Durban — Women entrepreneurs from across KwaZulu‑Natal gathered at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga on 28 July for the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER provincial event, where practical support, networking and a pitching competition put local business ideas in the spotlight.
Pitching den rewards digital innovation in facilities management
The day’s highlight was the EmpowHER Pitching Den, where seven women presented their businesses to an expert panel. The provincial winner, Kiki Sepuru, is founder of Afrique360 Solutions, a technology‑driven cleaning and property management company. Sepuru was awarded R50,000 and will advance to the national Standard Bank Top Women Conference.
Two other businesses were recognised as runners‑up: Nothando Trace Khowa of Umbilo Express Plant Hire (first runner‑up) and Nikithemba Mbulawa of Sorahosso Services (second runner‑up). The line‑up reflected diverse sectors, from technology and facilities management to plant hire and catering.
| Placement | Entrepreneur | Business | Prize / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | Kiki Sepuru | Afrique360 Solutions | R50,000; advances to national conference |
| First runner‑up | Nothando Trace Khowa | Umbilo Express Plant Hire | Recognition at provincial event |
| Second runner‑up | Nikithemba Mbulawa | Sorahosso Services | Recognition at provincial event |
Purpose: connecting entrepreneurs to networks and finance
Standard Bank’s provincial programme forms part of a national series aimed at increasing opportunity for women‑owned businesses. Organisers say EmpowHER provides connections to finance, mentorship and markets — elements often cited as critical barriers for small enterprises led by women.
"What we witnessed at EmpowHER KwaZulu‑Natal was more than a pitching competition. It was a powerful showcase of the resilience, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that women bring to South Africa's economy," said Fikile Msiza, Regional Head for Business Banking (Kwa‑Zulu Natal) at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa.
Msiza added that the initiative was designed to link entrepreneurs to "meaningful networks and business growth support", stressing that successful women‑owned businesses play a role in job creation and inclusive economic growth.
- Event: Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER KwaZulu‑Natal
- Date and venue: 28 July, Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga
- Provincial prize: R50,000 awarded to Afrique360 Solutions
Local impact and next steps
For winners like Sepuru, the R50,000 prize is both capital and validation: access to funding at a critical growth stage can accelerate hiring, technology investment and market expansion. The opportunity to proceed to the national conference also offers visibility to potential clients, partners and investors beyond the province.
Standard Bank’s model of combining a pitch competition with regional networking days aims to build capacity across informal and formal sectors. In KwaZulu‑Natal, where tourism, manufacturing and small‑scale services form important employment bases, women entrepreneurs contribute to household incomes and community stability.
The event’s speakers included local government and banking representatives, bringing together public and private sector voices. Among the panellists were Councillor Zandile Myeni, Deputy Mayor of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality; Xolile Sidu, head of local market, business and commercial banking at Standard Bank KwaZulu‑Natal; entrepreneur Seshme Holloway; and Anathi Xaba, founder of Cook On The Bright Side Catering Services.
Organisers said winners will receive tailored support as they prepare for the national conference, where provincial champions from across the country meet for further pitching, masterclasses and access to funders.
For entrepreneurs across KwaZulu‑Natal, events such as EmpowHER offer practical benefits: exposure to peers, learning on business fundamentals and entry points to financial products. For bank partners and municipal representatives, they present a channel to strengthen the local economy by supporting businesses that are often underrepresented in formal supply chains.
As provincial winners head to the national stage, attention will turn to how prize funding and network access translate into measurable business growth and job creation in the months ahead.
