Women entrepreneurs matter – a key theme as 2024 TWIBA winners announced
Women make up half of the global population, yet statistics indicate that fewer women than men are engaged in entrepreneurial activities. Globally, studies have consistently shown that empowering women drives sustainable development.
When women have equal access to economic opportunities, they not only uplift themselves but also contribute significantly to their families, communities and national economies. This multiplier effect of investing in women ensures a ripple of benefits across various sectors: from education and health to community development and poverty alleviation.
TEDA’s Tshwane Women in Business Awards (TWIBA) were held on 26 November at the Ditsong Museum of Cultural History in Tshwane, celebrating those who refuse to be marginalised women and instead lead, innovate and uplift others.
The theme for this year’s awards was “Advocating diversity and inclusion of Tshwane women trailblazers for economic emancipation”: a worthy topic as TEDA recognises, honours and celebrates the significant contributions that female business owners in Tshwane make to the City‘s economy.
“These awards celebrate the extraordinary women who are overcoming these challenges and breaking barriers. They are the innovators turning waste into reusable products, the farmers feeding our communities, the tech entrepreneurs designing apps that solve everyday problems, and the manufacturers driving local production,” shared Dr Nasiphi Moya, Executive Mayor of Tshwane.
This event was not just a celebration of remarkable achievements but a reflection of TEDA’s collective commitment to ensuring women hold a central place in the economic development of Tshwane and South Africa, highlighting the critical contributions of women to our economy – recognising their innovation, resilience and leadership.
Also speaking at the event, Denmark’s ambassador to South Africa Elsebeth Sondergaard Krone recognised that South Africa is good at celebrating women, with August being Women’s Month and the 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence activism campaign that starts at the end of November and runs into December.
However, she noted, “If you look at figures for women in senior positions: globally it’s 33%, with Denmark at 38% and South Africa at 42%. And yet there’s much more to be done – we need to aim to have 50% of women in leadership positions.”
Tshwane’s Local Economic Development Strategy prioritises sectors such as the green economy, automotive and components, and agribusiness, where women’s participation is being actively promoted. These sectors hold immense potential to create jobs, foster innovation and drive localisation – goals that are central to the City’s Vision 2030.
Sadly, women in business often face structural and systemic barriers, from unequal access to funding and markets to social norms that limit their opportunities. For many women entrepreneurs, these challenges are compounded by the realities of gender-based violence, an unequal burden of care responsibilities, and a lack of access to networks and mentorship.
“Addressing these challenges is a responsibility shared by government, private sector and civil society and a responsibility that the City of Tshwane embraces wholeheartedly,” agreed Dr Moya, mentioning that “Tshwane’s Integrated Development Plan serves as a roadmap for achieving this vision, highlighting economic empowerment as a cornerstone of our development agenda.”
Speaking to the winners, runners-up and nominees, she shared: “Your stories inspire us to do more, to be more, and to create an environment where the next generation of women leaders can thrive. By recognising your contributions, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring Tshwane becomes a city where women entrepreneurs can dream without limits and achieve without obstacles.”
Looking to the future, she shared that Tshwane’s aspirations are ambitious, envisioning a Tshwane where women-led businesses are not the exception but the rule. And where they can foster an ecosystem where women are not only participants but leaders in key sectors from technology and manufacturing to agriculture and finance.
The 2024 award winners and runners-up:
Manufacturing
- Winner: Kool Krew
- Runner-up: MiDesk Global
Agro-processing
- Winner: Elisheva Trading
- Runner-up: PKL Neo
Automotive
- Winner: MH Automotive Engineering
Energy
- Winner: Hakem Energies
- Runner-up: Zizwe Fuels
Special Awards
Women recognised for their outstanding potential and exceptional promise, based on their entries for their awards:
“As we celebrate the achievements of the awardees, the nominees and winners, let us remember that their success is our success. Their dreams, realised through hard work and determination, are building blocks for a stronger Tshwane and a better South Africa. May your stories inspire us all to rise to the challenge of creating an inclusive, equitable and prosperous Tshwane,” Dr Moya said.
She went on to add, “We need to continue to create opportunities for women to lead, innovate and transform our economy where every woman in Tshwane has the resources, networks and confidence to pursue her ambitions.”
Lardo Stander, CEO of TEDA, wrapped up the event with a heartfelt thanks that resonated with the attendees. “It was incredibly inspiring to see such a remarkable turnout at today’s event, celebrating the outstanding contributions being made in the capital city. The level of engagement and enthusiasm demonstrated by all attendees truly reflects the vibrant spirit of our business community.”
