Famous South African Women

South African women have to be termed as extremely hard working, determined and resilient for they have endured—and fought against—numerous gender stereotypes and obstacles that threatened to curb their freedom from the past many centuries. South Africa, a land inhabited by a diverse population is primarily patriarchic and thus women have always been meted out substandard treatment. Situations started changing for the better only from the past few years, yet the women’s fight against patriarchy has been going on from long. Lucy Catherine Lloyd, an anthropologist working during the 19th century became the first woman to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Cape of Good Hope. With time situations improved for females, and the contemporary South African woman does not lag behind any of her counterparts in other countries.

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 1 
Charlize Theron
(The First South African to Win an Oscar in Acting)
Charlize Theron
157
Birthdate: August 7, 1975
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Benoni, South Africa

Charlize Theron is a former model and was an aspiring ballerina whose career came to a halt after a knee injury. However, an unexpected encounter brought her in the world of acting and she went on achieve tremendous success including winning an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. She is currently one of the world's highest-paid actresses.

 2 
Candice Swanepoel
(South African Model and Victoria's Secret Angel)
Candice Swanepoel
32
Birthdate: October 20, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Mooi River, South Africa

Candice Swanepoel is a South African model known for her association with Victoria's Secret. In 2016, Swanepoel was ranked eighth among the top-earning models, according to Forbes. Also known for her charity work, Swanepoel works closely with mothers2mothers, a nonprofit organization that aims at averting mother-to-child transmission of HIV by providing support and education for pregnant women living with HIV.

 3 
Caster Semenya
(South African Middle-Distance Runner and Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist)
Caster Semenya
32
Birthdate: January 7, 1991
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Pietersburg, South Africa

Two-time Olympic gold medalist middle-distance runner Caster Semenya in an intersex woman, with high testosterone levels. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was asked to take medication to decrease her testosterone levels, to participate in the 2021 Olympics women’s events, and filed a case in the European Court of Human Rights.

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 4 
Yolandi
(Singer, Actress)
Yolandi
78
Birthdate: December 1, 1984
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
South African rapper Anri du Toit, better known as Yolandi Visser, performs as part of the rap-rave group Die Antwoord, which has released hits such as Enter the Ninja. She has also starred in films such as Chappie. She is known for her signature blonde hair and outrageous fashion sense.
 5 
Sasha Pieterse
(Actress, Singer and Songwriter)
Sasha Pieterse
17
Birthdate: February 17, 1996
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa

Sasha Pieterse is an actress, songwriter, and singer. She is best known for playing Alison DiLaurentis in the popular mystery thriller TV series, Pretty Little Liars. Also known for her dancing skills, Pieterse took part in the season 25 of Dancing with the Stars where she finished tenth.  In 2019, Pieterse helped build houses by working with Habitat for Humanity.

 6 
Embeth Davidtz
31
Birthdate: August 11, 1965
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lafayette, Indiana, United States

Embeth Davidtz is a South-African American actress known for playing important roles in popular movies, such as Schindler's List and Fracture. She also serves as an inspiration to those fighting against cancer as she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, for which she had to undergo a mastectomy.

 7 
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters
(Winner of Miss Universe 2017)
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters
22
Birthdate: June 28, 1995
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Sedgefield, South Africa
South African model Demi-Leigh Tebow was named Miss South Africa 2017. She then won the Miss Universe 2017 pageant, thus becoming the second South African to win the pageant. A month after becoming Miss South Africa, Tebow was carjacked at Hyde Park but managed to escape using her self-defense skills.
 8 
Tosca Musk
(Producer, Director and Co-Founder of the Streaming Service ‘Passionflix’)
Tosca Musk
30
Birthdate: July 20, 1974
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: South Africa

South African filmmaker, Tosca Musk, has produced and directed several TV programs, films, and web series. Beginning her career in the early 2000s, she teamed up with Jeff Macpherson to produce the web series, Tiki Bar TV. Her movie, Simple Things, received the California Independent Film Festival Slate Award. She is also the founder of the streaming service Passionflix.

 9 
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
(Politician, Anti-Apartheid Activist)
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
28
Birthdate: September 26, 1936
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Bizana, Eastern Cape
Died: April 2, 2018
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela had first met legendary anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela at a bus stop when she was barely 22. They ended up getting married the following year. Winnie’s journey was marred by bans and harassment by the South African government, but the determined social worker revolutionized South African politics.
 10 
Lara Logan
(South African Television and Radio Journalist and War Correspondent)
Lara Logan
14
Birthdate: March 29, 1971
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Durban, South Africa

Lara Logan is a South African radio and television journalist. She has also worked as a war correspondent; in 2001, she interviewed General Babajan after successfully infiltrating the American-British-backed Northern Alliance at the Bagram Air Base. Over the years Lara Logan has worked for popular news channels like CBS News and Fox Nation. 

 11 
Reeva Steenkamp
(South African Model Who was the First Face of 'Avon' Cosmetics in South Africa)
Reeva Steenkamp
27
Birthdate: August 19, 1983
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Cape Town, South Africa
Died: February 14, 2013

Reeva Steenkamp was a British-South African model and TV personality. She had a successful career as a model before she was shot dead, at the age of 29, by Paralympic champion, Oscar Pistorius. Her death became international news and she was posthumously named SA Persons of the year along with Anene Booysen by the Daily Maverick in 2013.

 12 
Princess Charlene of Monaco
(Former Olympic Swimmer and Princess Consort of Monaco (Since 2011))
Princess Charlene of Monaco
24
Birthdate: January 25, 1978
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Charlene, Princess of Monaco, was once an Olympic swimmer and represented South Africa at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. She met her husband, Prince Albert, at a swimming competition. She now owns the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and works for causes related to AIDS, sports, and underprivileged children.
 13 
Alice Krige
(Actress)
Alice Krige
6
Birthdate: June 28, 1954
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Upington

South African actor Alice Krige is best known for her roles in Chariots of Fire and Star Trek: First Contact. She played a dual role in Ghost Story and has been seen in a major role in the Netflix series The OA. She has also produced the film Jail Caesar.

 14 
Miriam Makeba
14
Birthdate: March 4, 1932
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
Died: November 10, 2008

Miriam Makeba was a South African singer, actress, songwriter, civil rights activist, and United Nations goodwill ambassador. One of the first African musicians to make an impact on the international stage, Makeba is credited with popularizing Afropop genres. She also advocated against apartheid through music and played a major role in the civil rights movement.

 15 
Oti Mabuse
(Dancer on the British television series, Strictly Come Dancing, and its German equivalent, Let's Dance)
Oti Mabuse
4
Birthdate: August 8, 1990
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Pretoria, South Africa
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 16 
Juliet Prowse
(Film, Stage and Television Actress Who Had a Four-Decade Long Career)
Juliet Prowse
12
Birthdate: September 25, 1936
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Died: September 14, 1996

Juliet Prowse was an actress and dancer whose stage, film, and TV career spanned 40 years. She gained prominence during the 1960s by appearing in films like Can-Can and G.I. Blues, which accentuated her dancing skills and her attractive legs. Towards the end of her career, Juliet Prowse hosted PBS' Championship Ballroom Dance Competition

 17 
Tanit Phoenix
(South African Model and Actress Known for Her Swimwear and Lingerie Photo Shoots)
Tanit Phoenix
5
Birthdate: September 24, 1980
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Durban, South Africa

South African supermodel, actor, and make-up artist Tanit Phoenix had begun her career at 14. A sensation in the fashion world, she has graced magazines such as GQ and Maxim, and has also been featured on the Sports Illustrated swimsuit editions. She loves ballet, yoga, and martial arts.

 18 
Glynis Barber
(Actor, Film actor, Television actor)
Glynis Barber
5
Birthdate: October 25, 1955
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Durban

Best known for her roles in Dempsey and Makepeace, Blake's 7, and EastEnders, South African actor Glynis Barber has also showcased her skills in theater, appearing in plays such as High Flyers with Hugh Grant and Killing Time with Dennis Waterman. She is married to co-star Michael Brandon.

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 19 
Zola Budd
(Former South African Middle-Distance and Long-Distance Runner)
Zola Budd
8
Birthdate: May 26, 1966
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Bloemfontein, South Africa

Zola Budd is a South African former athlete who used to compete in long-distance and middle-distance running. Budd represented Great Britain at the 1984 Olympic Games before representing South Africa at the 1992 Olympic Games. Zola Budd also took part in the 1985 and 1986 World Cross Country Championships, winning gold medals on both occasions.

 20 
Jodi Balfour
(South African Film and Television Actress)
Jodi Balfour
7
Birthdate: October 29, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Cape Town, South Africa

Jodi Balfour is a South African actress whose portrayal of Gladys Witham in the TV movie Bomb Girls: Facing the Enemy earned her the Canadian Screen Award under the Best Lead Actress in a Television Film or Miniseries category in 2015. On 30 June 2021, Jodi identified herself as queer, gaining popularity among the LGBTQ community.

 21 
Graça Machel
(First Lady of Mozambique (1975-1986), First Lady of South Africa (1998-1999))
Graça Machel
9
Birthdate: October 17, 1945
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Gaza Province, Mozambique

Graça Machel is known for her association with Mozambique’s FRELIMO movement and has been the country’s first education minister. She has also been married to both former Mozambican president Samora Machel and South African president Nelson Mandela. Through The Elders, she is devoted to working for women’s and children’s rights.

 22 
Brenda Fassie
(Singer)
Brenda Fassie
3
Birthdate: November 3, 1964
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Langa
Died: May 9, 2004

Brenda Fassie was a South African dancer, singer, songwriter, and activist. Renowned for her bold on-stage antics, Fassie earned the nickname Madonna of The Townships. Also dubbed the Queen of African Pop, Brenda Fassie won five South African Music Awards and three Kora Awards during her illustrious career. She was also named in the Top 100 Great South Africans list.

 23 
Elize du Toit
(Actor, film actor)
Elize du Toit
4
Birthdate: February 21, 1980
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Grahamstown, South Africa
Born in South Africa, Elize du Toit moved to the U.K. with her family at 14. While she initially studied history, she later switched to theater. Best known for her role in Hollyoaks, she has also appeared in movies such as Skyfall and series such as Doctor Who.
 24 
Nadine Gordimer
(Writer, Political Activist)
Nadine Gordimer
6
Birthdate: November 20, 1923
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Transvaal, South Africa
Died: July 13, 2014

Nadine Gordimer was a South African political activist and writer. Gordimer, who wrote extensively on racial and moral issues such as apartheid in South Africa, was honored with the 1991 Nobel Prize in Literature. An important member of the anti-apartheid movement, Nadine Gordimer's advice to Nelson Mandela led to his famous 1964 defense speech, which eventually led to his conviction.

 25 
Musetta Vander
(Actor, Film actor, Model)
Musetta Vander
1
Birthdate: May 26, 1963
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Durban

Musetta Vander is a South African model, actress, and dancer. Over the course of her modeling career, Vander has appeared in commercials for popular brands like McDonald's, Sanyo, Mercedes, Diet Coke, and Heineken. Musetta Vander has also appeared in American films like Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, Wild Wild West, and Under the Bed.

 26 
Evelyn Mase
(Nurse)
Evelyn Mase
6
Birthdate: May 18, 1922
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Transkei
Died: April 30, 2004
 27 
Zindzi Mandela
(Diplomat)
Zindzi Mandela
9
Birthdate: December 23, 1960
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
Died: July 13, 2020

Zindzi Mandela was a South African poet and diplomat best known as the daughter of the famous anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela. From 1996 to 1998, she also served as a temporary First Lady of South Africa. Over the years, she has been portrayed in films and TV films, such as Mrs Mandela (2009), Invictus (2009), and Mandela (1987).

 28 
Leleti Khumalo
(Actor, Film actor)
Leleti Khumalo
4
Birthdate: March 30, 1970
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Durban

Leleti Khumalo is a South African actress best known for her portrayal of the title role in the 1992 musical drama film Sarafina! She has also played the role on stages and on Broadway, receiving an NAACP Image Award in 1987 and a nomination for the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1988.

 29 
Arlene Dickinson
(Entrepreneur)
Arlene Dickinson
4
Birthdate: October 8, 1956
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Germiston

Apart from being a successful Canadian businesswoman, Arlene Dickinson has also gained fame for her appearance on the business reality show Dragons' Den. The Venture Communications CEO was born in South Africa but later moved to Canada with her family. The Calgary-based entrepreneur was also named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women.

 30 
Ela Gandhi
(politician)
Ela Gandhi
1
Birthdate: June 1, 1940
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Durban
Ela Gandhi is a South African politician and peace activist whose immense contribution to society and politics is widely recognized. Over the years, she has been honored with several prestigious awards, such as the Community of Christ International Peace Award, Padma Bhushan award, Shanti Doot International Award, and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. 
 31 
Louise Barnes
(Film actor, Television actor, Stage actor)
Louise Barnes
0
Birthdate: April 26, 1974
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: KwaZulu-Natal
 32 
Ilana Kloss
(Former South African Professional Tennis Player)
Ilana Kloss
5
Birthdate: March 22, 1956
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa

Former professional tennis player, Ilana Kloss is also a tennis coach, and commissioner of World TeamTennis, since 2001. She was the World's No. 1 ranked doubles player in 1976 and World No. 19 in singles in the year 1979. Born in Johannesburg, the Jewish player won the US Open doubles and mixed doubles championship on the 35-and-over tour, in 1999. 

 33 
Lauren Brant
(Television personality)
Lauren Brant
2
Birthdate: February 24, 1989
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Bloemfontein, South Africa

Born in South Africa, Lauren Brant later moved to Australia. The former member of the children’s music group Hi-5 has also gained fame with her appearance in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! She was also part of the traveling Humphrey Bear show. She is married to footballer Barry Hall.

 34 
Mary Renault
(Writer)
Mary Renault
1
Birthdate: September 4, 1905
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: London, England
Died: December 13, 1983

Mary Renault was a British writer best remembered for her historical novels. Some of her historical novels, such as The King Must Die and The Bull from the Sea were adapted into a BBC Radio 4 serial. Although she is renowned for her fictional portrayals of prominent real-life characters like Alexander the Great, Mary Renault also wrote Alexander's non-fiction biography.

 35 
Helen Zille
(Politician, Journalist)
Helen Zille
1
Birthdate: March 9, 1951
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Johannesburg

Helen Zille is a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician. A former journalist, Zille played a major role in exposing the cover-up surrounding the death of Steve Biko, a fellow anti-apartheid activist. In 2008, she was chosen as World Mayor of the Year.

 36 
Sandra Prinsloo
(Actor, Film actor, Television actor)
Sandra Prinsloo
0
Birthdate: September 15, 1947
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: South Africa
 37 
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
(Politician)
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
5
Birthdate: January 27, 1949
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Natal Province

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is a South African anti-apartheid activist, politician, and doctor. One of the most popular South African politicians of her generation, Dlamini-Zuma has served as the country's minister of health, minister of foreign affairs, and minister of home affairs at different periods of time.

 38 
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
(Politician)
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
2
Birthdate: November 3, 1955
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Durban

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the UN Under-Secretary-General, was initially a teacher and has also worked at the World YWCA. A women’s rights activist, she works for gender equality and education and has established the Umlambo Foundation. She has also been the South African deputy president. Four of her five children are adopted.

 39 
Shauwn Mkhize
(Reality Star for her TV series Kwa Mam'Mkhize)
Shauwn Mkhize
1
Birthdate: April 6, 1976
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
 40 
Albertina Sisulu
(Political activist)
Albertina Sisulu
3
Birthdate: October 21, 1918
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Tsomo, South Africa
Died: June 2, 2011
 41 
Ruth First
(Author, Politician, University teacher, Writer, Journalist, Martyr, Political activist)
Ruth First
1
Birthdate: May 4, 1925
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Johannesburg
Died: August 17, 1982

South African activist/journalist Ruth First is remembered for her relentless fight against apartheid. Born to Latvian immigrants and founders of the South African Communist Party, First was later tried for treason and detained. While working at a Mozambican university in exile, she was assassinated in a parcel bomb attack

 42 
Amanda Coetzer
(South African Former Professional Tennis Player)
Amanda Coetzer
0
Birthdate: October 22, 1971
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hoopstad, South Africa

In spite of her short stature of 5’2”, tennis sensation Amanda Coetzer was named The Little Assassin for her aggression. She began training in tennis at age 6. In the 1990s, she stunned the world by defeating no. 1 tennis stars Steffi Graf, Lindsay Davenport, and Martina Hingis.

 43 
Janet Suzman
(Actor, Film director, Film actor, Television actor)
Janet Suzman
2
Birthdate: February 9, 1939
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Johannesburg
 44 
Marizanne Kapp
(South African International Cricketer)
Marizanne Kapp
1
Birthdate: January 4, 1990
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
 45 
Zenani Mandela
Zenani Mandela
5
Birthdate: February 4, 1959
Sun Sign: Aquarius
 46 
Baleka Mbete
(5th Deputy President of South Africa)
Baleka Mbete
2
Birthdate: September 24, 1949
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Durban, South Africa

Baleka Mbete is a South African politician who served as the deputy president of South Africa under President Kgalema Motlanthe. From 2014 to 2019, she also served as South Africa's Speaker of the National Assembly. One of the most controversial South African politicians in the recent past, Mbete is an associate of Tony Yengeni, who was accused of defrauding parliament.

 47 
Dane van Niekerk
(South African Cricket All-rounder)
Dane van Niekerk
1
Birthdate: May 14, 1993
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Pretoria, South Africa
 48 
Anneline Kriel
(Actor, Model, Film actor, Beauty pageant contestant)
Anneline Kriel
1
Birthdate: July 28, 1955
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Witbank

Anneline Kriel is a South African model, actress, and beauty queen. She came into prominence after winning the Miss World and Miss South Africa in 1974. She then went on to become an established model and served as an ambassador for many beauty brands. Anneline Kriel then started appearing in movies, including the 1981 action film Kill and Kill Again.

 49 
Caron Bernstein
(South African Model, Actress and Singer)
Caron Bernstein
0
Birthdate: August 16, 1970
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa

Caron Bernstein is a painter, model, singer-songwriter and actress, all rolled into one. Born in South Africa, she started modeling for Ford Models at the age of fourteen, debuting in films at the age of 22 with Waxwork II: Lost in Time and shifting her focus to singing at the age of 23. Now a successful portrait-painter, she likes to capture the darker side of her subjects.

 50 
Natalie du Toit
(Swimmer)
Natalie du Toit
0
Birthdate: January 29, 1984
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Cape Town

While she began her career as an international swimmer at 14, Natalie du Toit had her left leg amputated after a scooter accident. However, that didn’t deter her spirit, and she was the only disabled swimmer to compete at the Beijing Olympics. She has also won 13 Paralympic gold medals.

Nadine Gordimer won a Nobel Prize for her writing and made her motherland proud as did the poet Elisabeth Françoise Eybers with her poems in Afrikaans which familiarized the world with South African culture. Actress Charlize Theron perfectly symbolizes what it means to be a South African with her strong character roles and disciplined off-screen persona. Browse this site to learn more about the various famous South African women who made this world a better place.