AWCA Celebrates the 2025 Trailblazing Woman of Substance
- Chic-Tribe Digital
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
The African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) hosted its Annual Banquet at The Forum, Hyde Park, Johannesburg under the theme “Pioneering Excellence: Passion, Power and Mastery in Motion” a night dedicated to honouring South Africa’s most exceptional women and industry leaders, while raising funds to expand access to the profession and accelerate the advancement of Black Female Chartered Accountants.
“The AWCA Woman of Substance honours influential, groundbreaking females who have not only geared change in their respective fields, but for women on the continent in general,” said AWCA President, Pumla Molope. “This is just one of the many ways we aim to recognise accomplished female leaders, and inspire young women to believe it is possible.”
The evening opened with the Recognition Awards, shining a spotlight on phenomenal women excelling in their fields:
Public Sector CFO – Andile Mbatha
Private Sector CEO – Jennifer Reddy
Private Sector CFO – Nqobile Khumalo
Tax Partner – Anthea Scholtz
Audit Partner – Gail Moshoeshoe
Academic Trailblazer – Dr. Joyce-Mina Wa Kalonji
Leading Entrepreneur – Shiluba Mawela
This year’s highest honour, the 2025 Woman of Substance Award, was presented to Dr. Sharmla Chetty for her outstanding leadership, her commitment to redefining what it means to lead, and her active role in championing the empowerment of women across industries.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Chetty reflected:
“To be recognised by an organisation that does so much work in uplifting communities and women is a huge achievement. This award is a tribute to the many women that walked before me – our grandmothers, mothers, mentees and mentors – whose quiet strength and leadership I stand on today. It reaffirms my commitment to use education as a force for good.”
Previous Woman of Substance recipients include Funeka Montjane, Wendy Luhabe, Futhi Mtoba, Brigalia Bam, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Dr. Judy Dlamini, Irene Charnley, and the late Dr. Thandi Ndlovu.
Funds raised on the night will contribute to the AWCA Bursary Fund, which provides vital financial support for aspiring female Chartered Accountants — addressing the shortage of qualified African women CAs and enabling more young women to complete postgraduate studies, training contracts, board exams, and achieve the CA(SA) designation.
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