The fifth annual Phenomenal Women of the Winelands Awards brought together some of the Cape Winelands District’s most inspiring women at Paarl Town Hall on Tuesday, 25 August 2026 as the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM), Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) and Historium Trust honoured women who continue to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Although their titles and professions varied, all the winners, runners-up, speakers and special guests in the hall, shared one defining characteristic: they are powerhouses, leading by example and creating positive change wherever they serve.
Reflecting on the significance of the national milestones commemorated in 2026, Michael Jonas, Director of the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument, said: “As South Africa commemorates 70 years since the historic Women’s March, 50 years since the Soweto Uprisings and 30 years of our Constitution, we honour the women of the Cape Winelands who continue to embody the resilience, courage and determination that have shaped our nation’s journey towards equality, human rights and community development.”
Guests were inspired by guest speakers, Ambassador Ruby Marks and Advocate Shirlynn Smith. Marks encouraged women to remain rooted in their heritage, family, culture and traditions, reminding them of the importance of remembering “where our umbilical cord is buried”, while Smith inspired attendees with a message of hope and perseverance, emphasising that “someone else’s ‘not yet’ does not mean your ‘never'” encouraging women to continue pursuing their goals despite challenges and setbacks.
The artists of the township dinner theatre, Amazink, lifted spirits with their energetic drumming and singing, while Vicky Brink’s moving vocal performance left many guests visibly touched.
One of the events most poignant moments was a special tribute to celebrated poet Diana Ferrus, whose enduring contribution to Afrikaans literature and South African culture was honoured through a memorial segment delivered by family member, Lanielle Hartzenberg. The ATM and Historuim Trust then presented the inaugural Diana Ferrus Award to Mary Banda (Educator and current Principal of Klein Nederburg Secondary School) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the promotion of Afrikaans.
In her keynote address, Executive Mayor Ald. (Dr.) Elna von Schlicht reflected on the significance of the occasion as her ten-year term as Executive Mayor draws to a close.
“I have met women who quietly carry the weight of their families, who lead businesses, educate our children, care for the vulnerable, work the land, volunteer in their communities and serve without ever seeking recognition. Time and again, I have been reminded that the greatest leaders are often those whose influence is measured not by titles, but by the lives they change.”
The Mayor’s Discretionary Award was awarded to Francis Nieuwoudt, General Manager of the Drakenstein Business Chamber, for her exceptional leadership in the economic sector and her dedication to creating opportunities that empower, support and advance women in business.
The call for nominations for the 2026 Phenomenal Women of the Winelands Awards opened in June, with communities invited to nominate women making a positive impact across the Cape Winelands. In August, an esteemed panel of accomplished female judges selected the winners and runners-up in each of the awards’ ten categories. The winners and runners-up were invited to attend the gala event as nominees, unaware that they had already been selected for top honours in their respective categories.
Congratulating the winners and runners-up, Mayor von Schlicht noted that the awards are about far more than recognition.
“This recognition is about far more than an award; it is about the lives you have touched, the hope you have inspired and the difference you continue to make in your families, workplaces and communities.”
2026 Phenomenal Women of the Winelands Awards Winners and Runners-up
Early Childhood Development
o Winner: Leticia Pietersen (Klapmuts)
o Runner-up: Christolene Davids (Stellenbosch)
Management
o Winner: Samantha Kulsen (Paarl)
o Runner-up: Christolene Brink (Paarl)
Promoting Afrikaans/Multilingualism
o Winner: Garcia Louw (Worcester)
o Runner-up: Tamryn Paulse (Paarl)
NGO/CDW Sector
o Winner: Daleen Labuschagne (Paarl)
o Runner-up: Josephine Lakey (Paarl)
Basic Education
o Winner: Lorraine du Toit (Stellenbosch)
o Runner-up: Nazlie Schroeder (Worcester)
Disabilities
o Winner: Shani Little (Worcester)
Agriculture
o Winner: Margaretha Andreas (Wellington)
o Runners-up:
Jacky Goliath (Paarl)
Emmerentia Sibiya (Worcester)
Support
o Winner: Teresa Jonker (Robertson)
o Runner-up: Sanna Witbooi (De Doorns)
Entrepreneur
o Winner: Anetta Barnes-Mangxaba (Paarl)
o Runner-up: Ciska Smith (Paarl)
Passie
o Winner: Jacqueline Abrahams (Paarl)
o Runner-up: Danelene Dampies (Wellington)
