ActionSA Congratulates Mrs Connie Mashaba On Prestigious Forbes Business Award
Press Statement by Michael Beaumont
ActionSA National Chairperson
ActionSA proudly celebrates Mrs Connie Mashaba, the party’s First Lady, on being named Forbes Africa Businesswoman of the Year this week.
This prestigious award recognises Mrs Mashaba’s outstanding contributions to business throughout a long and decorated career, which began with her partnership in Black Like Me.
Presented at the Forbes Africa Leading Women Summit 2026, this accolade honours women who exemplify dedication and excellence in entrepreneurship. It celebrates not only South African women but outstanding women from across the African continent. To underscore the prestige of this award, it is worth noting that the former President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, was also recognised at this event.
Mrs Mashaba embodies leadership in South Africa that builds. Alongside her husband, she took a R30 000 loan in 1985 and transformed it into the household brand Black Like Me. She has further demonstrated her business acumen and strategic insight through her service on the boards of numerous companies.
One of her greatest personal achievements is her enduring 44-year marriage with her husband.
ActionSA is immensely proud of Mrs Mashaba, both for this remarkable achievement and for the leadership and example she provides to women within ActionSA and across South Africa at a time when many young South Africans are seeking role models for entrepreneurship and business success.
ActionSA Congratulates Mrs Connie Mashaba On Prestigious Forbes Business Award
ActionSA proudly celebrates Mrs Connie Mashaba, the party’s First Lady, on being named Forbes Africa Businesswoman of the Year this week.
This prestigious award recognises Mrs Mashaba’s outstanding contributions to business throughout a long and decorated career, which began with her partnership in Black Like Me.
Presented at the Forbes Africa Leading Women Summit 2026, this accolade honours women who exemplify dedication and excellence in entrepreneurship. It celebrates not only South African women but outstanding women from across the African continent. To underscore the prestige of this award, it is worth noting that the former President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, was also recognised at this event.
Mrs Mashaba embodies leadership in South Africa that builds. Alongside her husband, she took a R30 000 loan in 1985 and transformed it into the household brand Black Like Me. She has further demonstrated her business acumen and strategic insight through her service on the boards of numerous companies.
One of her greatest personal achievements is her enduring 44-year marriage with her husband.
ActionSA is immensely proud of Mrs Mashaba, both for this remarkable achievement and for the leadership and example she provides to women within ActionSA and across South Africa at a time when many young South Africans are seeking role models for entrepreneurship and business success.