The Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER series was recently launched to provide networking opportunities for aspiring women entrepreneurs.
The series, launched at an awards ceremony held earlier this month, equips women with the necessary skills and knowledge to build successful enterprises that drives economic development in South Africa.
The winner of the award was Ntokozo “Melo” Ntleko from Takkie Wash SA who impressed the judges with her innovative business model. Takkie Wash SA is situated in Umhlanga and Musgrave and offers a simple service of having your takkies washed and cleaned.
Lebogang Ramonetha from Chemyx secured the first runner-up position, while Olwethu Nzuza from AmaShazi Animal Feed Suppliers claimed the second runner-up spot.
The event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Umhlanga, was attended by inspiring speakers who engaged the audience with thought-provoking business discussions.
Speakers included renowned personalities from the business world – motivational speaker, author and entrepreneur Cindy Norcott, KZN premier Nomusa-Dube Ncube; Maria Ngcaweni, lead: Specialist Sectors at Standard Bank South Africa; Saskia Hill, co-founder and head of partnerships at Connect BPS Global; and Esayvanie Reddy, CEO of KZN Oils.
A key highlight of the event was the intense pitching den, where 11 pre-selected entrepreneurs showcased their promising business models during a three-minute elevator pitch, followed by interactive five-minute Q&A sessions with a panel of esteemed judges.
The judges included Jenine Zachar, Head of Enterprise and Direct Banking Propositions at Standard Bank South Africa; Fikile Kgobe, Lead Global Markets at Standard Bank; Mabongi Khuzwayo, MICE Co-ordinator at the KZN Convention Bureau; and Esayvanie Reddy, CEO of KZN Oils.
The winners from all three regional events, including Cape Town and Durban, will attend the prestigious Standard Bank Top Women Awards in Johannesburg in November.
The ultimate winner will receive the trophy and a cash prize of R50 000.
