Applause and ululations filled the air at the Marine Building overlooking Durban’s busy harbour as 25 women entrepreneurs from across KwaZulu-Natal stepped forward to receive more than just cheques, but a vote of confidence in their dreams.
The beneficiaries were officially handed over R1.25 million from the Women Advancement Fund (WAF) during a ceremony led by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, marking another milestone in the province’s drive to place women at the centre of economic transformation.
Launched by the Premier in August 2024, the Women Advancement Fund is a pioneering provincial initiative designed to confront the structural barriers that continue to limit women in business, from lack of start-up capital and market access to entrenched gender bias and limited mentorship.
Beyond financial support, the fund offers beneficiaries business development services and guidance aimed at helping enterprises move from survivalist ventures to scalable operations.
Held on Monday, the gathering brought together government officials; representatives from Absa Bank, a key sponsor of the fund; Human Insight representative Nokwazi Shezi; Acting Director-General in the Office of the Premier Sibusiso Ngubane; and WAF beneficiaries, among others.
Delivering his keynote address, Ntuli underscored the importance of collaboration between government and business in driving inclusive economic development. He expressed appreciation to Absa Bank for backing the initiative, noting that meaningful public–private partnerships are essential in unlocking economic participation for women.
The Premier’s message extended beyond funding. He highlighted the social realities that continue to undermine women’s economic progress, particularly gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), describing them as obstacles that continue to undermine women’s full participation in development programmes.
He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to intensify efforts to eliminate these social ills.
“Through the Women Advancement Fund, we want to see women contributing constructively to the economy of the province and the country,” Ntuli said, urging beneficiaries to think beyond provincial borders and position their enterprises for national and global markets.
He also encouraged them to innovate, scale up, and pursue sustainable growth opportunities.
One of the beneficiaries Sindisiwe Dlamini from Nquthu welcomed the support and praised the provincial government for creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
For Dlamini, the moment represented years of persistence.
She encouraged fellow applicants not to lose heart, saying “patience and perseverance has ultimately paid off for many beneficiaries now stood proudly as recipients.”
The Women Advancement Fund forms part of a broader provincial initiatives, aimed at supporting women-owned enterprises, promoting financial inclusion, and expanding women’s participation in key economic sectors across KwaZulu-Natal.
As the ceremony concluded, it was clear that the event was not simply a handover of fund, it was an investment in leadership, resilience and the next generation of women shaping the province’s economic future. – SAnews.gov.za
