Nedbank, in association with life skills organisation, Woman of Stature, officially launched the first Five Pillars of Empowerment learning journey in Rivonia, Johannesburg.
Fifty dynamic women, chosen for their intrinsic qualities and drive as change agents – not only for their business savvy but also for their ability to impact lives in the broader community, were selected for the programme, which was launched at a function at Nedbank’s headquarters on 29 March.
Nirmala Reddy, senior manager, enterprise development in the small business unit under Nedbank Business Banking said, “The Five Pillars Programme is an exciting self-development and entrepreneurial initiative that focuses on the growth and development of women, businesses and business owners.”
Delegates were given an opportunity to introduce themselves and discuss their current business challenges as business owners.
Reddy outlined the enterprise development journey, saying that as a bank committed to the business and using its money expertise to do good, Nedbank’s programmes are focused on small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMME), as they are the engines of economic growth and job creation.
Nedbank is involved in a number of initiatives, including Global Entrepreneurship Week working with seven developing, community-based incubators across Gauteng, providing R3,4 million to Fix Forward, a programme for 100 tradesmen to participate in its incubation programme and providing R3,5 million for the Riversands Incubation Hub for 510 entrepreneurs to participate in the hub support for incubation extending to back office support, infrastructure, capacity-building and training.
President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Youth Employment Service, supported by Nedbank and other corporates in the financial services, at Riversands on 27 March.
Nedbank is involved in 24 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) projects, with 554 learner contractors and R2,7 million mentorship funding and creating 2 977 job opportunities, as well as in various interventions, building business skills and capacity through 23 municipalities across the country, benefiting 2 400 SMMEs.
Charlotte du Plessis, founder and managing director of Woman of Stature said it is a privilege to team up with Nedbank to work towards empowering women in business. “Empowering women with the tools to succeed in business can only help the economy and create jobs, thus contributing in a meaningful way. We are proud to embark on this journey with Nedbank.”
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