Ten formidable women emerged victorious, each walking away with beautiful gifts after an inspiring competition that celebrated their strength and achievements.
Their triumphs were recognised with honours that highlighted not only their individual talents but also the power of women coming together to uplift and support one another.
The winners were showered with gifts from Basotho-owned businesses, even the runner-ups didn’t leave empty-handed, as they too received gifts and certificates of recognition, celebrating their efforts and achievements.
The winners were chosen through a public voting process.
The categories and their winners include:
Agriculture
Mamello Makhobotloane
” Winning this award means everything to me. It’s not just a personal achievement but a testament to the faith that people have in me and my business. It reflects the pride that my community and supporters feel in the work I’m doing and the journey I’ve taken. This award reaffirms that the dedication and commitment I’ve put into this sector are making an impact, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward in transforming agriculture and empowering others along the way.”
She said the recognition reassures her that I’m on the right path and truly living out her purpose. Her entrepreneurial journey has been filled with setbacks, and there were moments when she had to start all over again. Receiving this recognition reminded her that, despite the challenges, entrepreneurship is indeed her “calling”.
“It serves as a powerful motivation to keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult things may get, and to rise above any obstacles I encounter. Professionally, this award symbolizes the appreciation and recognition of the work I’m doing. It shows that people see and value the impact I’m making, which gives me even more confidence and drive to keep working hard. It’s a reminder that dedication and perseverance do pay off, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence in everything I do.
“Winning the FWAA Award is a tremendous honor and motivates me to build on this success by scaling operations, embracing innovation, and adopting new technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. I plan to mentor and train emerging entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, foster strategic partnerships to explore new opportunities, and actively engage with communities to drive development and socio-economic improvement. This recognition inspires me to push boundaries and make a lasting impact in the agricultural sector.”
Business and Entrepreneurship
Litšoanelo Pebane expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging God’s role in her success and her thankfulness for everything. Winning the FWAA award has been a significant event for her, and she hopes the government will consider sponsoring it in the future, rather than relying solely on SMMEs. She believes this award is crucial for empowering women, as it has personally given her a renewed sense of confidence and self-belief. “I feel as though I have risen again,” she remarked. “This award has truly revitalized me and made me trust myself more.”
Looking ahead, she is committed to pursuing collaborations. “Through this event, I’ve learned that collaborating with others is essential for growth. To build on my success, I plan to invest heavily in collaborations and attend workshops that will help me continue to grow.”
Creative Industry
Limakatso Connie Tšosane expressed her gratitude for the recognition, saying that as a first-time participant in these awards, she feels happy with this achievement. “I want to thank Basotho, because we are here because of them in the first place. I don’t have many words, but I would say to women, if not today, when?”
Energy and Technology
Katleho Tauhali said being happy would be an understatement. “I am thrilled, this award humbled me. It gave me confidence, and showed me the united power of different individuals coming together for the benefit of one person…it was profound.”
She reflected on her achievement, noting the profound impact of positive self-talk and the power of the law of vibration in shaping her journey toward becoming a FMWAA winner in Energy and Technology. Despite being a newcomer in the industry, she said she consistently affirmed her success out loud, declaring herself a winner as of August 2024, and it became a reality.
Now, as she embarks on this new chapter with her fledgling business, “Cata Power,” she is determined to use this recognition to offer top-quality electrical services to all who seek them.
She has a strong commitment to growing her business with the same passion and energy that fueled her personal success.
Before the awards, she made a heartfelt prayer, promising to give back when she won. True to her word, Tauhali said she will donate the cosmetics she received from sponsors, adding even more to her collection, and gifting them to young girls and boys in need during the December holidays.
Health Services
‘Mateboho Seboka, who is just three years shy of retirement, said the award has motivated her and made her proud of her work. The recognition has inspired her to continue serving Basotho with a strong sense of duty and to maintain that commitment.
“I feel very happy and motivated. This recognition has shown me that people appreciate my service to them. I want to see Batho-Pele Clinic grow bigger and continue providing even more services to the people.”
Leadership and Development
Sister Vitalina ‘Mamello Doti, passionate about leadership, said that the nomination and recognition had motivated her to excel in her work. She teaches children about the importance of leadership and believes that leadership is central to every aspect of life, no matter where one might be.
For things to go well and for success to be achieved, she believes that strong leadership is essential.
“This recognition has inspired me to be the best I can be in serving others.”
Manufacturing
‘Mafule Pati initially declined the nomination, thinking she wouldn’t win. However, upon reflection, she called the next day and asked to be included, realising that participating would be a good marketing opportunity for her business, regardless of the outcome.
“I am grateful to God for the award, to Finite Magazine for the recognition, and to my three families: Pati, Ramakongoana, and Moorosi. One morning, I called my followers, my cousins and my sisters to stop voting for me because I had reached the top 10 stage, which was where I wanted to be. But then I remembered Dr Myles Munroe’s words while I was working one day, ‘Why can’t you be an A student?’ I am very grateful, and I believe this award will open the door to great opportunities.
“This has shown me the value of having good relationships with family and suppliers because I was able to talk to them and win their hearts to vote for me. If I didn’t have that relationship, I wouldn’t have been able to approach them with my idea and ask for their votes. It was easy because of the strong relationships I had with them. This has taught me the importance of quality over quantity. I may not have many followers on social media, but the few I have made a significant impact.”
Tourism and Hospitality
‘Matšepo Didi Manaka says she plans to inspire and empower others, particularly women and young entrepreneurs, to strive for their dreams, break barriers, and pursue their goals. This award is not just about her; it’s about what can be achieved as a community of hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs. She plans on using it as a platform or an example of what women can achieve when given a chance.
“I am honoured, humbled, and, quite honestly, still in shock and disbelief to have won this award, especially considering being shortlisted or nominated in the first place. It is a great honor to be recognized for my work in the hospitality and tourism industry. I’m incredibly grateful to the Finite Women Awards for this recognition. I want this to be a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
“Personally, this award validates my hard work, commitment, and love for business and the industry. It’s a huge milestone in my professional journey and a true testament to the years of blood, sweat, and tears I’ve invested. Winning this award will undoubtedly open many more doors for me and my businesses as we continue to grow our reach and impact in the industry and society.”
Teaching, Training and Advocacy
Kopo Boison
“I am immensely thankful for this Award presented to me. My Professional milestones as an Educator have been made possible by the recognition and encouragement. Personally it brings more self-belief and dedication towards my work. This has elevated credibility that will pave the way for new opportunities and collaborations for the future.”
Security, Law and Order
Bokang Ramotena said she didn’t expect to win. “This nomination came as a surprise to me. I only expected a certificate, but this recognition surpasses even the package you see.”
She mentioned that the recognition means that as a civil servant, one has to excel in whatever they do, as many people are watching, and one cannot afford to falter, as they would be disappointing the people they serve.
“We have to be shining examples in whatever we do. I just realised through them [FWAA] that there is leadership in me. It has sparked that.”
She added that some people drag their feet at work, but these awards mean one has to pull up their socks and get their act together, as people are watching and know them.