The 2025 WomenCan Awards lit up Joburg on 9 September with a celebration of women who inspire change. Among the evening’s highlights was the recognition of DJ Zinhle, who received the Powerhouse Award in front of an audience filled with South Africa’s leading voices in music, business, and culture. The event was more than a glitzy night out. It became a statement about the impact of women who use their platforms for more than just personal success.
The Powerhouse Award
The award acknowledged Zinhle’s wide-ranging influence. She is celebrated not only for her career as one of South Africa’s top DJs but also for her role as a businesswoman, television personality, and entrepreneur. The Powerhouse Award is reserved for women who lead with strength, vision, and resilience, and Zinhle fits that description with ease.
Her win was perfectly timed. Only a day earlier, she marked her daughter Asante’s fourth birthday, a personal milestone that reminded many of the balance between family life and professional achievement that countless women navigate daily.
Her Words, Her Message
In her acceptance speech, Zinhle dedicated the award to “every single woman who dares to dream and keeps the fire burning.” Her words captured the spirit of the night: that women’s dreams matter, and their contributions deserve to be recognised.
WomenCan organiser Tumi Mthembu praised her for demonstrating leadership, not just through her own success but by opening opportunities for others. The crowd echoed that sentiment, applauding her role as both an inspiration and a mentor to many.
Building a Legacy Beyond Music
Although music remains at the core of her career, Zinhle has built a legacy that stretches far wider. She has been a television host, a judge on major talent shows, and a producer shaping creative projects behind the scenes. South Africans have seen her on Idols South Africa, Jika MaJika, and Turn It On, all of which reflect her ability to adapt and thrive in different spaces.
Her ventures in fashion and business have added another dimension, showing that she is not confined to one title. This versatility is what makes her a true powerhouse: someone who can influence conversations across industries while staying authentic to her roots.
Public Reaction
News of her award spread quickly online, where fans and fellow artists expressed their pride. Many called her an example of resilience and ambition, while young women shared how her journey encouraged them to push forward with their own goals. For her supporters, the win was not just another trophy. It was proof that authenticity and hard work are worth celebrating.
Why It Matters for South Africa
Zinhle’s recognition reflects the spirit of the community itself. It shows that women’s achievements are not just personal triumphs but cultural milestones. Awards like this remind us of the importance of creating spaces where women are seen, valued, and empowered to continue shaping the future.
Her journey resonates beyond the music scene. It is a reminder that South Africa is filled with women balancing family, ambition, and community impact, and that their stories deserve the spotlight.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: The South African
