Nedbank, in association with life skills organisation Woman of Stature, officially launched the first 5 Pillars of Empowerment Learning Journey in Rivonia, Johannesburg.
“The 5 Pillars Programme is an exciting self-development and entrepreneurial initiative that focuses on the growth and development of women, businesses and business owners,” says Nirmala Reddy, Senior Manager, Enterprise Development in the Small Business Unit under Nedbank Business Banking.
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 in Rivonia Road on Thursday, 29 March 2017.
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 business and using its money expertise to do good, Nedbank’s programmes are focused on small, medium and microenterprises (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 Tuesday, 27 March 2018. Nedbank is a signatory to the initiative.
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, says 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,” she says.
Edwin Naidu
Mobile: Edwin Naidu
Email: edwinn@nedbank.co.za
