South African media personality and entrepreneur Bonang Matheba will be honoured with the Trailblazer Award at the fifth annual Basadi in Music Awards (BIMAs). The ceremony is scheduled for 8 August 2026 at the Joburg Theatre, under the theme “REWIND” and the campaign “Africa to the World”.
The Trailblazer Award recognises individuals whose vision, innovation and leadership have made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Two decades in broadcasting and business
Matheba’s broadcasting career spans more than 20 years. She has hosted major events including:
- South African Music Awards (SAMAs)
- Metro FM Music Awards
- MTV Africa Music Awards
- Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards
- Miss South Africa
- BET Awards International Red Carpet
- Global Citizen: Mandela 100
Beyond broadcasting, she founded the sparkling wine brand House of BNG, executive produced and starred in the reality series Being Bonang, and authored the book From A to B.
Industry recognition
BIMAs founder and CEO Hloni Modise Matau said Matheba had transformed the industry rather than simply succeeding within it. “She showed an entire generation of African women that it is possible to dream without limits, occupy spaces once thought unattainable and build a globally respected brand while remaining unapologetically African,” Matau stated.
Matau added: “The Trailblazer Award is reserved for individuals whose impact changes the course of an industry. Bonang has done exactly that. She has inspired women to own their voices, recognise their value and understand that success is something you intentionally create. As Basadi celebrates five years of championing women in music, there is no one more deserving of this honour.”
Matheba’s response
Matheba described the award as both a recognition of her journey and a reminder of her responsibility to support others. “Thank you to the Basadi in Music Awards for this incredible honour. To be recognised alongside women who’ve shaped this industry is a privilege I don’t take for granted,” she said.
She reflected on the purpose behind her business ventures, saying the recognition prompted her to think about why she started House of BNG and the Bonang Matheba Foundation. “Building something bigger than yourself is always worth it. These businesses exist because of the doors that were opened for me, and this award is a reminder to keep opening them for the next generation.”
Matheba also outlined her ambitions for House of BNG, an MCC (Méthode Cap Classique) brand. “We’re already growing beyond South Africa, and the ambition is bold: I’d love to see House of BNG on the world stage and show the world African luxury in the way I’ve always known it, world class, undeniable, and ready to shine.”
