Strong Voices in South Africa

Looking Beyond Borders

Women's rights and equality of opportunity are issues that don’t stop at national borders. They affect all of us and demand a global perspective beyond local concerns. Especially considering our roots in South Africa, where our Sonnenglas Factory is located, we wish to highlight and celebrate the strong women in this country. An impressive example of their courage and strength is an initiative that gained worldwide attention: suddenly, social media turned purple.

But why purple?

The color was consciously chosen to symbolize resistance, solidarity, and the unwavering fight for respect and safety for women. In addition to changing profile pictures, a “Women’s Shutdown” took place on November 21, 2025, wherein women and LGBTQI+ individuals in South Africa were urged to stop working and refrain from spending money to make a statement against femicides.

A Global Wake-up Call: International Support and Awareness

This campaign aimed to draw international attention to the alarming situation in South Africa, where the femicide rate is six times higher than the global average. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the initiative received wide resonance, garnering worldwide support and creating global awareness for the urgent need to combat gender-based violence decisively.

Empowerment Meets Fair-Trade Factory

At Sonnenglas, we are proud to be part of this change. Our not only creates safe and fair workplaces but also fosters an environment where women can realize their dreams. By offering equal opportunities and encouraging women to assume leadership roles, we help shape a more equitable tomorrow.

Our Mission at Sonnenglas

We consistently invest in the strength of our female talents because we know that diversity and inclusion create the best conditions for success. Impressively, three-quarters of our employees in the are women, and it is their passion, competence, and commitment that drive change every day. Our leadership team is a shining example of female leadership: all five department heads at our factory are women.

Equal Opportunities for All

For us, equality is more than a buzzword; it is a lived reality. At Sonnenglas, there is no gender pay gap. We guarantee equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender or other external characteristics. Flexible return options after maternity leave make reintegration easy for all women and mothers at Sonnenglas. With these principles, we aim to create a positive working environment for our employees: with flexible working conditions and actual gender equality.

Behind Every Success Are Remarkable Stories

Behind every success are inspiring stories that drive us and motivate us to continue making changes. That is why we have asked some extraordinary women at Sonnenglas to share their stories with us:

The Perfectionist in Production

Name: Ntombifuthi Mathobela (aka. Ntombi)
Position: Solar Product Assembly Specialist and Forklift Driver
At Sonnenglas for: 4 years

Ntombi is a true master of production perfection at Sonnenglas. Her day begins with a careful review of the production plan and organizing her entire workspace. As an Assembly Specialist, she is not only responsible for assembling but also ensures, through meticulous quality controls, that every product meets the highest standards before leaving the facility. Her dedication to quality and safety ensures that Sonnenglas stands for reliability and excellence.

Ntombi appreciates the noticeable presence of women at Sonnenglas and finds it encouraging to work in an environment that promotes diversity and gives every employee a voice: “there is a genuine effort to ensure everyone has a voice in staff meetings, regardless of gender.” The work culture at Sonnenglas allows her to be authentically herself and benefit from the collective wealth of experience. This diversity not only strengthens team cohesion but also inspires new, effective working methods that contribute to the continuous improvement of production processes. Ntombi is proud to work in a company that recognizes that women play a crucial role not only in production success but in the overall company culture: “Seeing women in leadership positions also shows that there is a clear path for growth and advancement.”

The Balancing Master

Name: Hlengiwe Ncapayi (aka. Hlengi)
Position: Junior Production Manager
At Sonnenglas for: 3 years

Hlengi is a true multitasking master, making her particularly valuable to Sonnenglas. Her day begins at 4:30 AM, and despite the early hours, she effortlessly juggles her commitments between family and work. Her commute takes one and a half hours, yet she shines despite this dual burden as a mother with her enthusiasm. In the office, she strategically divides her day into two phases to efficiently manage her tasks. Her instinct for boosting productivity and understanding of the production flow make her an indispensable member of the Sonnenglas team.

In her role at Sonnenglas, Hlengi particularly appreciates the open communication culture and the sense of belonging. “Honestly, I feel blessed to be working for Sonnenglas,” she says proudly. The exchange with colleagues from various backgrounds inspires her to creative solutions: "I value the open communication, mutual support, and shared goals, which allow for better problem-solving.” This constant flow of new ideas not only elevates the quality of work but also fosters a culture of innovation and growth that distinguishes Sonnenglas.

The Guardian of Inventory

Name: Margaret Kgobe (aka. Dee)
Position: Stock Controller
At Sonnenglas for: 3 years

Dee is the central figure at Sonnenglas when it comes to our inventory management. As a Stock Controller, she ensures that everything runs smoothly and that we maintain control over our stock at all times. She juggles numbers and inventory with unparalleled ease and is known for her reliable nature. Between answering emails and numerous meetings, Dee always keeps an overview of the entire product range. Her strategic approach and organizational skills are invaluable to Sonnenglas, laying the groundwork for our smooth business operation.

As a woman at Sonnenglas, Dee always feels well supported. Although the workday can sometimes get hectic, and she would occasionally appreciate one more male helping hand, she loves working with her female colleagues. “Working with women often brings a unique perspective and approach to problem solving, and it's awesome to see different strengths and ideas come together,” she notes, highlighting how enriching the diversity of perspectives is for everyday work. This diversity of ideas significantly contributes to innovation and the positive atmosphere within the company.