In a bold move to accelerate women’s participation in the economy, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, Minister of Small Business Development, launched a transformative R300 million Women’s Fund in eMalahleni this week.
By Maphuti Mongatane, Business Development Manager at African Farming
“Women will no longer be left behind or treated as second-class citizens in our economy.” These were the unwavering words of Minister Ndabeni, as she delivered a rousing keynote address at the official unveiling of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Fund.
Backed by the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and aimed at empowering black women in rural and township areas, the fund offers more than just capital – it promises skills development, mentorship and market access. “We’re not building society if we exclude women,” Minister Ndabeni declared, calling on every stakeholder to back inclusive economic transformation.
Hosted during the final days of Women’s Month, the event marked a pivotal moment in South Africa’s transformation agenda, putting women, especially black women in rural and township areas, at the forefront of inclusive economic development.
A Milestone for Women in Business
Minister Ndabeni celebrated the launch of the Women’s Fund as more than a symbolic gesture. Backed by initial capital of R300 million, the fund is designed to break down structural barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in the economy.
“Black women in townships and rural areas are triple disadvantaged – by gender, by race and by place of residence,” she said. “Supporting women entrepreneurs is a no-brainer.”
The fund, which will grow to R710 million over the next three years, is not just about money. It is a full entrepreneurial journey from skills development and pre-investment training to financing and post-investment mentorship.
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From Seed to Scale
The Minister outlined a structured application process that will open in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. Applicants will be evaluated against clear criteria, after which successful candidates will undergo entrepreneurship and skills development programmes in partnership with universities. Once funding is granted, further coaching and market access support will be provided ensuring that women-led businesses are not just born, but grown sustainably.
Ndabeni emphasised that true empowerment goes beyond funding: “We also provide support to develop business skills and enable market access. These elements are interwoven into the design of the fund.”
Driving Systemic Change
In a forward-looking vision, Minister Ndabeni called for deep reforms in public procurement and corporate transformation. She announced efforts to elevate the 40% women procurement target to 50%, and highlighted ongoing work with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to align Development Finance Institution (DFI) allocations with gender parity goals.
She also committed to annual women-focused trade missions, seminars and international partnerships, with sector-specific interventions across agriculture, mining, ICT (information, communications and technology), tourism, green economy and retail.
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Women at the Centre of the New Economy
Minister Ndabeni’s address resonated deeply with attendees. She reminded the audience that women repay loans more reliably, invest their resources wisely and are more committed to building community wealth making a compelling case for why investing in women is not just right, but smart. “This fund makes both socio-economic and business sense,” she declared.
She closed with a rallying call for women entrepreneurs, support organisations and investors to join hands: “We are not building society if we exclude women. Join us on this journey.”
