WiN Festival Speaker

Bridgette Motsepe‑Radebe

Bridgette Motsepe‑Radebe (née Motsepe), is a pioneering South African entrepreneur and leading figure in mining and economic development . Raised during the apartheid era, she became South Africa’s first black woman to own and operate a mining company, following her early career as a contract miner in the 1980s .

In 1995, she founded Mmakau Mining, a company with substantial equity in platinum, gold, chrome, and coal. Under her leadership, the firm champions sustainable, community-driven mining practices through its hallmark “Integrated Resource Management” model—empowering rural communities via procurement, enterprise development, and public–private partnerships .
As President of the South African Mining Development Association (SAMDA), Bridgette played a pivotal role in shaping major mining legislation, including the Minerals and Petroleum Development Bill, Royalty Bill, and Empowerment Mining Charter—working closely with government, labour unions, and industry stakeholders .

Her influence extends globally: she founded the New Africa Mining Fund to support junior and empowerment mining companies, contributed as Vice‑Chair of the Minerals & Mining Development Board, and sits on the board of Sappi, among other institutions . In 2008, she was honoured as “International Businessperson of the Year” by the Global Foundation for Democracy .

In 2019, the Pan‑African Parliament appointed her as Ambassador of Economic Development, supporting committees in agriculture, trade, finance, gender, health, education, and culture—aligning continental policy with grassroots economic growth .

Beyond mining, Bridgette has left her mark in sports and women’s empowerment. In the 1980s, she served as Deputy Head of Public Affairs for the National Soccer League, and later co‑founded the International Women’s Forum South Africa, serving as its inaugural chairperson. Forbes recently listed her among Africa’s 20 most powerful women .

Bridgette is the elder sister of billionaire Patrice Motsepe and sister‑in‑law to South Africa’s First Lady, Tshepo Motsepe. She was married to former Cabinet Minister Jeff Radebe.

Bridgette Matters to Our Mission
Trailblazer & Change‑maker: First black woman mine owner in South Africa—breaking racial and gender barriers.
Sustainable Development Champion: Pioneered community-inclusive mining models that serve as industry benchmarks across Africa.

Policy Leader & Advocate: Shaped critical mining legislation and continues to drive economic growth at a continental level.
Inspirational Role Model: A global icon for women in business, leadership, and community empowerment.