An Advocate And Catalyst For The Growth Of Women-Owned Businesses

South African company ITHUBA on how it’s empowering women and fostering their growth as business leaders.

As South Africa recently concluded Women’s Month, we reflect on the historic march of over 20,000 women in 1956, a pivotal moment in our fight for women’s rights. This annual observance urges us to consider not only the progress made but also the ongoing struggle for women’s rightful place in our economy. True empowerment necessitates more than acknowledgment; it requires sustained commitment from all sectors of society.

Despite the Employment Equity Act of 1998 aimed at promoting equity, the reality remains stark. The 2022-2023 Commission for Employment Equity report reveals that women hold just 25.3% of top management positions in the private sector. With women representing 46% of South Africa’s economically active population, they occupy only 35% of board positions and 25% of executive roles in the Top 40 JSE-listed companies. These statistics highlight the slow progress in gender transformation.

At ITHUBA, we view these figures as a call to action. Our commitment to women’s empowerment is evident, with five out of our six executive team members being women. As a Black female leader, we understand the challenges posed by racial and gender discrimination, motivating our focus on elevating women into decision-making roles. Our flagship initiative, the ITHUBA Female Retailer Development Programme, has empowered over 100 women in townships to enhance their businesses and acquire vital business skills.

Through partnerships with institutions like Regenesys and the University of Johannesburg, we provide qualifications in Advanced Social Entrepreneurship. Additionally, our ITHUBA Scholarship Foundation and Graduate Programme focus on youth, especially young women, equipping them for leadership roles.

Our annual Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Programme supports women-owned SMMEs, fostering their growth as business leaders.

Here is what some of our beneficiaries have to say about how the ITHUBA ESD Programme empowered them and contributed to the growth of their businesses.

Caroline Tshawe – Tarospace Branding

Q. How has the support from ITHUBA impacted your business and allowed it to grow?

A. ITHUBA provided me with funding and an opportunity to receive business training through a business incubation program. I was given the funding to secure a working space and purchase equipment for Tarospace, my printing and branding business. I used to outsource a lot of the services that my business offers, but now that we have our own equipment, we do not outsource anymore, and that has significantly improved our bottom-line. I have since hired more young people and women, and upskilled them through on-the-job training. I am no longer viewed as a middleman in the industry, but rather an expert supplier with capabilities and resources, just as my male counterparts.

Mummy Seopa – WOP Resources

Q. Can you share a specific success story or milestone that your business has achieved with the help of ITHUBA?

A. I used to run an informal business, selling food as a street vendor. Through ITHUBA’s support, I was able to formalize my business and register it, namely WOP Resources. ITHUBA opened their doors and offered me a space to operate a fully-equipped canteen that services ITHUBA and surrounding businesses. Not only am I running a canteen but also a catering business that caters for clients across all economical classes. Endorsed by ITHUBA, high-profile clients started trusting me with their catering needs. This was a direct result of being entrusted by a prestigious company such as ITHUBA, which endorsed my services.

I was also able to venture into cleaning services, and once again, ITHUBA was the first organization to employ our services at ITHUBA’s headquarters in Johannesburg.

Naledi Msibi – Greysun Media

Q. In your opinion, what role do women-owned businesses play in contributing to the economic empowerment of women in our country, and how does ITHUBA assist in this regard?

A. Our nurturing nature is our superpower. I have seen this even with ITHUBA’s CEO, Charmaine Mabuza, who is hands-on with the company’s CSI programs that uplift communities all around the country, be it in business, education or even housing. As a former ITHUBA employee myself, I have followed suit in paying it forward. Through Greysun Media, we have an active school-shoe drive program that donates school shoes at the beginning of each year to those who need it the most. We offer computer lessons to unemployed persons around Soweto to help upskill them with basic computer skills and improve their chances of employment. Recently, I have been able to assist a family member to move out of abusive domestic conditions. I was able to fund decent and comfortable accommodation for her and her daughter. Even though she is in her early 50s, she has a dream to become a phlebotomist, and we are busy with the necessary applications to make her dream come true; the course will be paid-for by Greysun Media. All of this is testament to the transformation that takes place when women are active in the economy.

Judy Shabangu – Juds Salon

Q. How do you think corporate South Africa can better support women-owned businesses to further advance economic equity?

A. Corporate South Africa can enhance support for women-owned businesses by offering more educational workshops. Many women face challenges in their ventures due to limited knowledge and funding. While talent and drive are essential, starting a business without sufficient capital is difficult. Increased collaborative events are needed to uplift women in the business sector and provide the necessary support for their success.