An investment of approximately R1-million in productive equipment will strengthen 60 women-owned businesses in eThekwini (Durban), helping entrepreneurs increase productivity, expand their operations, create livelihoods and unlock opportunities for growth.
The handover took place today, 14 September, during the Women in Business Symposium held at The Station under the theme, “From Survival to Scale: Unlocking Growth for Women Owned Enterprises”.
Led by Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni, the symposium brought together women entrepreneurs, government, development institutions, business experts and other stakeholders to address barriers that continue to constrain the growth of women-owned enterprises, including access to finance, markets, business opportunities, networks and productive assets.
The handover forms part of the Informal Micro Enterprises Development Programme (IMEDP), an initiative of the Department of Small Business Development aimed at supporting enterprises to move from survival towards sustainable growth.
Minister Ndabeni said providing women with productive assets was critical to improving their capacity to grow their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
“Supporting women entrepreneurs with productive equipment is about more than providing an asset. It is about improving productivity, strengthening their ability to meet demand, create employment and build sustainable businesses. When women have the tools to grow, they are better positioned to participate meaningfully in the economy, support their families and create opportunities within their communities,” said Minister Ndabeni.
In his welcome address, eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said government must create an environment where women-owned businesses can move beyond survival and participate meaningfully in economic growth.
“Too many women owned businesses remain trapped in a cycle of survival. Women possess the talent, resilience and drive, but continue to face barriers to finance, markets, productive assets and technology. We must enable the growth of sustainable and scalable women owned businesses across all sectors, including industries that have historically been exclusive,” said Mayor Xaba.
The beneficiaries received equipment tailored to their respective businesses and operate across diverse sectors, including beauty and hair, catering, food production, clothing, construction, carpentry, upholstery, cleaning, sewing, furniture, agriculture, poultry, recycling, multimedia, printing, leather goods, laundry, repairs and renovations.
Among the beneficiaries was 27-year-old entrepreneur Mandisa Gwexa from Mariannhill, who participated as a panellist and received equipment to support her beauty salon, Nailed It.
“My journey started with support from eThekwini Municipality in 2021, which gave me an opportunity to build and strengthen my business. Today, receiving support through national government shows what is possible when interventions connect with entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey. This equipment will help me grow my business, serve more clients and create opportunities for others. I also want to use my experience and skills to train and empower other women with skills that can help them become economically independent,” said Gwexa.
