Two agricultural enterprises rooted in sustainable farming practices and community empowerment have claimed top honours at the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards in South Africa.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Setšong Tea Crafters and Hazile Group emerged as winners in a celebration that showcased how agricultural innovation is driving both business success and social transformation.
At a prestigious gathering held recently at The Forum in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, Retang Phaahla of Setšong Tea Crafters was unveiled as the 2025 Bold Woman Award winner, while Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi of Hazile Group claimed the Bold Future Award.
Now in its 53rd year globally, the Bold Woman Award honours visionary women who lead with courage, innovation and a commitment to empowering others. This year’s South African winners demonstrate how agricultural enterprises can preserve heritage while embracing cutting-edge farming technologies.
Preserving Heritage Through Indigenous Tea Farming
As co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters, Retang Phaahla has built her agricultural enterprise around the unique biodiversity of Sekhukhune, Limpopo. Originally trained as a quantity surveyor, Phaahla’s passion for sustainable development led her into agro-processing and agri-tourism in 2016, culminating in the creation of a tea farming operation that champions indigenous South African crops.
“Boldness is choosing to lead with purpose, even when the path is uncharted,” reflects Phaahla, whose agricultural journey exemplifies innovation rooted in traditional farming knowledge.
Established alongside her mother, Nondumiso Phaahla, Setšong Tea Crafters works hand-in-hand with rural farming communities in the Sekhukhune District to harvest, process, package and distribute indigenous teas. These traditional crops, renowned for their rich flavours and health benefits including calming nerves, relieving muscle tension and balancing blood pressure, represent a sustainable agricultural model that preserves biodiversity while creating economic opportunities.
The agricultural operation extends beyond primary production, offering immersive agri-tourism experiences that educate visitors on indigenous farming systems and the cultural significance of traditional crop cultivation. This farm-to-cup approach reflects deep respect for African agricultural customs and community-based farming practices.
“I am unapologetic about displaying my culture,” commented Phaahla. “I am a custodian of my culture and heritage.”
Jury member Timothy Maurice Webster praised Phaahla’s agricultural approach, remarking: “I like the fact that you are telling your story and educating the world about Africa. There is something really profound about that.”
Fellow jury member Amanda Dambuza added: “Retang represents everything right in the world. The audacity to put heritage at the core of a scalable, luxury, impact-driven product is admirable. Innovation runs through every fibre of this business, turning rondawels into full-scale manufacturing plants and upskilling the community, and the societal impact is huge, improving the lives of those marginalised.”
Also read: We chat with agriculturalist Dr Cebekhulu-Msomi about her Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman nomination
Pioneering Climate-Smart Agriculture for Africa’s Future
Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi, the 2025 Bold Future Award winner, leads Hazile Group’s mission to revolutionise South African agriculture through climate-smart farming technologies. Her agricultural enterprise champions hydroponic farming systems, water remediation and renewable energy solutions that address the sector’s most pressing environmental challenges.
“I’m a woman with a vision to transform South Africa’s food and water status,” says Dr Phindile, whose agricultural innovation focuses on sustainable food production systems.
Founded to drive inclusive agricultural progress through technology, Hazile operates at the intersection of modern farming techniques and environmental stewardship. The agricultural enterprise advances Africa’s green economy through regenerative farming practices and cutting-edge cultivation technologies, with agricultural operations that directly support several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger and Climate Action.
Her hydroponic farming systems represent the future of South African agriculture, demonstrating how technology can enhance food security while conserving water resources. This agricultural approach addresses critical farming challenges in water-scarce regions while maintaining high-yield crop production.
Beyond farming operations, Dr Phindile founded Acumind Consulting, providing agricultural advisory services, and established Basadi Bakopane, empowering women and youth in rural farming communities.
“Being bold is building even when the odds are stacked against you and rising anyway, not just for yourself, but for the generation of women behind you,” explains Dr Phindile. “It is leading with courage and impact whilst restoring and igniting hope for a better future.”
During the adjudication process, jury member Amanda noted: “Phindile is audacious not just in her ability to never let setbacks pull her down, but in how she continues to be curious about herself and the ability to effect change. She is a true role model in life and business!”
