There are stars, there are celebrities, and then there is Bonang Matheba. For more than two decades, she has remained one of South Africa’s most admired women, building an empire that stretches far beyond television screens.
This Women’s Month, her remarkable journey is receiving another fitting tribute as she is honoured with the 2026 Trailblazer Award at the fifth annual Basadi in Music Awards taking place on 8 August. This is an award that recognises women who have changed industries, broken barriers and created opportunities for others. Few embody that description better than Bonang.
“Thank you to the Basadi in Music Awards for this incredible honour. To be recognised alongside women who’ve shaped this industry is a privilege I don’t take for granted,” she says.
Long before becoming an international businesswoman, Bonang was simply a young presenter with a dream. Millions first fell in love with her charismatic personality on music television, where she effortlessly connected with audiences. From there, she conquered radio, hosted the country’s biggest entertainment events and became one of Africa’s most recognisable media personalities. Whether she was presenting the South African Music Awards, walking the BET Awards red carpet, hosting Miss South Africa or representing the continent on global stages, Bonang consistently proved that excellence knows no boundaries. Every achievement became another reminder that African women belong in the world’s biggest conversations. But perhaps her greatest success has been refusing to stay inside the box people created for her. Instead of limiting herself to broadcasting, she expanded into publishing, television production, luxury branding, philanthropy and entrepreneurship, creating a blueprint that many young women now aspire to follow.
That fearless approach gave birth to her brand, House of BNG which has become one of Africa’s most successful luxury beverage brands, while her bestselling memoir, From A to B, offered readers an intimate look at the determination behind the glamour. Through her reality series Being Bonang, audiences witnessed the relentless work ethic required to sustain success. At the same time, the Bonang Matheba Foundation continues to invest in education and opportunities for young people, proving that true influence is measured not only by personal achievements but by the lives you uplift.
Her latest honour arrives at a time when women across South Africa are celebrating resilience, leadership and possibility during Women’s Month. For many, Bonang represents exactly that. She has shown that success is not reserved for a select few but can be built through consistency, confidence and an unwavering belief in yourself.
Receiving the Trailblazer Award has made her to reflect on the journey that brought her here.
“An award like this means so much because it’s not just recognition, it’s affirmation, from women who understand exactly what it took to get here.”
Looking ahead, her ambitions remain as bold as ever. She wants House of BNG to continue growing beyond South Africa and introduce African luxury to the world.
“The ambition is bold. I’d love to see House of BNG on the world stage and show the world African luxury in the way I’ve always known it, world class, undeniable and ready to shine,” she says.
Her advice to young women is simple yet powerful.
“Start today, back yourself and watch how far it takes you.”
