Good Hope FM honours 10 Cape Town women making a difference at 2026 Warrior Woman Awards - IOL
Good Hope FM warrior woman awards winners.
Ten women from across Cape Town and the Western Cape have been recognised for their contributions to their communities at the 2026 Good Hope FM Warrior Woman Awards.
Now in its third year, the awards celebrate women whose work spans hunger relief, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, sport, community development and the creative arts.
The winners were announced on Saturday, November 1, at a ceremony held at Lagoon Beach Hotel, hosted by Good Hope FM presenter Leigh-Anne Williams and broadcast live on the station.
Among this year's honourees is award-winning winemaker Carmen Stevens, who received the Hunger Fighter Award for her work addressing child hunger.
In 2011, Stevens began feeding children at three schools in Belhar. Through the Carmen Stevens Foundation, the initiative has since made more than 56 million meals and food portions possible across 701 schools, reaching more than 174,000 children.
Mymoena Scholtz of Grassy Park received the Wellness Warrior Award for her 17 years of community development work, including helping establish a community care clinic in Vrygrond and supporting women, young people and families through counselling and mentorship.
The Community Builder Award went to Mutheera Rademeyer of Ocean View, whose initiatives include after-school programmes, tutoring, holiday activities and a soup kitchen. One of her environmental projects also allows residents to exchange collected litter for meals.
Sandy Schuter of Strandfontein was recognised with the Community Care Award for almost two decades of work in community safety. She has helped establish neighbourhood watches, street committees and other initiatives aimed at bringing residents together to tackle crime.
In the creative arts category, writer and author Shana Fife received the Creative Impact Award. Her memoir, 'Ougat', which was longlisted for the Sunday Times Literary Awards, explores identity, family and belonging, while her writing also addresses gender-based violence and challenges stereotypes.
The Change Maker Award went to Indira Melela Lubambo of Gugulethu, founder of Melela4Children. Established in 2016, the organisation supports children facing poverty and limited educational opportunities through initiatives focused on skills development, confidence and personal growth.
Nuraan Osman of Lansdowne received the Sporting Champion Award for her work with Liverpool Portlands Football Club, where she has helped create opportunities for young players through tournaments, donations and support beyond the football field.
At just 21, law student, author and entrepreneur Mekylin Engelbrecht was named Rising Warrior. Through her books, *The Silent Killers* and *Healing My Scars*, she encourages conversations about mental health, while her fashion business promotes body confidence and self-love.
The Education Champion Award went to Zaironesa Karriem of Bonteheuwel, whose work with Sea the Bigger Picture gives learners opportunities to explore marine science, environmental awareness and South African history through educational programmes and excursions.
Raisa Fisher of Rondebosch rounded off the list as the Job Creator Award recipient. Through her creative agency, I AM, she supports creatives and entrepreneurs with mentorship, business planning and practical skills. She has also spent seven years supporting Cape Town street performers through the V&A Waterfront Buskers Programme.
Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for Good Hope FM and 5FM, said the awards recognise women whose contributions go beyond recognition and translate into practical improvements in people's lives.
“Their impact goes beyond philosophy and inspirational quotes. They make real, practical, life-changing differences in the lives of others,” he said.
The ceremony also featured a live performance by Cape Town singer-songwriter Mujahid George.
Good Hope FM congratulated all the finalists, nominees and winners, recognising their continued contributions to communities across Cape Town, the Western Cape and South Africa.
