The Hollywood Foundation and the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation Announce Winners for the 2023 #EmpoweringHER Women in Business Awards
The Hollywood Foundation, in collaboration with the Nomzamo Mbatha Lighthouse Foundation led by renowned actress and philanthropist Nomzamo Mbatha, is thrilled to unveil the accomplished recipients of the 2023 #EmpoweringHER Women in Business Awards.
This R1.5 million campaign, conducted throughout Women’s Month, has successfully achieved its primary objective of recognising and celebrating the unwavering dedication and resilience of female entrepreneurs in South Africa. Both organisations share an unwavering commitment to the advancement and empowerment of women, and they were enthusiastic about hosting the second installment of this impactful campaign in early August.
Following an exhaustive month-long selection process, the prestigious awards ceremony took place at Langhams Lifestyle Experience in Johannesburg, where the Top 10 finalists and the Top three winners were revealed. The event’s programme, skillfully orchestrated by Author, Speaker, and Activist, Ayanda Borotho, was designed to inspire women to leave their mark on the business world.
The occasion featured inspiring speeches by Ms. Nomzamo Mbatha, the founder of the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation, and Ms. Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager at the Hollywood Foundation. The audience was also treated to soul-stirring musical performances by renowned artists Ami Faku, Mawhoo, Sir Vincent, and DJ Loyd. In addition, a dynamic group of influential women participated in panel discussions covering topics such as Finance, Business, Law, and Human Resources, offering valuable insights and motivation to aspiring female entrepreneurs.
The coveted Empowering HER Women in Business Award was bestowed upon Mrs. Phumzile Ntuli, a distinguished member of the Qalekhaya Primary Cooperative from Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal. Mrs.
Ntuli was presented with a substantial contribution worth R200,000 to support her growing furniture manufacturing business. The elated Mrs. Ntuli, alongside her business partner, couldn’t contain their excitement as they took the stage, breaking into an uncontrollable dance of joy upon receiving their well-deserved cheque and award. Mrs. Ntuli emphasised that this contribution would be a transformative catalyst for the growth of their furniture manufacturing enterprise.
“To us, this is a game-changer for women in business in South Africa. Our mission is not only to empower but to invest in businesses that demonstrate both economic and community-driven impact. This initiative aims to assist women in amplifying their businesses and achieving remarkable growth within their economic metrics,”
Remarked Babongile Mkhize, Group Transformation Manager at Hollywoodbets.
The Hollywood Foundation and the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation remain dedicated to championing women in business and fostering their growth in South Africa. Congratulations to Mrs. Phumzile Ntuli and all the remarkable women recognised through the 2023 #EmpoweringHER Women in Business Awards.
Here’s a list of the Top 3
- Winner: Qalekhaya Primary Cooperative, who walked away with R200 000
- First Runner Up: OT Services and Project from Limpopo, who walked away with R150 000
- Second Runner Up: Imbally (PTY) LTD from Mpumalanga, who walked away with R100 000
