Good Hope FM has announced the winners of its 2026 Warrior Woman Awards, recognising 10 women whose work is making a difference in communities across Cape Town, the Western Cape and South Africa.
Now in its third year, the awards are spearheaded by The Morning Show with Leigh-Anne Williams and celebrate women whose contributions span hunger relief, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, sport, community development, the creative arts and youth empowerment.
The winners were announced at a live awards ceremony at Lagoon Beach Hotel on Saturday, 31 October, hosted by Williams and broadcast as part of Good Hope FM’s programming. The event featured presentations across 10 categories by Good Hope FM presenters, management and special guests, as well as a live performance by Cape Town singer-songwriter Mujahid George.
This year’s awards attracted hundreds of nominations.
Masi Mdingane, business manager for Good Hope FM and 5FM, said the awards recognised women whose contributions translated into practical improvements in people’s lives.
“These women are remarkable because their impact goes beyond philosophy and inspirational quotes. They make real, practical, life-changing differences in the lives of others,” said Mdingane.
“They feed communities, heal people, create jobs, educate young minds, protect vulnerable families, preserve culture and build brighter futures.”
The 2026 winners are:
- The Hunger Fighter Award: Carmen Stevens (Somerset West) – Through the Carmen Stevens Foundation, the award-winning winemaker has helped provide more than 56 million meals and food portions across 701 schools, reaching more than 174,000 children. The initiative began in 2011 as a feeding programme at three Belhar schools.
- The Wellness Warrior Award: Mymoena Scholtz (Grassy Park) – A trained counsellor and community development practitioner, Scholtz has spent 17 years supporting women, young people and families. Her work includes helping establish a community care clinic in Vrygrond and mentoring community organisations through Where Rainbows Meet.
- The Community Builder Award: Mutheera Rademeyer (Ocean View) – Rademeyer runs after-school programmes, holiday activities and tutoring, while supporting parents and older residents. Her initiatives also include a soup kitchen and an environmental project that allows residents to exchange collected litter for meals.
- The Community Care Award: Sandy Schuter (Strandfontein) – Schuter chairs the Strandfontein Community Police Forum and is deputy chairperson of the Mitchell’s Plain Sub-District Community Police Forum. Her community safety work includes establishing neighbourhood watches, street committees and other local safety initiatives.
- The Creative Impact Award: Shana Fife (Pelican Heights) – The Cape Town writer and author of the Sunday Times-longlisted memoir Ougat uses her work to explore identity, family and belonging, while challenging stereotypes and raising awareness of gender-based violence.
- The Change Maker Award: Indira Melela Lubambo (Gugulethu) – Lubambo founded Melela4Children in 2016 to support children facing poverty and limited educational opportunities. Its initiatives include Melela Kids Corner and the Melela Journal, alongside community and research projects involving the University of Cape Town.
- The Sporting Champion Award: Nuraan Osman (Lansdowne) – Osman has helped revive Liverpool Portlands Football Club, securing resources and opportunities for young players to participate in tournaments. Her work also includes helping young footballers access employment opportunities.
- The Rising Warrior Award: Mekylin Engelbrecht (Cape Town) – The 21-year-old law student, author and entrepreneur uses her books, The Silent Killers and Healing My Scars, to encourage conversations about mental health. Through her ME FASHION clothing brand and community initiatives, she also promotes body confidence and helps young people access therapy.
- The Education Champion Award: Zaironesa Karriem (Bonteheuwel) – As youth coordinator for Sea the Bigger Picture, Karriem connects learners with marine science, environmental education and South African history. Her programmes include educational visits to the Two Oceans Aquarium, Robben Island and the District Six Homecoming Centre.
- The Job Creator Award: Raisa Fisher (Rondebosch) – Fisher founded I AM — A Creative Agency to equip creatives and entrepreneurs with practical business skills. She has also supported Cape Town street performers through the V&A Waterfront Buskers Programme for seven years and established the #IAMREADY event to connect and support women in business.
Good Hope FM congratulated all the finalists, nominees and winners, and thanked listeners for supporting the awards.
