Five Women Entrepreneurs Who Have Made A Huge Impact In SA’s Business Landscape!
Five Women Entrepreneurs Who Have Made A Huge Impact In SA’s Business Landscape! For the longest time, running successful businesses was a farfetched reality for most women, however being forces to be reckoned with, strength and determination always prevailed. Evidently, the days whereby a woman’s significance and influence existed primarily in the kitchen are long gone!
Growing up in the townships, one was mostly met by a business-woman stereotype; that would your Sis Mavis’s tavern or Mama Skhosana’s Vetkoek’s shop (Amagwinya). These were all self-made women who did extraordinary things for their families. Additionally these types of businesses reflected quite positively on the country’s economy.
However, one can’t be oblivious to impressive strides that the world of business has evolved towards. Women are now occupying seats at the table, which were previously occupied by the opposite sex or their white counterparts. Some of these women have conquered their respective industries, thus shaping narrative what could become of the aspiring generation.
Listed below are some women, who are curating an interesting and impeccable business narrative within their chosen fields.
1. Connie Ferguson
The lanky and legendary actress cuts an impressive figure regarding all things creative and star power. It is a well-known fact that, the business of the Arts in South Africa is one that mostly dwindles around uncertainty. Many art practitioners usually moan about dry seasons and how tricky it can be to find employment and relevance once hitting a particular age or career point. However, Connie Ferguson has successfully struck gold by cleverly milking the business from the art. Alongside her equally artistic husband, Shona Ferguson, Connie established Ferguson Films; a television and film company that produces the most top grade content for the audience to indulge in. In an interview with Forbes Magazine, the mother of two proudly stated that, it fills her with palpable gratitude to have provided a source of employment for cast and crew in various productions and being the driving force behind one of the most thriving production companies in South Africa.
2. Zanele Mbokazi – Nkambule
Growing up in Kwa Zulu Natal’s Marian hill, Zanele always knew that, her life would form fulfilling tides. The year 1999 saw the birth of her reputable PR and events company, Mirror PR based in Durban. After flexing her muscles in the radio industry, the sultry voiced Zanele, boldly stroked new adventures in events planning. One of the most iconic events produced by her company includes the only gospel awards ceremony in South Africa called the, Crown Gospel Awards. Like many businesswomen, Zanele was also met with numerous challenges, which subsequently taught her invaluable lessons such as, to never employ family members out of pity or biases. A good qualification is imperative when looking into hiring new staff.
3. Ouma Tema
Most young plus sized females always grapple with the harsh reality of scrambling for age appropriate clothes. Changing this frustrating narrative is Limpopo born fashion designer, Ouma Tema. After encountering disappointing and humiliating episodes, the 34 year old took it upon herself and created a plus size clothing label called, Plus Fab. This particular clothing line has an empowering effect on plus size ladies across various spectrums in Africa.
4. Thobeka and Senzelwe Mthembu
The face of travel in South Africa has evolved in impressive magnitudes. During a recent conference by Tourism SA, the spokesperson () emphasised the importance of embracing and expanding other means of bringing about evolution and spark into the world of tourism in South Africa. Kwa Zulu Natal natives, Thobeka and Senzelwe Mthembu turned their love for all things travel into a solid and viable business called, The Lived Experience. These two ladies have brought quality and significance by collaborating with reputable brands, which has seen a solid following in their respective social media accounts.
5. Akhona Carpede
Black Africans are slowly waking up to the reality of celebrating all that makes them authentic – including hair. Young businesswoman, Akhona, commonly known as, Acalaca found a niche within the natural hair industry and proceeded to make her mark. Her brand of marketing or reach exists mostly on social media. Beyond posting tutorial videos on various social media platforms, Akhona soon capitalised on her newly found fame by producing her own line of natural hair products called, Honour Your Crown. Her comments section is mostly filled with colourful.
