Inspiring Women

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 19, 2026

August is Women’s Month and Durban Life takes a look at some of the inspiring women shaping our society in South Africa.

Nasmera Buckus, COO at Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) – Founder of the Northern Collective

‘’For me, leadership is not only about reaching a position of influence. It is about what we choose to do with the influence, who we bring into the conversation, whose voice we amplify and which doors we open for the women coming behind us,’’ said Nasmera Buckus.

Dr Aobakwe Segwe, leading radiologist, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Centre of Medical Imaging (CMI)

‘’Leadership isn’t measured by personal success alone but by how many young people grow because of your influence. I aim to drive research that lets Africa contribute its own evidence to global medicine, rather than importing findings built on other populations,’’ said Dr Segwe.

Karen Farred, CEO, Girls and Boys Town South Africa

‘’As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month under the theme ‘’Empowered Women Empower the Nation,’’ I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary women who have shaped my own leadership journey and those who continue to make an immeasurable difference in the lives of children and families every day. Their courage, empathy, and determination remind me that empowerment is not simply about personal success, it is about personal success; it is about creating opportunities for others to flourish.

Botlhale Boikanyo, Poet, Actress and UNFPA Regional International Conference on Poplulation and Development (ICPD) Youth Champion

‘’My hope and dream is to live in a world where every young person, especially women and girls, has the freedom and opportunities to shape their own future and is included in the rooms where decisions about their lives are made,’’ said Botlhale Boikanyo.

Laverne De Jager, Founder of the 2026 Scottfin Revive Selfcare Summit

‘’The self-care was never created simply to host an event, although from a marketing perspective, it has helped boost our brand connection, says De Jager. ‘’It began because we saw too many women running on empty. Women are the heartbeat of families, businesses and communities, yet they’re often the last people to receive care themselves. We wanted to create something that reminds women that investing in themselves isn’t selfish – it’s essential. When women are restored, everything around them becomes stronger.’’