Who run the world?
THEIR get-up-and-go anthem might as well be Beyoncé's Run the World. They are South Africa's own version of woman power in the cut-throat entertainment industry. They are young, vibrant and doing things on their own terms.
In the last three years the entertainment industry has seen the rise of girl power in the form of Bonang "Your Gurl B" Matheba, Minnie Dlamini, Gail Mabalane and Pearl Thusi. Even Connie Furguson, who made her name playing Karabo Moroka on Generations, shifted gears and went into series executive production.
Just in recent months, Matheba scooped the first ever black South African spokesmodel contract from Revlon, Mabalane became the face of Olay cosmetics, Thusi represents Jet clothing and has become a successful actress, and Dlamini has been blazing a trail as a Motions Hair ambassador and leading actress.
Even reality TV competitions are being scooped by sassy young things with drive, ambition and the sex appeal to match - look at MTV VJ Nomuzi Maben and Live Amp's Luthando Shosha.
In appreciation of Women's Month, we present four fabulous females who are rising to the occasion and making a mark in the industry.
Nomza Mazwai
Age: 28
Occupation: Director at Emthonjeni Arts, the Artists Residency in the Eastern Cape.
Relationship status: Involved.
In her own words: I'm fun-loving, adventurous, an enquiring social activist and a young South African concerned with the redistribution of wealth.
Quote she lives by: Success is a dream waiting to happen.
What it means to be a woman: It means being strong and believing in your convictions. Being developmental and empowering in your approach. Being brave enough to be the change needed in our country. We have no choice but to realise the dreams of our foremothers and forefathers.
Boitumelo Thulo
Age: 23
Occupation: Actress and TV presenter.
Relationship status: Single.
In her own words: I'm an ambitious, happy and free-spirited person.
First break: When I got my first Wimpy advert in 2010, that was the beginning of everything. It was my first time in front of the camera.
What being a woman means: I'm blessed abundantly, but this also means I have to fight for my worth and to be sure that I am beautiful and respected.
Tarryn Alberts
Age: 23
Occupation: Dancer and finalist in the Sprite Uncontainable competition.
Relationship status: Single.
In her own words: I'm a fun, determined person always trying to better myself every day. I can be a bit moody at times, too.
Unforgettable moment: Seeing the Colosseum in Rome (while on tour with Die Antwoord). Tears just streamed down my face at the sight of it. You watch the movie Gladiator and you never imagine you'll actually get to see it in real life. I just thought: "Wow, dreams really do come true!"
What it means to be a woman: It means to be independent and having a sense of power. Today it's not just about women staying at home to cook and clean; women own businesses now.
Today I can imagine doing something and being able to do it.
Tshiamo Mokgadi
Age: 29
Occupation: Market Theatre producer.
Relationship status: Married.
In her own words: I'm a travel junkie and in the phase of discovering the Southern African Development Community region. I'm an introvert and enjoy spending time alone, but love my family. Weekends are my playtime with my kids.
Life lesson: When I got appointed producer for the Market Theatre at the age of 24 it was very challenging, exciting and nerve-racking. At the same time I wouldn't trade it for any other career.
What it means to be a woman: There are opportunities. However, even when we capitalise on them, we often find it difficult to own and embrace the roles we occupy and are often shy or hold back on voicing our opinion, whether in the boardroom or the bedroom. My wish is for those of us who haven't found our voice to have the courage to step up. and contribute to our small circles of influence in the best way we can, on terms suitable to our circumstances and not on those generally set by tradition.