PC: Hold CTRL and press + (plus) to enlarge or - (minus) to shrink.
MAC: Hold CMD and press + (plus) to enlarge or - (minus) to shrink.
MOT South Africa is proud to share exciting news: our Country Director, Viola Manuel, has been recognised by Acquisition International’s Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 as Most Influential Businesswoman in Youth Development & Education 2026 (South Africa).
This prestigious international recognition celebrates women leaders who are driving meaningful change, leading with purpose, and making a measurable impact within their sectors. For MOT South Africa, this acknowledgement is not only a personal milestone for Viola, but also a reflection of the work being done every day to empower young people across the country.
Hosted annually by global publication Acquisition International, the Influential Businesswoman Awards recognise outstanding women leaders from around the world who are shaping business, social development, and community impact. The awards are determined through a merit‑led research and evaluation process, assessing leadership influence, professional excellence, and tangible results, rather than company size or public profile.
Award recipients are featured on Acquisition International’s global platform, which reaches millions of readers internationally, providing long‑term visibility and recognition for impactful leadership.
An official announcement of the 2026 award recipients will be published on the Acquisition International website in May 2026.
Viola Manuel’s recognition reflects her exceptional leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to youth development and education in South Africa. Since joining MOT South Africa in 2021, she has led and strengthened a high‑performing national team, guiding the organisation through a period of significant growth and consolidation.
Under her leadership, MOT South Africa has expanded its reach, strengthened organisational sustainability, and deepened its impact in schools and communities across multiple provinces. Through clear strategic direction and values‑driven leadership, Viola has played a key role in empowering young people with life skills, self‑belief, and leadership development opportunities that support positive life choices and long‑term social change.
This recognition celebrates not only individual leadership, but also the collective efforts of the MOT South Africa team, partners, educators, and young people who continue to make courage, self‑belief, and positive values central to their lives and communities.
We congratulate Viola Manuel on this well‑deserved recognition and remain committed to our shared mission of empowering young people to live with courage, care, and purpose.
Follow and like us on our social media platforms below for even more interesting content on the following links: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | TikTok | YouTube | Subscribe to our Newsletter here
MOT SA Country Director Viola Manuel, together with Brian Dalton, MOT SA Master, recently spent time in Nairobi, Kenya, engaging with local partners and stakeholders as part of an exploratory visit focused on learning, connection and future possibilities. During the visit, they met with a range of stakeholders across education, civil society and the public […]
Meet Bilquees Muller, a passionate Young MOTivator from our partnering school, Gardens Commercial High School. Bilquees began her MOT journey in 2022, and since then, MOT has played a powerful role in shaping her confidence, purpose, and outlook on life. Through MOT, she found her voice, discovered her strength, and learned what it truly means […]
We were truly honoured to partner once again with the JP21 Foundation during their Winter Programme this April at Hyacinth Primary School in Mitchell’s Plain. Coming together for this programme felt especially meaningful, as both organisations share the same heart for supporting young people and creating spaces where they feel safe, seen, and encouraged to […]