BCM awards honouring female power perfect way to end Women’s Month
Leading businesswomen take centre stage at second annual summit
Leading women from Buffalo City Metro were honoured for their talents and hard work at East London’s Osner Hotel on Friday as the second annual BCM Women in Business Summit took centre stage.
At the glitzy affair, these inspirational women received awards in various categories, with BCM councillor and economic development and agencies head Mzwandile Vaaiboom saying the awards recognised women’s role in the economy.
The various category winners were:
● Agriculture – Nokwanda
Ntlotha;
● Community development – Nomhle Mabena;
● Informal trading – Nolizwi Sikhafu;
● ICT/media and public relations – Nandipha Matshoba;
● Manufacturing – Yolisa Sitela;
● Arts – Luleka Gwanya;
● Beauty – Theo Manyenesa;
● Best innovation – Sandiswa Qayi;
● Waste management: Pumeza Ceshemba; and
● Entrepreneur of the year – Sandiswa Mgolozeli.
“Before 1994, woman were oppressed and this remains a challenge. Women are the majority in our society, playing a
big role in the fight against poverty, unemployment and inequality,” Vaaiboom said.
“Some of us were educated through women who were hawkers. That is why we are encouraging them to take part in our economy, and we will support them through our stakeholders. Women have employed
many people and are also now leading in male-dominated industries.”
Pumeza Ceshemba, of Afri Waste Group in Mdantsane, received an award in the woman in waste management category. She said the annual event was a “great way to motivate woman in business”.
Her business, formed in 2015, has already employed 31 permanent staff members and 20 part-time workers.
“My mom used to be a waste collector and that is where I saw how big the waste business is and the problems we have. We venture into business because we have seen a gap and have
solutions, but to be recognised for doing what I love is so rewarding for me.”
Host and local comedienne Nomakhisimusi Pondoland amused the audience with her take on relationships. She was joined by media practitioner Mbali Tanana, while local designers wowed fans with the latest traditional designs.
Entrepreneur of the year Sandiswa Mgolozeli, of marketing company Epitomely PRM, could barely contain her excitement.
“We applaud the work of the municipality in recognising young women entrepreneurs.
“One of the reasons I am in business was because I was unemployed after my contract ended at Walter Sisulu University’s marketing and communication department.
“I then decided to start my own business in 2018.”
The 25-year-old currently employs six part-time WSU students.
“The challenge I faced was not having capital. We have ideas, but can’t implement them because of a lack of funding. But I learnt to put the brand before the money.”
She urged young women to start their own businesses.
“We are very fortunate because we have institutions that can assist with funding and business planning, so young women should sit down and see what they are passionate about, and turn that into business because unemployment is high. There are no jobs. The only space is internships and there are no guarantees that they will end in you being employed permanently. People should start somewhere, even if it is selling fatcakes.”
● To watch a video of the event, go to https://www.dispatchlive.co.za