WSU’s Khanyisile Blaai scoops the prestigious Mail & Guardian Power of Women Award

Walter Sisulu University’s Khanyisile Blaai has scooped the 2025 Mail & Guardian (M&G) Power of Women Award in the Women in Education Category.

The event, running for the past 19 years, pays tribute to powerful women who challenge limitations, shift narratives and lead with purpose.

Blaai, the university’s Educational Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Intervarsity Coordinator, walked away with the prestigious accolade at a glitzy red-carpet gala event held at Divine Sunset in Midrand, Gauteng on 9 October 2025.

She was recognised for outstanding contribution to education and entrepreneurship development during the celebratory event held under the theme: “In the Spirit of Women20: Celebrating Women Who Turn the Impossible into Unstoppable.”

Blaai, however, was unable to attend as she was participating in the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Lekgotla at UNISA in Pretoria.

News of her win reached her while she was at the Lekgotla — and it came as a complete shock.

“I was unable to attend in person as I was attending the EDHE Lekgotla in Pretoria, so I heard from the M&G news that I had won,” she said.

“I received an email from M&G informing me that I had been shortlisted as a finalist in the Women in Education category. Honestly, I thought it was a scam, but I still submitted the requested information,” she said.

Although she remains unsure who nominated her, Blaai believed it was someone close to her professional journey.

“Honestly, I don’t know who nominated me, but my instincts tell me that my Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Hub community did this surprising gesture. I am humbled,” Blaai added.

For Blaai, the award is both personal and professional validation. She said winning the M&G Women of Power - Women in Education Category award holds profound significance.

“Personally, it’s a humbling recognition of the dedication, resilience, and passion invested in advancing education and enabling others. Professionally, it’s a prestigious endorsement of leadership, innovation, and commitment to transforming development,” she said.

Blaai further noted that the recognition extends to the WSU community and its growing impact in the higher education and entrepreneurship space.

“This recognition positions WSU and its community as pivotal contributors to shaping a more equitable, innovative, and thriving higher education and entrepreneurship landscape in South Africa,” she said, adding that it opens doors for collaboration with other leading institutions, government bodies, and industry partners.

Reflecting on her humble beginnings growing up in the close-knit community of Idutywa, to receiving national recognition, Blaai described her path as one that shaped by resilience and faith.

“The path to leadership and success is rarely linear or without obstacles. There were moments of doubt and tough decisions, but those challenges revealed inner strength and the true essence of leadership, the ability to persist with purpose,” she reflected.

To young women striving to make their mark in education and entrepreneurship, Blaai offered heartfelt encouragement.

“Your journey is one of courage, resilience, and boundless potential. Education unlocks doors to opportunity, while innovation allows you to transform ideas into impact. Believe in your vision, stay authentic, and remember that every setback is a setup for a greater comeback. The world needs your creativity, your strength, and your voice. Your dreams matter, and your impact will be extraordinary,” she concluded.

BY: Yolanda Palezweni