Launch of Fairlady Women of the Future search

Editor Suzy Brokensha says, "To celebrate the magazine's 50th birthday, we decided to celebrate women the best way we can think of. We believe in women and we believe in women in business. We know that the economy of South Africa depends on us creating successful businesses. So what better way than to recognise women who are changing the world, one great idea at a time, than with this initiative?"

The award will go to an entrepreneur, 25 years or older, whose business has survived its first 1001 days (basically, the first three years) and who is well on her way to creating an empire. Prizes include R50,000 cash, a R7,500 online shopping voucher from spree.co.za, an invaluable mentorship session with one of the judges, a Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Tab S from Samsung, a beauty hamper and a R5,000 part-time Damelin bursary.

Donald Kau, head of corporate affairs at Santam, explains, "The group understands the challenges new business owners face and the first 1000 days for any enterprise are known to be the most challenging, making for a mixture of bad and good days. This partnership will showcase entrepreneurs who have reached this milestone and allow them to share their experiences and advice with new entrepreneurs."

Rising Star

The Fairlady Rising Star 2015 award will go to an entrepreneur aged between 16 and 25, whose business is older than six months but still within the first 1001 days of business. Prizes include R20,000 cash, a R7,500 online shopping voucher from spree.co.za, an invaluable mentorship session with one of the judges, Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Tab S from Samsung, a beauty hamper and a R5,000 part-time Damelin bursary.

"The magazine is all about the future of South Africa, which is why we identified the second award for young entrepreneurs whose businesses, our judges believe, will flourish way beyond the first challenging years," says Brokensha.

Judges include Public Protector Thuli Madonsela; author and former private secretary to Nelson Mandela, Zelda la Grange; Santam executive head of Brand, Yegs Ramiah; television presenter, MC and businesswoman, Gerry Rantseli Elsdon; and Brokensha.

For more information, go to www.womenofthefuture.co.za.