Know an inspiring woman? Good Hope FM wants nominations for its 2026 Warrior Woman Awards

Good Hope FM is searching for South African women making a difference in their communities as nominations officially open for the 2026 Warrior Woman Awards.

Now in their third year, the awards recognise women working across areas including hunger relief, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, community development, sport and the creative industries.

The 2026 awards were launched during a live broadcast and event at the SABC’s Sea Point studios, spearheaded by The Morning Show with Leigh-Anne Williams.

Entries are open until 16 September 2026.

Celebrating women who move Mzansi forward

The awards recognise women whose work has an impact beyond their own achievements, from those fighting food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities to entrepreneurs creating jobs and young women emerging as leaders.

Finalists will receive on-air recognition and a specially created Warrior Woman Awards trophy, while also standing a chance to share R20,000 worth of Canal Walk shopping vouchers.

Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for 5FM and Good Hope FM, says: “In Women’s Month we celebrated the women who made us. Now we shift gears into honouring the women who move Mzansi forward and elevate it to new heights. The Warrior Woman Awards recognise the women who won’t let anything stand in their way to learn, grow, care, build, innovate, achieve and uplift others in various spheres of society. Women are the original heroes and Cape Town’s Original is proud to celebrate them loudly and passionately.”

The 2026 Warrior Woman Awards categories

There are 10 categories this year, covering a broad range of work and achievements.

The Hunger Fighter Award recognises a woman making a difference in the fight against hunger and food insecurity. This includes work through community kitchens, feeding schemes, school meals, food parcels, food rescue and sustainable food-security projects.

The Community Care Award is for a woman supporting people through difficult circumstances and helping individuals, families or communities live safer, healthier and more secure lives.

Entrepreneurs are recognised through the Job Creator Award, which celebrates women who have built successful businesses or enterprises while creating employment, developing skills or opening opportunities for others.

The Education Champion Award recognises women helping people learn, develop skills and reach their potential through schools, early childhood development, literacy, vocational training and youth programmes.

Healthcare and well-being are represented by the Wellness Warrior Award, which celebrates women working in areas such as healthcare, mental-health support, health education, maternal health and access to care.

The Community Builder Award is for a woman bringing people together to improve her community, whether through safety initiatives, neighbourhood development, resident mobilisation or other local projects.

Women breaking barriers and challenging expectations can be nominated for the Change-maker Award. This includes those making their mark in science, technology, engineering, business, skilled trades, aviation, hospitality, media, the arts and other challenging fields.

Young women, sporting heroes and creatives recognised

The Rising Warrior Award specifically recognises young women between the ages of 18 and 30 who are already making a meaningful difference.

Their impact might come through their studies, career, business, community work, advocacy or an initiative they have started themselves.

The Sporting Champion Award recognises women whose contribution to sport extends beyond personal achievement, including athletes, coaches, mentors, administrators, officials and community sports leaders who inspire others or create opportunities.

Completing the categories is the Creative Impact Award.

It recognises women whose creative work contributes to culture, tells important stories, preserves heritage, creates opportunities or gives others a voice. Fields include music, theatre, dance, film, television, literature, visual arts, photography, fashion, design and craft.

How to nominate a woman

Entries for the 2026 Warrior Woman Awards close on 16 September.

To nominate someone, entrants need to send a motivation to marketing@goodhopefm.co.za explaining why the woman they have chosen deserves to be recognised.

The nominee might be a mother, daughter, family member, friend, colleague, acquaintance or another woman whose work and impact deserve recognition.

Following the nomination period, three finalists will be selected in each of the 10 categories.

Voting will then take place via WhatsApp, with the winners announced on 31 October 2026 during a grand finale live broadcast.

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