SA's Influential Women

From scientists to singers, politicians to first ladies, meet 20 influential women breaking ground in their fields.

1. In the Hot Seat

Anchor and executive producer of 3rd Degree, Debra Patta makes no apologies for her no-nonsense approach to interviews. It was while on maternity leave with her first daughter that the mother-of-two came up with the idea for the current affairs show. More than a decade on, and the former editor-in-chief of eNews has interviewed the likes of Julius Malema and Eugene TerreBlanche - the only person to walk out on an interview. A former 'princess' (Patta's first husband was a Zulu prince), the broadcaster has racked up a string of accolades, including the 2009 Vodacom Women in the Media Award, SA's Most Influential Women in Business and Government category award and a Tricolor Globe Award from the Italian Women in the World Association.