Veuve Clicquot Opens Global Opportunity for SA Women Entrepreneurs

The legacy of innovation, courage and ambition that defined Madame Clicquot continues to shape women-led entrepreneurship around the world, with entries now open for the 2026 South African edition of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award.

Founded in 1972, the Bold Woman Award honours the pioneering spirit of Madame Clicquot, who in 1805 took over her late husband’s champagne business at just 27 years old and built it into an international empire during an era when women were largely excluded from formal commerce.

Today, the award spans 27 countries and connects nearly 500 laureates globally. In South Africa, the upcoming edition marks the fifth local chapter of a programme that celebrates women who are redefining industries, creating jobs and building businesses with long-term impact.

For winners, recognition extends well beyond the award ceremony. In June 2025, four South African laureates travelled to Reims, France, home of the Veuve Clicquot Maison, where they joined fellow winners from around the world at the Bold Woman Award Forum.

The South African delegation included Claire Blanckenberg, 2023 Bold Woman Award winner, Zama Ngcobo, 2023 Bold Future Award winner, Morongwe “Mo” Mokone, 2024 Bold Woman Award winner, and Refilwe Sebothoma, 2024 Bold Future Award winner.

The gathering offered an opportunity to exchange ideas, build international relationships and gain fresh perspective from women leading businesses across multiple markets.

Reflecting on the experience, Founder of Hakem Energies, Refilwe Sebothoma, said:

“Every element felt intentional and elevated… what stood out most was experiencing the true spirit of Veuve Clicquot: boldness, excellence and legacy woven into every detail. It was an immersion into a standard of thinking and building that stays with you long after you leave.”

As part of the award, each laureate has a vine named after them in the vineyards of Reims, symbolising legacy, growth and permanence.

For Sebothoma, the moment was deeply emotional.

“I cried,” she said. “You will always be able to come here and see your mom’s name on this vine.”

Morongwe Mokone, Co-founder and Creative Director of Mo’s Crib, described the moment as bigger than business success.

“It symbolised possibility,” Morongwe said.

The symbolism aligns with the award’s broader purpose: recognising achievement while encouraging women entrepreneurs to think beyond immediate growth and towards generational impact.

The programme also provides access to a global community of founders and executives, creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and new business relationships.

“Sharing a meal, stories and champagne together affirmed that I am exactly where I am meant to be,” said Mokone.

Sebothoma added:

“Being surrounded by women building across continents and thinking generationally forces you to raise your own ceiling. It moves you from local excellence to global relevance.”

For many winners, the return home marks the start of a new phase of momentum, with stronger visibility, greater confidence and access to new opportunities.

The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award and Bold Future Award continue to spotlight South African women building bold businesses in a challenging but opportunity-rich environment.

As the 2026 entries open, the message is clear: ambition belongs on a global stage.

Entries for the 2026 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award and Bold Future Award in South Africa close on 12 April.

Applications can be submitted via www.boldopendatabase.com