The 2023 edition of #EmpowerHer Women in Business Awards & Seminar happened Saturday, 2 September 2023, at Langshams Lifestyle Estate, Johannesburg. The event provided diverse insights and actionable strategies for women to thrive in their respective fields and ten deserving women-owned businesses with prizes worth R800 000 combined.
Launched in 2022, the #EmpowerHer Women in Business awards hosted by Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation in partnership with Hollywood Foundation hosted a classy, insightful, and empowering aims to touch the lives of women-owned businesses to break the barriers for them to be competitive in the business space.
“Supporting female-owned businesses continues to be a major focus for the Hollywood Foundation. This campaign has contributed to the remarkable growth of businesses in the last two years, which has been rewarding to witness. As a foundation, we believe we have a role in equipping them with the necessary resources to deliver quality services.” – Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager at Hollywood Bets.
The event brought together businesswomen to network, connect, and engage in meaningful conversations around entrepreneurship. Inspiration permeated the day with entertainment delivered by female pioneers led by MC Ayanda MaNgubane Borotho, performances by Ami Faku,Mawhoo, Sefako, Sir Vincent & DJ Lloyd, as well as a line-up of inspiring panel discussions moderated by a conversation strategist, Nozipho Tshabalala.
The finance pioneers Nicolette Mashile and Mapalo Makhu shared real-world insights on achieving financial growth. They encouraged women to invest instead of just saving. They also advised women to have an opportunity fund.
On branding and marketing, the industry trailblazers Vika Shipalana, Thobile “Tops” Mkwanazi, Dr Lungile Mhlongo, and Sphesihle Mjadu shared authentic insights on brand building. The key takeaway was to establish who your brand is talking to and the message you are trying to land. Also, you’re not the business the consumer is.
South Africa’s ground-breaking entrepreneurs Mbalenhle Mavimbela, Sibu Mabena, and Wendy Mbatha shared their real-world insights on pivoting and cementing their markets. Sibu blew minds on how and where she started up to where she is now. She encouraged women not to despise the small beginnings and to excel in everything they do.
The Legal panelists, Aurelia Nxumalo, Atlegang Govuza, HR specialist Bohlale Paile, and Rethabile Seema, demystified the misconceptions that a legal partner is only necessary when in trouble. Get a legal partner soonest for legal guidance and tailor-making contracts. Advocate Rethabile said the legal aspects of the business are as critical as its finances. Atlegang emphasized the importance of trademarking your business.
This year’s Women in Business Awards winners Qalakahle Primary Cooperative walked away with the first prize amounting to R200 000. The first runner-up OT Services and Projects scoped R150 000, and the second runner-up place winner, Imbally walked away with R100 000. The rest of the top ten businesses walked away with R50 000 each.
In her keynote speech, Nomzamo said, “I hope you hold on to intentionality. Ask yourself why you do what you do. Why do I have a lighthouse? Because I know what it’s like not to have and to be helped. If it wasn’t for Old Mutual giving me the opportunity, I wouldn’t have set foot at the University Of Cape Town.”
In conclusion, Andisa Zinja CA (SA) (guest) said, “I was amazed at what just starting can turn into. Such platforms showcase what we do not often see. Every one of the ladies just started and kept moving. My key takeaway was what Nozipho and Nomzamo shared. I summed it up as follows: Be sure to wait in a certain posture to be ready for your Pivot. I’m getting ready for my pivot.”
