Celebrating Courage, Excellence, and Leadership in Journalism & Beyond
The Press Council of South Africa proudly congratulates our Executive Director, Dr Phathiswa Magopeni, who was honoured with the Empowawomen Media Excellence Award 2026.
In accepting the award, Dr Magopeni reminded us that true leadership is not about accolades, but about acting in the best interest of our country. She received this honour with humility, emphasising that women in journalism are not only watchdogs safeguarding democracy, but also champions of inclusivity ensuring that silenced voices were heard and represented.
Her words continue to resonate:
“This award acknowledges that women in journalism and media help preserve truth in moments when it is most vulnerable. May we continue to tell the truth and guard our democracy fiercely, unapologetically, fearlessly and relentlessly, while holding the door open for those women who come after us.”
Dr Magopeni’s journey is a testament to resilience. She paid tribute to remarkable women in Mary Papayya, Adv Brenda Madumise-Pajibo, Prof Pippa Green, Mpumi Bikitsha, and Mona Vanqa whose solidarity carried her through the most challenging period of her career. Her recognition is therefore shared with every woman who has stood beside another when the cost of standing alone became too great.
This honour was conferred during the 10th Annual EmpowaWomen Leadership Summit 2026, held on Saturday, 29 August 2026 at Empowaworx House, Ferndale, Randburg.
Under the bold theme, “The Command Centre of Power, Capital and Control”, the Summit convened Africa’s most influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers. Over the past decade, EmpowaWomen™ has positioned women at the centre of Africa’s future economy, directly impacting close to 30,000 female executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, and innovators.
Founder & Executive Producer Simphiwe Masiza captured the spirit of this milestone:
“Women are no longer asking for a seat at the table. They are building the tables, funding the opportunities, shaping the industries, and leading the transformation. The 10th Annual EmpowaWomen Leadership Summit is where Africa’s next chapter of women-led growth, power, and economic influence is written.”
Together, Dr Magopeni’s recognition and the Summit’s convening reaffirmed that women are not only preserving truth in journalism but also shaping Africa’s economic destiny. The Council salutes Dr Magopeni’s courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to truth. We celebrate the EmpowaWomen ecosystem for a decade of advancing women’s leadership and influence, and we look forward to the next generation of women who will carry this torch even higher.
