Tribute To Women Festival 2026 will feature a lineup of star performers, including Msaki and Sjava

As part of Women's Month celebrations, the South African Police Service (SAPS) honors officers who, through their empathy, determination, and unwavering commitment, improve the lives of women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

Behind every successful legal case against perpetrators of gender-based violence stands a dedicated investigator who does not give up until justice is fully restored. As part of the national campaign 'Women Lead the Reboot Agenda,' SAPS recognizes women whose leadership, professionalism, and dedication strengthen police work and restore public trust.

Today, SAPS honors Sergeant Charlotte Lufondo-Mkansi, an investigator in the Family Child Sexual Offences (FCS) Department in Phalaborwa. For nearly twenty years, Lufondo-Mkansi has been dedicated to providing vital protection to women and children.

In every case she handles, she demonstrates deep professionalism, unwavering integrity, and genuine care for victims of violence. Lufondo-Mkansi emphasized that every victim deserves to know that someone believes in them and will fight for them, adding that 'justice begins when victims know they are not alone.'

Raised by a strong single mother, she developed a strong sense of discipline, respect, and service from an early age. Inspired by a desire to protect vulnerable people, she joined the South African Police Service in January 2006.

After working in various departments, Lufondo-Mkansi found her calling in 2017 in the Phalaborwa Family Child Sexual Offences Department, where she managed to secure lengthy prison sentences and life sentences for offenders who attacked women and children.

Lufondo-Mkansi balanced her police duties with raising three children and earning a Bachelor of Technology degree, and in 2026, a Master's degree in Policing. Her dedication earned her the Best Investigator award in the Mpuni district for the 2024/2025 financial year, recognizing her exceptional skills and professionalism.

Among the highlights of her career is the investigation into a series of rape cases in Phalaborwa, where a man lured women seeking transport into his car for kidnapping, robbery, and rape. By meticulously linking evidence and analyzing the modus operandi with Criminal Intelligence, her persistence led to the arrest of Moses Shilabi in April 2024.

On June 3, 2026, the Polokwane High Court sentenced Shilabi to four life sentences plus 70 years in prison for multiple counts of rape, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, home invasion, and theft.

Brigadier Khulani Mashaba noted: 'Through her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to protecting the vulnerable, Lufondo-Mkansi truly embodies the SAPS Reboot Agenda.'

Food For Mzansi, in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Agency (Agda), is organizing a brunch in Pretoria in August. This event promises to be one of the most significant gatherings of women in South African agriculture this year.

Soul To Soil Event Details

The Soul To Soil brunch will take place at the Klein Kaap Boutique Hotel in Centurion on Wednesday, August 26th. It will bring together a wide range of participants, including executives, farmers, economists, agro-processors, and innovators, to discuss important topics, exchange ideas, and enjoy breakfast.

Participants and Discussion Topics

The program covers the entire agricultural value chain, featuring exclusively women who are reshaping perceptions of leadership in the industry. The start of the day will be dedicated to a panel discussion on female leadership, featuring Agda CEO Leona Archari and Professor Khulani Ngwenyi, a researcher and international development consultant whose work influences policy discussions beyond South Africa.

Next, the focus will shift to innovation. A panel featuring Moboang Matlu, a moringa farmer-producer and agro-processor, Pretty Kubane, co-founder and CTO of efamaApp, and Lerato Aliu, CEO of Roadgrass Investments, will demonstrate that the future of agriculture is shaped not only in the soil but also through coding, processing, and scaling done by women.

Key Industry Discussions

A panel featuring Phumulani Ratshitangi, CEO of Fruit SA, and Rendani Murovhi, Transformation Manager at Potatoes SA, will be particularly significant. These leaders aim to steer the sector toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.

The concluding part of the morning will be dedicated to financial aspects, risks, and impact—integral elements of successful business. Zama Sangweni, an agricultural economist at Absa, and Juanita Pardesi, CEO of Seriti Institute, will share their views on what is necessary to create long-term agribusinesses.

Partnership and Future Vision

Ivory Price, Managing Director of Food For Mzansi, emphasized that Soul To Soil goes beyond a typical industry breakfast. He noted the pride in partnering with Agda, an organization that consistently supports the entry of emerging and black farmers into the commercial market. Through the combination of public and private sectors, Agda provides access to finance, mechanization, and market opportunities, transforming lives and strengthening South African agriculture.

According to Price, Soul To Soil reflects this spirit of collaboration, serving as a meeting point where people shaping the future of agriculture gather for honest dialogue, building meaningful connections, and inspiring practical action for the entire industry.