Jane Mpholo, student entrepreneur and 2021 NATi Rising Stars residency participant, has been named the winner of the Fabulous Woman Gender-Based Violence Award at the 13th Annual Fabulous Woman Awards. She is being celebrated for her groundbreaking work in using performing arts as a tool for gender-based violence (GBV) awareness, prevention, and intervention.
“Art can aid communal healing. It gives us the space to confront our pain, find our voices, and imagine new ways of living free from violence,” says Mpholo. For her, the award is not just a personal triumph, but a collective reminder that art is more than entertainment.
She expressed deep gratitude to the founder of the Fabulous Woman Awards, Pontsho Manzi, for creating a platform that uplifts South African women making an impact in their communities. “The type of work we do can be quite demanding, and so it feels great to know that we are seen and celebrated for our impact. I look forward to creating more and changing more lives. I do what I do because it is my purpose and it is meaningful—this award is truly the cherry on top.”
Mpholo also paid tribute to her husband, Phillimon Mehlape, whose encouragement to share her personal stories with the world became a turning point in her journey. “Through telling my own story, I found my voice—and in the process, I became a voice for those who have been silenced, helping them find their own voices again.”
