Three extraordinary women who have changed the lives of South Africans through their work in the field of arts have been selected as finalists in the Arts & Culture category of South Africa’s Woman of the Year Award. The three finalists are Chloe Rolfes, Tebogo Kgobokoe and Miriam Makeba.

Chloe Rolfes initiated a company called BuyAfrica that sources products unique to southern African countries and which appeal to both local and foreign markets. She assists local manufacturers to find markets for their creativity via the Internet and helps existing manufacturers to upgrade their design, workmanship and production capacity.

Tebogo Kgobokoe is a professional dancer whose teaching schedule takes her from the beautiful islands of Reunion to highly developed Germany and back to rural areas such as Bronkhorstspruit where she teaches underprivileged children the art of ballroom dancing.

Miriam Makeba, known to millions worldwide as Mama Africa, started singing in the 1950s and still continues to sell out at concerts. Highlights of her lengthy career include performing two songs at President John F Kennedy’s birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden (the same event where Marilyn Monroe did her Happy Birthday number), touring the world’s stages with Paul Simon, Dizzy Gillespie and former husband Hugh Masekela, and the Three Diva Tour with Odetta and Nina Simone.

One of these outstanding achievers will be selected as the winner of the Arts & Culture category at a gala event to announce the winners taking place on August 1. The event will be broadcast in an hour-long celebratory programme on SABC3 at 19h00 on August 9 (National Women’s Day).

The winner of the Arts & Culture category will also stand the chance of winning the overall South Africa’s Woman of the Year Award sponsored by Shoprite Checkers and SABC3.