Success

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange is expanding. Long based in the financial hub of Johannesburg, it is opening an office in South Africa's second main economic hub of Cape Town. The new premises will allow the exchange to provide more accessible support in the Mother City.

This year promises to be a tough, hard fought year for both Africa and the world. But with these seven strong and dynamic women leading the way in politics, business and social justice, Africa's biggest rising stars are moving the continent forward in 2016.

Lere Mgayiya is the owner of Lere's Shoe Shine Experience, a familiar sight at South African airports. The business is fast becoming a South African institution, not only welcoming travellers to the country with a good old-fashioned polish and a smile, but also sending people off on their travels in style.

The Technology Innovation Agency has adopted a five-year strategy that focuses on partnerships, collaboration and high yield synergistic relationships, nationally, on the continent and further afield. The aim is to position South Africa for greater localisation and beneficiation.

Business leaders and small companies were recognised for their contributions to the economy in the 2015 South African Small Business Awards. It was said that despite the economy struggling, these leaders made a positive impact through their commitment and perseverance.

The trick to success is to keep going, says South African entrepreneur Nicholas Haralambous. If you hit a wall; knock it down and go on the next one. Haralambous is the ideas man behind Nic Harry, a range of bold socks and accessories for men that is making fashion waves globally.

The Top 50 South African brands have been announced by Brand South Africa and Brand Africa Finance. These brands are said to contribute not only to the country's economy, but to the image they portray when doing business internationally.

It is a healthy habit for women to celebrate themselves as women and as leaders in society, according to Farzanah Mall, the president of the Businesswomen's Association of South Africa. She was celebrating the winners of the annual Businesswoman of the Year Awards.

A South African company specialising in cleaning services has been included in the 14th batch for the four-month growth programme of the American accelerator, 500 Startups. It is the first South African company to be included and it will receive funding of $125 000.

Readers of the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure have voted Cape Town as one of the Top 10 cities in the world. The Mother City took the ninth spot, while Kyoto in Japan took the top position for the second year in a row.