that winning has validated their work. “Being in a male-dominated industry, you often feel the need to constantly prove yourself and your expertise,” says Refilwe.
“Being recognised by Veuve Clicquot felt like a stamp of approval—it was like someone finally sees you and acknowledges the hard work you’ve put in. It gave me the courage and confidence to keep pushing forward.”
Hakem Energies focuses on tackling energy poverty by providing affordable, accessible liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to marginalised communities. Through their “pay-as-you-use” LPG refills for portable 5kg cylinders, they’ve provided clean cooking solutions to an additional 1,500 families in just the past eight months.
Beyond individual homes, their impact also extends to community infrastructure where, over the past year, they’ve upgraded LPG systems in 11 local schools in marginalised communities nationwide, ensuring safer and more efficient cooking facilities. “Energy poverty affects women the most, so this mission is personal,” explains Refilwe.
“In one village in the North West, women who had been victims of assault while collecting firewood in the veld now have access to clean gas, which has transformed their lives.” Hakem Energies is also working with local schools to improve safety and cooking infrastructure. Refilwe’s business has experienced significant growth and tangible benefits, with B2B sales rising by over 30% since winning the award—a crucial boost in supporting her community-focused business model.
For Morongwe Mokone, Co-Founder of Mo’s Crib and winner of the 2024 Bold Woman Award, the recognition has strengthened her commitment to creating meaningful job opportunities for women across Africa by manufacturing homeware from recycled and non-invasive materials.
“When I was awarded the Bold Woman Award last year, we had 200 artisans across the region. In just one year, we’ve been able to recruit 100 more, bringing our total number of employees to 300, with 80% of our manufacturing taking place in South Africa, as well as in Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, and Tanzania,” shares Mo. “Sustainability is a key value for us, and everything we do must benefit all stakeholders—our employees, our customers, and our shareholders.
The award exposure has also elevated our brand equity. Mo’s Crib is now more widely recognised in the industry, and we’ve landed another major retail customer, growing our revenue exponentially. The opportunities just keep pouring in.”
Beyond the award itself, both Refilwe and Mo have experienced how the Bold programme has propelled their businesses forward. Access to a global community of entrepreneurial women has been a key factor in their growth. “Veuve Clicquot creates a powerful network of inspiring business leaders who become your mentors and support system,” says Refilwe.
“The platform they provide to share your story with top decision-makers is invaluable, both personally and professionally.” Mo echoes this, adding that Veuve Clicquot has helped put Mo’s Crib on the global map. “Winning the 2024 Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot has opened incredible doors for us, allowing me to share the story of how we turn plastic waste into treasure and create sustainable jobs.
It’s given me access to an incredible network of businesswomen, I’ve been called to speak on prestigious platforms alongside some of the most powerful women in business—that recognition and exposure has been invaluable.”
Reflecting on the past year, Mo and Refilwe are equally excited about the growth prospects ahead for their businesses. Mo’s Crib is set to launch a collaboration with a US-based retailer, expanding its impact and reach. “We’re still focused on producing beautiful products and creating job opportunities for women across Africa,” says Mo.
“This year, we aim to create a further 160 jobs and grow our distribution opportunities across the globe. While we’re expanding globally, we never forget our roots—our local customers are the reason we have an international presence.”
Refilwe shares that Hakem Energies is focusing on further community engagement. “This year, we’re expanding our LPG advocate programs and increasing access to LPG Boxes. We’re partnering with female entrepreneurs to ensure more informal communities have access to safe, reliable gas,” she says. “Empowering women is the key to driving effective and sustainable change.”
The impact of this award is clear through Mo and Refilwe’s success. Both laureates encourage all women in business across South Africa to enter this year’s awards. “As women, we often don’t celebrate ourselves enough. These awards are about recognising you and your hard work, and authenticating your business,” says Refilwe.
“Veuve Clicquot has completely changed my life, and I’m forever grateful to be associated with such an incredible brand.” Mo adds, “This award is an opportunity to connect, to share your story. I would encourage every woman to take advantage of it!”
Since joining the Bold community, Mo and Refilwe have firmly cemented themselves as fearless entrepreneurs, just like Madame Clicquot. South African women in business who are ready to be recognised for their remarkable achievements are encouraged to enter the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award by completing a simple form viaboldopendatabase.com/en/bold-woman-award. Entries close on 13 April 2025.
Also see: Get ready! The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award returns for yet another empowering year
