For Bonolo Mashilo, fashion began at home in Ntwane Lesehleng in Limpopo. Her grandmother dressed her in elaborate outfits and introduced her to an interest in clothing and personal style that would eventually become a career.

Mashilo studied fashion design at Tshwane University of Technology before gaining experience across different areas of the industry. She started out as a fashion assistant at Elle Magazine SA and later worked as fashion director at IMBO Magazine. S he then moved into retail, where she worked as a fashion buyer for Edcon.

Photo: Instagram/@Bonolo Mashilo

That experience gave her an understanding of both the creative and commercial sides of fashion. She eventually used that knowledge to establish BMashilo Designs, building the company from a small operation into an established South African fashion business.

The early stages were modest. Mashilo worked from her garage and employed two people as she developed the business. She has spoken about the importance of her corporate experience in preparing her for the responsibilities that came with becoming an employer and running her own company.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented another challenge. With events cancelled and customers requesting refunds, maintaining her studio became financially difficult. Mashilo returned home and moved the business online, allowing BMashilo Designs to continue operating while the fashion and events industries were disrupted.

Photo: Instagram/@Bonolo Mashilo

Today, the company offers ready-to-wear, bespoke and rental fashion. Its collections include dresses, sets, corsets and bridal pieces, while its bespoke service allows clients to commission individual designs.

Mashilo’s work has also reached some of South Africa’s best-known public figures. Her designs have been worn by Thuso Mbedu, Makhadzi and Basetsana Kumalo, among others. Mbedu wore the brand’s Enhle dress at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood event, bringing further attention to the label.

For Mashilo, however, building the business has also meant creating opportunities for other women in fashion. In an interview with Kaya 959, she spoke about entering an industry where she did not often see people who looked like her running successful fashion businesses. That experience influenced her approach to employing and supporting young Black women entering the industry.

Photo: Instagram/@Bonolo Mashilo

The BMashilo Designs Institute is part of that work. The company says the institute is focused on developing fashion talent, while its current founder profile states that the business employs nearly 30 people.

Representation has also featured in Mashilo’s collections. A Village Dream, Representation and Pelo Ya Phiri: Living the Legacy explore themes connected to identity, heritage and inclusion. The Representation collection, in particular, was created around inclusivity and the idea that women should be able to see themselves reflected in fashion.

Her career has therefore developed beyond designing individual garments. Her experience spans fashion media, buying, design, retail and entrepreneurship, giving her an understanding of the industry from several sides.

Photo: Instagram/@Bonolo Mashilo

As BMashilo Designs reaches its 10-year milestone in 2026, Mashilo’s career offers a useful example of what it takes to build a fashion business beyond the creative process. She has developed a label, created employment and established a platform for developing new talent while continuing to produce clothing for private clients and public figures.

For Women’s Month, her story is a reminder that success in fashion can extend beyond what appears on the runway or in a photograph. It can also be measured by the businesses built, the jobs created and the opportunities made available to the next generation.

For years, South African actors have built successful careers locally before moving into international productions. Few have made that transition as quickly as Thuso Mbedu, whose performances have taken her from local television dramas to leading roles in acclaimed Hollywood productions.

As Women’s Month recognises the achievements of women across different industries, Mbedu’s journey stands out as one of South Africa’s most notable success stories in film. Her international profile has been built on carefully chosen roles that have earned critical recognition.

Photo: Instagram/@Thuso Mbedu

Born in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Mbedu entered the industry through South African television, gradually establishing herself as one of the country’s brightest young actors. Her breakthrough came with Is’Thunzi, where her performance earned an International Emmy Award nomination. She received a second consecutive nomination the following year for another season, becoming one of the few African actors to achieve that distinction so early in their careers.

The nominations also increased her international profile, introducing her to casting directors looking for actors capable of leading demanding productions.

Photo: Instagram/@Thuso Mbedu

That opportunity arrived when Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins cast her as Cora in The Underground Railroad, the television adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Playing a young enslaved woman escaping brutality across the American South required remarkable emotional depth. Many critics praised Mbedu’s restrained performance, describing it as one of the series’ strongest. The role also made history, as she became the first South African actress to lead an American television series of that scale.

Photo: Instagram/@Thuso Mbedu

Success in Hollywood often comes with pressure to prove that a breakthrough performance was not a one-off. Mbedu answered those expectations with The Woman King.

Sharing the screen with Viola Davis, she portrayed Nawi, a determined young recruit in the Agojie, the elite all-female warrior unit of the Kingdom of Dahomey. The role demanded months of combat training, weapons practice and physical conditioning before filming began.

She delivered a performance that attracted widespread critical praise alongside an experienced cast. Reviews consistently highlighted her chemistry with Davis, whose mentor and student relationship became one of the film’s central storylines.

Photo: Instagram/@Thuso Mbedu

Beyond critical acclaim, the film also demonstrated that stories centred on African women could reach global audiences while succeeding commercially.

Despite her growing profile, Mbedu has remained selective about the projects she accepts. In interviews, she has repeatedly said that meaningful storytelling matters more than simply appearing in high-profile productions. She has spoken openly about wanting roles that create conversation, encourage empathy and leave audiences thinking long after the credits roll.

Photo: Instagram/@Thuso Mbedu

She has also been candid about the challenges behind her success. Raised by her grandmother after losing both parents at a young age, Mbedu has shared how financial hardship, self-doubt and personal loss shaped her outlook. Instead of portraying her success as straightforward, she often highlights persistence, preparation and continuous learning as the foundations of her progress.

Her influence now extends beyond acting. Mbedu has expressed a desire to help create more opportunities for African storytellers and to support projects led by African voices with first-hand perspectives. That ambition reflects a wider shift across global entertainment, where African creatives are increasingly shaping their own stories instead of having them told by others.

Photo: Instagram/@Thuso Mbedu

Women’s Month is a fitting time to recognise achievements that continue to reshape the film industry. Thuso Mbedu’s career reflects that progress. She has earned international recognition without losing sight of the values that shaped her career. Her success also reflects the growing influence of South African performers on the world stage.

Mbedu is now recognised as one of South Africa’s most internationally recognised actors, with a career that continues to expand across borders. Her achievements also provide an example for young actors hoping to build successful international careers while remaining connected to their South African roots.

Dads are the quiet heroes of the family. They  show up for school activities, fix things around the house, offer advice when needed, and provide emotional support. While fathers rarely ask for appreciation, Father’s Day is the best time to celebrate them. A good gift is a way of saying thank you for their contributions. Whether your dad loves technology, fitness, travel, or spending weekends alone , choosing a gift that shows where their interest lies can make Father’s Day meaningful.

Smart Gadgets

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Technology tops the list high among Father’s Day gift categories because it makes everything convenient. Smart speakers, wireless charging stations and  noise cancelling headphones are gifts that many dads will appreciate. Father’s Day gift guides from My Butchers Block highlight gadgets that solve everyday problems . A quality portable charger, for example, makes a dad’s devices stay powered during outdoor activities.

Premium Barbecue Accessories

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Many fathers enjoy spending weekends engaging in their grilling skills. Instead of buying another apron, consider decent barbecue tools that improve the cooking experience. Professional  grilling kits are excellent Father’s Day gifts in 2026. They help achieve cooking results and make grill maintenance easier. These gifts are valuable because they support a hobby many dads enjoy.

Health Gears

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Fathers with interest in health appreciate gifts that support their wellness objectives. We now have fitness trackers that are sophisticated, and offer better exercise performance. Devices such as advanced wearable fitness monitors help dads understand their health habits. You could choose foam rollers, massage guns, and stretching equipment for your dads. These gifts promote self care while helping active dads maintain their fitness goals.

Travel Essentials

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If your dad loves travelling, getting them gifts that will make their movement easy is recommended. Durable carry-on luggage, travel organisers, passport holders, and compact charging stations are great suggestions. Travel experts recommend expandable luggage and lightweight accessories that make travelling easy. A travel gift can make airport navigation simple and help keep important items organised.

Read Also: 10 Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Mom This Year

Professional Quality Tools

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Some fathers enjoy repairing home improvement projects themselves. For these dads, high-quality tools will make good Father’s Day presents. Tool sets, cordless drills, and storage organisers are good options. Home improvement experts recommend reliable tools not only to improve project solutions but also last for many years.

Brewing Upgrades

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If your father starts every morning with coffee, consider gifts that will improve his drinking goals. There are quality coffee makers, premium grinders, insulated travel mugs, and cold brew systems that will make him happy. Coffee based gifts allow dads to enjoy café quality beverages at home without hassle. Many recent gift guides recommended coffee equipment as a nice option because it makes drinking convenient.

Adventure Gear

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Fathers that love exploring nature appreciate gear that makes it enjoyable. Getting them durable backpacks and outdoor cooking equipment will be preferred. These gifts are meaningful because they encourage memories. Experts recommend gifting these outdoor equipment because of its long term usefulness.

Meaningful Experiences

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There are dads who insist they do not need anything. If your dad falls in this category, consider a family outing, or a weekend activity they will love.  You could buy a football match ticket, or plan a vacation abroad. The aim is to make them happy without giving them any physical item. This shows you care about them and create memories they won’t forget.

Father’s Day is about recognising the importance of fathers to families and communities. Whether you choose a gadget, a health gear, or a memorable experience, the best presents are those your dad truly enjoys. Thoughtful gifts show appreciation, strengthen family bonds, and remind fathers that their efforts are appreciated.