When two creatives from Retroviral, Koketso Masisi and Kgothatso Maditse, looked around the industry, they saw brilliant women of colour doing groundbreaking work, but too often, those voices weren’t in the rooms where change was being shaped. So they built their own. That’s the spirit behind Ko.Kreate’s ‘Women Shaping 2025’ event this November, a gathering that celebrates women redefining the industry.

Ko.Kreate was born from a simple belief that real transformation doesn’t start in boardrooms, it starts in community. It’s a movement led by women of colour for women of colour, designed to empower, connect, and celebrate those pushing the boundaries of South African creativity. “We wanted to create a space that goes beyond conversation,” says Koketso. “Ko.Kreate is about collaboration, mentorship, and representation, it’s about women actively building the future of our industry together.”

Since launching earlier this year, Ko.Kreate has carved out a new kind of creative space where reflection, recognition, and restoration carry as much weight as hustle. Through thought-leadership panels, intimate networking sessions, and youth initiatives, the duo are redefining what leadership and creative excellence look like when women of colour are at the centre. Their vision is to bridge the gap between emerging talent and industry leaders, and build an ecosystem rooted in visibility, equity, and collaboration. Here, they say, women of colour don’t just take a seat at the table, they design it.

Next up, Ko.Kreate’s year-end gathering at The Roof in Fourways on 21 November 2025, themed ‘Women Shaping 2025′, it’s a moment to pause, recharge, and recognise the women who’ve defined culture this year.

Hosted by Lebang Kgosana, the afternoon blends inspiration with restoration with a line-up that includes:

• The Glow Panel presented by Nilotiqa, with a Personal Branding Masterclass from Lebang Kgosana, a guided meditation by Tarin Calmeyer, and an ‘Own Your Crown’ session with Nilotiqa CEO Thokozile Mangwiro.

• The Growth Session, sponsored by Spotify, featuring international and local leaders like Star Kachisa (Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa), Enoma Edevbaro (SEK Social, Finland), and Dej Saunders (Our Bodega, USA).

• The Gain Session, powered by Lil-Lets SA, spotlighting 2025’s changemakers including Qhakaza Mbali Mohare (Digify Africa) and Fran Luckin (Open Chair Board Member).

The event will close with the afternoon featuring Black Crown Gin cocktails and mocktails, accompanied by beats by Lerato Mbangeni.
Tickets are on sale on Quicket.

Ko.Kreate are about shaping a blueprint for a more inclusive future, one that celebrates creativity as both expression and empowerment. As Kgothatso puts it, “This industry moves fast, but that doesn’t mean we have to lose ourselves in the rush. Ko.Kreate is a reminder that progress and wellbeing can coexist and that together, we can build something that lasts.”