In celebration of Youth Month and the ongoing drive for women’s empowerment, the Graça Machel Trust hosted a transformative event on June 19, 2025, at the Mercure Hotel in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This high-impact gathering focused on scaling and strengthening women-owned businesses and brought together dynamic stakeholders, including Project Revitalized Cohort NPO, the Mordecai Ndlovu Foundation, and the Kuhlase Disability Centre.
Advancing Business Skills and Community Impact
The event was structured around key objectives that reflect the Trust’s long-standing commitment to gender equality and economic inclusion. Participants were equipped with practical tools and expert knowledge to strengthen their businesses, while the platform also encouraged networking, mentorship, and collaborative partnerships. The overarching goal was not only to prepare women entrepreneurs for long-term business success but also to catalyze community transformation by fostering a new wave of wealth creation led by women.
A Vision for Africa: Empowered Women, Empowered Economies
Thulisile Zulu, Project Manager of Project Revitalized, underscored the strategic importance of women in Africa’s economic landscape, stating, “God did not make a mistake by enriching Africa with so many resources. South Africa and the rest of Africa’s energy future holds immense promise. Yet it cannot, and must not, be charted without the full and equitable participation of women—as consumers, as entrepreneurs.”
Zulu’s powerful remarks served as a call to action, urging stakeholders to recognize and support the critical role women play in shaping Africa’s economic destiny.
Supporting Young Entrepreneurs
Aligned with the Africa Youth Entrepreneurs Day—a monthly initiative that honors and equips emerging entrepreneurs—the event also highlighted the empowerment of 45 young individuals under the Project Revitalized banner. This initiative aims to provide essential skills, mentorship, and opportunities to ensure a sustainable and impactful future for youth-led enterprises.
Building Meaningful Partnerships
The event fostered valuable dialogue around potential collaboration. Nolwazi Shongwe, Administrative Assistant at the Mordecai Ndlovu Foundation and Project Manager of the Online School at St Marks Schools, expressed enthusiasm about possible synergies: “I was actually asking if they provide accreditation for online schools… I think we can also partner with them. They also offer some of the programs.” Her comments reflected the broader spirit of the day—one of connection, opportunity, and shared purpose.
Graça Machel Trust’s Role in Empowerment
For years, the Graça Machel Trust has been a driving force behind gender equity across Africa. Through policy advocacy, capacity-building, and its flagship Women Creating Wealth program, the Trust has supported thousands of women entrepreneurs—enabling them to create jobs, secure funding, and access markets on a wider scale.
Bonisiwe Ngcobo, the Trust’s Country Coordinator, emphasized the broader implications of this work: “Empowering women is not just a moral imperative, but an economic one. When women are empowered, they can contribute significantly to the growth and development of their communities.”
A Collective Step Forward
The June 19th event stands as a testament to the power of collective action and visionary leadership. By combining expert insights, practical business support, and strategic collaboration, the Graça Machel Trust continues to create pathways for women to not only participate in—but lead—the economic transformation of Africa.
To learn more about the Trust’s ongoing initiatives and programs, visit www.gracamacheltrust.org.
Image:Lindiwe Ndimande (Kuhlase Disability Centre), Nolwazi Shongwe (Mordecai Ndlovu Foundation) Bonsiwe Ngcobo (Graça Machel Foundation) Thulisile Zulu (Kuhlase Disability Centre) and Eva Ramphele, (Business Consultant from Diligent Consulting and Business advisory)
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