FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE REMARKABLE WOMAN 2026 HONOURS CELEBRATES A DECADE OF WOMEN, LEGACY AND POSSIBILITY

An unforgettable evening of recognition, reflection and celebration culminates in the 10th anniversary of The Remarkable Woman

Johannesburg, South Africa – 27 September 2026

The Remarkable Woman marked a significant milestone on Saturday, 26 September 2026, with an extraordinary evening of recognition and celebration as women from across South Africa and beyond gathered for The Remarkable Woman 2026 Honours, held at Breadbox Bakery Studio.

Held under the powerful theme “The Legacy We Inherit, The Future We Create,” the landmark celebration brought together women from different industries, generations and walks of life to honour achievement, leadership, service and the impact women continue to make within their communities and across society.

From the moment guests arrived, the evening was designed to feel like an occasion. Guests were welcomed onto a red carpet before entering an immersive experience that included a signature mirror installation where attendees wrote their names in purple lipstick—a deliberate nod to The Remarkable Woman's signature purple, a colour long associated with royalty, dignity and power.

The evening continued with welcome cocktails and wine before guests were ushered into the main programme, setting the tone for a celebration that was as much about connection and reflection as it was about recognition. At the centre of the evening was the awards ceremony, hosted by Thabi Nkabinde, whose commanding presence, warmth and ability to connect with the room kept the programme moving with energy and purpose. Her contribution ensured that the evening remained engaging from beginning to end.

The keynote address was delivered by Mpho Gumede, who brought the evening's theme to life through a thought-provoking conversation around legacy, identity and the responsibility of shaping what comes next. Rather than simply delivering a speech, Gumede challenged guests to look inward and consider the legacies they have inherited, the stories that have shaped them and, importantly, what they intend to leave behind. Her address created space for introspection, dialogue and engagement, with guests continuing the conversation among themselves beyond the stage.

The evening was further elevated by the presence of HRH Princess Pretty Mncube, who served as Guest of Honour and presided over the presentation of the honours to the remarkable women recognised during the ceremony. The 2026 Honourees represented an inspiring cross-section of women whose work spans leadership, entrepreneurship, sport, wellness, business, media, education, social impact, creative industries and community development.

What made the occasion particularly significant was the breadth of the audience it attracted. Guests travelled from across Gauteng, from other parts of South Africa and from outside the country to be part of an evening dedicated to celebrating women and the legacies they are building.

For founder Loraine MaKhumalo Sibanda, the dinner represented a deeply personal milestone for a platform that has spent a decade creating spaces in which women's stories, leadership and achievements can be seen, heard and remembered. Taking to the stage during the evening, Sibanda expressed her gratitude to the Remarkable Woman team, sponsors, partners, honourees and every guest who made the occasion possible.

“This evening is not only about the women we have honoured tonight. It is about the women who came before us, the women standing beside us and the women who will come after us. Legacy is not something we simply inherit—it is something we participate in creating.”

The 2026 Honours also served as a reflection of what can happen when individuals, organisations and brands come together around a shared belief in recognising women's contribution and creating meaningful platforms for connection. The Remarkable Woman extends its gratitude to its sponsors Maculisane Investment Holdings, Breadbox Bakery Studio, Venue Tech, Sunpack, Zororo Phumulani , Sidumisile Maphosa, the production team, honourees, speakers, and guests whose collective contribution helped bring the 2026 celebration to life.

As the final chapter of the evening came to a close, one thing became clear: the conversation about legacy is only beginning. The Remarkable Woman will return in 2027 on Saturday, 25 September 2027. The venue will be announced in due course.

The Remarkable Woman is Africa's leading platform dedicated to recognising, celebrating and preserving the legacy of remarkable women whose leadership, service and achievements inspire progress across generations.

For ten years, the platform has brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, professionals and changemakers, creating opportunities to celebrate women's stories, build meaningful connections and honour the impact of women across different sectors and communities.

MIChiko PR

Email: awards@michikopr.co.za

Telephone: +27 73 0210 533

ENDS