For four South African entrepreneurs, a recent trip to France turned out to be much more than a luxury business retreat. It became a legacy moment.
In the historic Champagne region of Reims, local founders Claire Blankenberg, Zama Ngcobo, Morongwe'MO'Mokone and Refilwe Sebothoma honored by prestigious Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award programs, each with a vine named after him within one of the maison's famous vineyards.
The symbolic gesture pitted the women alongside a global network of founders and business leaders from Europe, Asia and the United States, continuing a tradition inspired by Madame Clicquot herself, the woman who turned a Champagne house into an international empire in the early 1800s, at a time when women were largely excluded from business leadership.
For many South Africans following the story online, the image of African women being recognized at one of Europe's oldest luxury institutions struck a powerful chord.
Social media reactions to the trip focused on pride, representation and visibility, with many users celebrating the idea that local entrepreneurs are increasingly being acknowledged on global platforms traditionally dominated by Western business circles.
A journey based on ambition and resilience
The four women come from very different industries, but their stories share a common thread: construction business Places where women still face barriers to funding, recognition and development.
Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of Hakeem Energies, described the experience at RIMS as extremely emotional. It reportedly brought tears to his eyes upon seeing his name associated with a vineyard.
To him, it represented something much bigger than a personal achievement. It became a symbol of generational impact, proof that African women can build businesses and legacies that extend beyond borders.
Morongwe'MOMoc's Crib co-founder Mokone reflected on how wandering through the century-old cellars of Veuve Clicquot reminded him of his entrepreneurial beginnings selling handmade products in local markets before breaking out internationally.
Construction and infrastructure lawyer Zama Ngcobo also found the trip meaningful on a personal level. Several years before becoming laureate, he had visited the maison, inspired by the story of Madame Clicquot. The return is a full-circle moment as part of a global programme.
Meanwhile, Reel Gardening founder Claire Blankenberg said the experience had sparked new ideas about collaboration and international expansion.
Why does the importance of the award go beyond luxury branding?
While the Veuve Clicquot name is globally associated with Champagne and luxury, the Bold Woman Award has established itself as a platform to recognize female entrepreneurship and leadership.
The program now spans more than 27 countries and connects hundreds of female founders through mentorship, networking and international exposure.
This visibility matters, especially in South Africa, where many women-owned businesses still struggle to access capital and scaling opportunities despite growing entrepreneurial participation.
According to findings referenced by the programme's International Bold Barometer, many South African female entrepreneurs She believes that men still have easier access to funding and professional advancement opportunities.
Therefore the importance of a trip to Reims goes beyond glamor or prestige. For the South African winners, it created access to international networks, conversations and partnerships that can influence the future growth of their businesses.
From local success to global relevance
One of the strongest themes to emerge from the trip was the idea of a shift from local recognition to global status.
Many entrepreneurs reportedly returned home with new partnerships, expanded ambitions, and international negotiations already underway.
For South African founders, especially women building businesses in competitive industries, global exposure can often become a turning point, opening doors that local markets alone cannot.
The timing of the story also resonates strongly ahead of Africa Day celebrations later this month, as conversations about African innovation, leadership and representation gather momentum internationally.
At its core, the story of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Women Award is not just about champagne, luxury travel or branding.
It's about visibility.
It is about African women entering rooms where previous generations were rarely invited, and leaving their names behind in spaces that have endured for centuries.
Entries now open for the 2026 awards
Entries are currently open for the 2026 South African edition of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Women Award and the Bold Future Award.
The initiative recognizes established and emerging women entrepreneurs who are driving innovation, leadership and long-term impact in their industries.
Applications through the official Bold Open Database platform close on 12 April.
Be the first to know – join our WhatsApp channel for useful content! Click here to join!
Also read:
SAPS issue warning after viral video shows reckless firearms handling
Picture: supply