Entrepreneurial Winning Women Southern Africa selects its 16 entrepreneurs

2 Aug 2016

Sixteen women have been selected to participate in the 2016 EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women Southern Africa programme for their readiness to scale their businesses and develop or expand their local footprints to be the next high growth companies.

Class of 2016

These women own companies across a wide variety of industry sectors that include legal, energy, retail and consumer products, consulting, education and advertising.

Ayanda Mzodeki – Liyema Consulting
Christi Maherry – LAWtrust
Dolly Mbuyane – Nozihle Cleaning Services
Dudu Mofokeng – Legaci Superior Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services
Faaeza Doola – Hott Design and Print
Fee Elizabeth Halsted – Ardmore Ceramic Art
Gcinile Mamba – Sivivane Construction
Kariema Price – Pyramid Electrical Contractors
Lerato Molefe – Naaya Consulting
Melanie Medell – Melaire Linens
Patricia Koekemoer – Professional Sourcing
Phindile Machweu – Sasamela Trading Enterprise & Projects
Priakumari Hassan – WOA Fuels and Oils
Risna Opperman – Roses for U t/a Urth
Shameem Kumandan – Washtub Laundry
Vimala Ariyan – Southern African Institute of Learning

The EY programme allows participants to join an elite network of women from some of Africa’s best high-growth companies and have the opportunity to participate in a customised programme designed to:

Expand their knowledge with the latest information and executive dialogues on business strategies and practices tailored to high growth companies.
Strengthen their executive leadership, business skills and identify opportunities to grow and scale their companies through meetings with senior advisors and entrepreneurs who can serve as role models and mentors.
Increase national and regional visibility for themselves and their companies among corporate executives and investors.

Harnessing potential

Azim Omar, Africa growth markets leader at EY, says, “To accelerate economic growth, we need to harness the potential of women entrepreneurs. This yearlong programme is aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs to think bigger, gain access to capital, learn from their peers and find seasoned advisors. We know that access to successful role models and business-building networks is critical for entrepreneurs to accelerate growth.

Entrepreneurial Winning Women Southern Africa selects its 16 entrepreneurs

“Research conducted earlier this year by EY has suggested that one of the biggest challenges for female entrepreneurs is scaling up their businesses. EY encourages female entrepreneurs to think big and not to underestimate themselves. As a firm, we are committed to supporting female entrepreneurs to overcome the barriers to scaling, allowing them to reach their full business potential.

“We are excited to coach, guide and mentor such a diverse group of inspiring women entrepreneurs. We look forward to the sharing of ideas, insights and experiences, and at the same time, understanding the challenges faced by these women, so we can continue to engage and encourage others to challenge the gender parity gap in entrepreneurship,” concludes Omar.

For more information, go to www.ey.com/za.