Each year in August, UThukela District Municipality celebrate women and acknowledges the importance of the contribution they make to society. Women entrepreneurs bring huge value to the business environment, and that can benefit society as a whole.
The Uthukela Economic Development Agency (UEDA) CEO DCP Mazibuko, Uthukela District Speaker Cllr TY Ngqubuka and District First Lady Cllr SV Shabalala hosted women in business sessions on Tuesday, August 30, at Ndaba Lodge.
The gathering seeks to celebrate and empower young women entrepreneurs. More than 50 women came from all local municipalities under Uthukela District Municipality who are in various businesses. The main purpose of the event was to share information, experiences and challenges that women encounter in running their businesses.
The event was also aimed at assisting women in growing their businesses to be successful entrepreneurs and how to do or write business proposals to get funding for their business.
Firstly, the nurturing nature of women plays a big role in how they do business. Through this, women can achieve a greater impact on society. The women faced challenges in their businesses; some of the challenges are operating spacing and mentorship as some of the women have no experience in running a business and finances. The Agency will be working on the challenges that the women have experienced.
“We are meeting with them to appreciate them that they are in business; we also want them to grow and explore other business avenues like manufacturing and transportation. The Agency will assist them on how to write and organize business proposals to get funding for their businesses. Ithala Bank has set aside funding for women in business”, said CEO Miss Mazibuko.
In her remarks, Ndlunkulu Shabalala appreciated and encouraged the women in business and said the unique ability to multitask is a feature that many women possess. “We see many successful women being able to juggle, building their businesses, raising children, building a family but still playing an active part in their communities. This makes women exceptional entrepreneurs because they are able to manage the responsibilities of all their roles”, Ndlunkulu said.
“I would love to see more women owning businesses, and women must love and respect themselves, which will make others respect and love their businesses”, Ndlunkulu concluded.
Miss Mazibuko appreciated the generosity of sponsors who contributed to the success of the event.
