MAIN PHOTO: REFILOE MONOPELA
LEN KALANE
It is hardly a week since South Africa closed out Women’s Month, and already a new chapter is opening. In Daveyton, a group of bold, purposeful women are stepping forward — not simply to celebrate womanhood for a season, but to organise it into something that lasts.
On Saturday, 5 September 2026, Mono Café will host the inaugural Women in Leadership Networking Session, the first gathering of what its organisers describe as a long-term movement built on connection, visibility and legacy.
Running from 11:00 to 16:00 under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies”, the event brings together entrepreneurs, executives, government leaders, creatives and community builders for an afternoon designed less around speeches and more around real conversation — the kind that turns a introduction into a partnership, and a shared story into an open door.
A Movement, Not a Moment
Behind the gathering is the Women in Leadership Movement, a platform created to bring women together across business, government, hospitality, education, the arts and community development — sectors where talented women are already doing remarkable work, often without the visibility, funding or networks to match their ambition.
The organisers are clear that this is not about hosting a single feel-good event and moving on. The intention is to build a continuing ecosystem where women can see one another, learn from one another, and open doors for one another — turning empowerment from a talking point into something practical and repeatable.
“One introduction can become a partnership. One conversation can become an opportunity. One story can inspire another woman. One woman opening a door can change another woman’s life.”
— Women in Leadership Movement
It is a simple but powerful philosophy, and one that runs through every part of the September gathering — from the panel discussions to the deliberately informal networking that follows them.
The Woman Behind the Table
The movement is the vision of Refiloe Monopela, a business strategist and hospitality entrepreneur who also directs Monoshez Holdings, the company behind Mono Café itself. For Refiloe, leadership has never been about a title — it is about impact, responsibility and what you choose to leave behind for the next woman coming up. Her now-familiar rallying line captures the spirit of the whole initiative:
“We should not wait for someone else to create the table. We must create the table, invite one another to it, and make sure there is room for the next woman.”
— Refiloe Monopela, Founder
Readers will get to know Refiloe’s full story — more than two decades of it — in a dedicated profile in the weeks ahead (including upcoming profiles of those in the movement too). For now, what matters is what she has set in motion: a room, a date, and an open invitation.
Who’s in the Room
True to its promise of substance over spectacle, the programme has assembled a formidable line-up. Opening remarks come from Refiloe Monopela herself, before the floor turns to keynote speaker Ms W.R. Shoki Tshabalala, Deputy Director-General at the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, whose address will speak directly to women’s leadership, participation and pathways to meaningful economic contribution.
From there, the day unfolds as a series of candid leadership conversations rather than a parade of PowerPoints. Among those lending their voices and stories:
Ms Michelle Sohn — research strategist turning data into decisions that drive real impact
Ms Ntokozo Jiyani — Airbnb Superhost and entrepreneur building exceptional hospitality experiences
Ms Boitumelo Ramela — Founder & Director of Ele-Sure, championing community empowerment and leadership development
Ms Tshidi Morake — rental and hospitality entrepreneur building sustainable, memorable businesses
• Ms Lerato Cingo — co-founder of Tsheleduma HR Services, reimagining workplaces where people and purpose thrive
Mrs Lerato Lebeko — entrepreneur, business owner and community leader driving economic empowerment
• Mrs Refiloe Mukoka — commercial executive and entrepreneur building strategic partnerships
The programme also carves out space for direct engagement with government and enterprise-development stakeholders, giving attendees a practical line of sight into the support structures and opportunities available to them. Ms Nunu Moloi keeps the day flowing as Master of Ceremonies, while DJ Chenzo provides the soulful soundtrack that carries the room from conversation into connection.
Why Daveyton
The choice of venue is deliberate. Leadership conversations too often happen only in corporate boardrooms and affluent suburbs, while women in townships and emerging economic areas quietly build businesses, raise families and lead communities without the same platform. By planting this first gathering firmly in Daveyton, the movement is making a statement: meaningful networks and opportunity should be built where the women already are — and from there, connected outward to the broader economy.
Dress the Part, Join the Movement
Fitting for a Spring launch, the theme for the day is Spring Elegance — think fresh florals, soft pastels and earthy tones — and guests are encouraged to dress to inspire. Refreshments come courtesy of brand partners Acqua Panna, S.Pellegrino and Dallmayr Coffee, with support from Monoshez Holdings and several national government departments.
| EVENT | Women in Leadership Networking Session |
| THEME | Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies · Spring Elegance dress code |
| DATE | Saturday, 5 September 2026 |
| TIME | 11:00 – 16:00 |
| VENUE | Mono Café, Daveyton, Gauteng |
| RSVP BY | 29 August 2026 — spaces are limited |
| CONTACT | 081 755 5205 · Facebook: Mono Café |
The First of Many
Organisers are candid that 5 September is a beginning, not a finale. The long-term vision stretches to regular networking sessions, individual profiles of women entrepreneurs, mentorship programmes, business collaboration opportunities and ongoing storytelling that keeps the momentum going long after the last cup of coffee is served.
For any woman still weighing whether to RSVP — whether she runs a business, leads a team, is still building the courage to start, or simply wants to be in a room full of women who understand the climb — the invitation is simple. Come and be seen. Come and be heard. Come and be empowered. This table has room for one more.
WOMEN · LEADERSHIP · IMPACT · COMMUNITY · GROWTH
