Johannesburg, South Africa, September 14, 2024 – The 4th annual Empowering HER Seminar & Business Awards, hosted by the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation in partnership with African Bank and the Hollywood Foundation, took place on Saturday, 14 September, at the Inanda Country Club in Sandton. This prestigious event united women from diverse industries to celebrate leadership, innovation, and female empowerment.
The seminar, designed to foster networking, learning, and growth, featured a series of engaging panel discussions and inspirational keynote speeches. Ms. Nunu Ntshingila, the keynote speaker, captivated attendees with her profound insights on leadership, empowerment, and the critical role of women in shaping the future of South African business.
Throughout the day, industry experts led three insightful panel discussions on:
- Finance for growth
- Optimising operations for business success
- Branding and marketing for the future
In addition to these discussions, the event provided valuable networking opportunities, enabling leaders and attendees to forge meaningful connections and exchange strategies for business success.
A special feature of the seminar was the opportunity for 10 women-owned small businesses to exhibit their products and services, further promoting female entrepreneurship. Live performances by Lerato Kganyago (LKG), Zoe Modiga, and Black Motion added a festive atmosphere, making the day both enriching and entertaining.
Nomzamo Mbatha, founder of the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation, delivered a powerful closing address, reinforcing her commitment to creating opportunities for women to grow and lead. Reflecting on the day’s impact, she remarked, “My biggest takeaway from today was seeing how inspired and transformed everyone felt. It was important to me that people left changed, saying, ‘I cannot stay the same.’ The determination of those who didn’t win to come back next year shows the value of this initiative. I’m beyond inspired by everyone here and proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
The day culminated in the Empowering HER Business Awards, presented by the Hollywood Foundation. These awards recognised women-owned businesses that have achieved significant success in their industries. The Top 10 winners shared an R800 000 prize, aimed at helping them continue to grow and thrive, reflecting the Hollywood Foundation’s dedication to fostering female entrepreneurship.
Ms. Zandile Dlamini, Hollywood Group’s Legal and Compliance Manager, stated: “Since its inception, this initiative has been a beacon of hope for women entrepreneurs, showcasing their resilience and determination. Through this partnership, we champion women in business, ensuring they receive the recognition, financial support, and platforms needed to succeed. Today, we proudly announce the top 10 Empowering HER Women in Business Awards winners—remarkable women driving economic growth and reshaping the narrative of women’s influence in the boardroom.”
The top awards were presented to:
- MH Automotive Engineering – Grand prize winner receiving R200 000
- Golden Rewards – Second place with a prize of R150 000
- Dudu M Coal – Third place, taking home R100 000
The Empowering HER Seminar & Business Awards 2024 once again demonstrated the transformative power of collaboration, inspiration, and action in driving meaningful change for women across South Africa.
