1. Since winning the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award, how has Hazile Group expanded – whether in
client acquisition, sector diversification, funding, partnerships or geographic footprint?
Winning the Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award in 2025 accelerated both the visibility and credibility of Hazile Group. Since then, we’ve strengthened our positioning in climate-smart agriculture and water innovation, expanded our processed and dried product lines, and are deepening partnerships within sustainability and food systems networks.
We’ve also seen a notable increase in partnership enquiries and collaborative opportunities, particularly within women- led and impact-driven ecosystems.
The award didn’t just open doors; it validated the seriousness of our work in green innovation.
2. Have you had a “pinch me” moment since winning the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award?
Yes. I’ve had moments where people contacted me because they recognised me from the award, or I’ve walked into
rooms where people already knew who I was before I introduced myself. That shift in recognition has been so powerful.
But the real “pinch me” moment was when a young woman approached me and said, “If you can do it, maybe I can
too.” That’s when it became bigger than business. It became about representation.
The award transformed visibility into responsibility, and that has been deeply humbling.
3. As a founder operating at the intersection of strategy and impact, how has your vision sharpened post-
recognition?
The recognition clarified my responsibility to think bigger, operationally and systemically. Post-award, my vision has sharpened around scalability and policy alignment. It’s no longer just about running a successful business; it’s about building replicable models that can influence broader food and water security frameworks in South Africa.
It has also pushed me to strengthen governance, long-term strategy and sustainability metrics. Impact must be meaningful and measurable.
4. In what ways has access to the Bold network strengthened your ability to scale responsibly?
The Bold programme offers something incredibly valuable: proximity to excellence. Being surrounded by high-calibre women founders challenges you to elevate your own standards.
Through the network, I’ve gained strategic insight, peer mentorship and meaningful conversations around scaling without compromising purpose. Responsible growth is intentional growth, and the network reinforces that sustainability, governance and innovation must move together. It’s a sisterhood of accountability and ambition.
5. What does it mean to you to be part of a five-year milestone moment for the programme in South Africa?
It means legacy. Five years represents consistency, belief and investment in women’s leadership. To be counted among that legacy is an honour. This milestone signals that bold women are not exceptions; we are a movement. And movements change industries, economies and narratives.
I’m so proud to be part of a cohort redefining what women’s leadership in Africa looks like.
6. What message would you share with the next generation of bold, future-focused founders?
Don’t wait until your business feels “perfect” or fully formed. Boldness is not about having everything figured out; it’s
about having the courage to begin.
The platform is transformative, but more importantly, the process affirms that your vision matters. If you are building
something that solves real problems and challenges the status quo, this is your space.
Step forward boldly. South Africa needs you.
