Allan Gray Orbis Foundation’s Association programme, in partnership with E Squared, recently hosted the New Frontiers and Women’s Pitch Night, a landmark event designed to support and uplift women entrepreneurs within the Association of Fellows. The event, held under the theme “Ripple Effect Revolution: Amplifying Her Impact,” brought together some of the most innovative and determined women founders to build community, share resources, and explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Speaking at the event, Nonceba Qabazi, the Association Ventures Manager, emphasised that the retreat aimed to challenge the narrative around women’s resilience, focusing instead on ownership, support, and the power of community among female entrepreneurs. “It’s time we moved beyond the idea of ‘resilient women’ and started talking about taking ownership and supporting one another,” Qabazi said. “This event is about creating a space where women can learn from each other, collaborate, and ultimately thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys.”
Empowering Women in Leadership
The event opened with an inspiring keynote address from Mapule Ncanywa of the BRICS SA Working Group, who spoke passionately about Empowering Women in Communities of Leadership. Ncanywa highlighted the importance of women taking up leadership roles within their communities and businesses, urging the audience to break free from societal expectations and lead with confidence and authenticity. “Leadership is not just about holding a position; it’s about making an impact and paving the way for others to follow. We need to see more women stepping up and leading in every sector,” Ncanywa encouraged.
Following Ncanywa’s address, Tshilidzi Matlala from E Squared delivered a compelling message on E Squared’s Commitment to Empowering Women. She detailed the organisation’s initiatives to support female entrepreneurs through financial backing, mentorship, and access to resources. “Our goal is to ensure that women not only have a seat at the table but are also key decision-makers,” Matlala stated. “We believe in empowering women by providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Women Creating Wealth
One of the standout sessions was led by Shiphra Chisha from the Graça Machel Trust, who presented on Women Creating Wealth and the Future of Women Founders. Chisha delved into the systemic barriers that women face in achieving financial success and the critical role of gender-lens investing in overcoming these obstacles. “Women are often sidelined in the financial sector, but through initiatives like gender-lens investing, we can start to shift this narrative,” Chisha explained. She also shared insights into how the Graça Machel Trust is working to transform women’s businesses from income generation to wealth creation. “We’re not just talking about making money; we’re talking about creating wealth that can be passed down through generations,” she added.
Breaking Down Biases and Building Knowledge
The event also featured a powerful panel discussion on Overcoming Gender Biases in Entrepreneurship, where female founders shared their experiences and strategies for navigating the challenges of being women in a male-dominated field. The discussion underscored the need for continued efforts to dismantle gender biases and create more inclusive environments for women entrepreneurs.
Senamile Zungu, an Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellow, provided participants with valuable insights during her presentation on Consumer Insights and Trends for Founders. Based on Kantar’s Mzansi Barometer Study, Zungu’s analysis offered a detailed look at the current state of consumer behaviour in South Africa, particularly in lower-income households. “Understanding your consumer is key to any successful business,” Zungu noted. “By paying attention to the data, we can better tailor our products and services to meet the needs of our communities.”
Celebrating Innovation at Pitch Night
The culmination of the event was the Women’s Pitch Night, where female founders had the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of esteemed judges. The panel, including Keshni Morar from Jozi Angels, Tamala Manda from E Squared, and Nolufefe Nghala from Endeavour, evaluated the pitches based on innovation, impact, and scalability.
Tumelo Noah secured third place with CareMatch, an innovative platform designed to revolutionise mental healthcare by matching users with therapists based on their specific needs, including underserved and differently-abled communities. “Mental healthcare should be accessible to everyone, and CareMatch is designed to bridge that gap,” Noah said. Tumelo’s emphasis on diversity and accessibility in mental health services resonated with both the audience and the judges.
Second place was awarded to Masedi Mathe for her company, A.R.T.S Entertainment, which provides Cape Town’s disenfranchised artists with access to the commercial market. Masedi’s focus on equitable access and artist empowerment through music management, events, and brand marketing impressed the judges with its potential to transform the local creative industry. “A.R.T.S Entertainment is about giving a voice to those who have been historically marginalised in the arts industry,” Mathe explained.
Rotondwa Manavhela won first place with her venture, The Dealer, a platform designed to centralise and secure art transactions for artists, ensuring they remain in control of their sales and receive fair compensation. “The Dealer is about empowering artists to take control of their own narratives and financial futures,” Manavhela said. The judges praised the platform for its innovative approach to supporting the creative economy and protecting artists’ rights.
A Step Towards a Brighter Future
The New Frontiers Women’s Retreat and Pitch Night was more than just an event – it was a celebration of women’s entrepreneurship, innovation, and community. The connections made, the knowledge shared, and the opportunities created during this event will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the participants and their ventures.
As the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation continues to support the next generation of female entrepreneurs, this event stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when women come together to amplify their impact. “This is just the beginning. The ripple effect of what we’ve started here will be felt for years to come,” Qabazi concluded.
