On November 15, 2025, the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation, in partnership with the Hollywood Foundation, hosted its 5th annual EmpoweringHER Seminar & Business Awards at the Inanda Club in Johannesburg. The event celebrated trailblazing women entrepreneurs, marking a milestone in women’s economic empowerment across South Africa.
Event Theme: “Women: The Boldest Strokes of Colour”
The 2025 theme, “Women: The Boldest Strokes of Colour,” celebrated the “Power of 50” — fifty women entrepreneurs whose vision, resilience, and innovation are reshaping business landscapes. The theme underscored the idea that when women rise, communities and economies rise with them.
Speakers and Attendees
The seminar was hosted and guided by former Miss Universe and global icon Zozi Tunzi, serving as Programme Director. Key speakers included:
- Nomzamo Mbatha, founder of the Lighthouse Foundation, who delivered the opening remarks and shared the foundation’s mission.
- Vuyisile Ngobese, representing the Hollywood Foundation and co-host of the event.
- Nozipho Tshabalala, conversation strategist, author, and moderator for several panels.
- Esteemed panelists who provided insights on scaling enterprises, branding, and entrepreneurship.
The event attracted hundreds of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and innovators, including the 50 finalists who were honoured for their achievements. Guests enjoyed performances by Amanda Black, Muneyi, and Lerato Kganyago, adding a cultural dimension to the business-focused discussions.
Panels, Topics, and Themes
The seminar’s discussions centred on practical strategies for empowering women in business and fostering economic independence. Key themes included:
- Scaling Businesses and Ensuring Sustainability: Practical insights into growing and maintaining enterprises.
- Authenticity as Currency: How authenticity strengthens brand presence and leadership.
- Setting Boundaries: Emphasising intentional decision-making to foster clarity and healthier business journeys.
- Vision and Resilience: Showcasing success stories, such as Eully’s Cakery, demonstrating the path from creativity to thriving enterprise.
Panels included:
- Voices of Experience and Vision: Lessons from established women entrepreneurs.
- Unmasking the Brand: Exploring the interplay between personal psychology and business identity.
- The Boldest Boundary: Techniques for creating space for growth and sustainable practices.
An exhibition space featured products from previous #EmpoweringHER campaign finalists, giving attendees a tangible view of women-led innovation.
Awards and Funding
The seminar concluded with a business awards ceremony, celebrating the top three winners who collectively received R800,000 in funding to scale their businesses:
3rd Place: R100,000
1st Place: R200,000
2nd Place: R150,000
These awards reflect the foundation’s ongoing commitment to creating pathways for women-led businesses to grow, innovate, and drive economic impact in South Africa.
Through initiatives like EmpoweringHER, the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation continues to champion women entrepreneurs, fostering sustainable growth, visibility, and systemic change for generations of South African businesswomen.
