The municipal parastatal Tshwane Economic Development Agency (Teda) has announced the opening of entries for the 2025 Tshwane Women in Business Awards, encouraging women entrepreneurs in the city to participate. 

Teda chief executive officer Dr Lardo Stander, hailed the upcoming awards as an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable women who overcome systemic barriers while leading women-owned businesses.

“Tshwane’s township economies hold untapped potential, driven by informal trade, small-scale manufacturing, and service-oriented enterprises often led by women who balance family responsibilities with entrepreneurial endeavors,” Stander said. 

He highlighted the multifaceted contributions of women in these economies, including job creation, local supply chain development, and sustainable practices.

Now in its fourth year, the Tshwane Women in Business Awards has evolved into a significant event that recognises and empowers women in business. 

Stander emphasised that participating in the awards is crucial as it provides recognition among peers and opportunities for winners to gain visibility and celebration.

The awards offer a platform for women-owned businesses to grow, access different markets, and secure funding and networks.

 “Many women enter business not for accolades but to grow something and to build something,” Stander said, highlighting the importance of partnerships and recognition in affirming their impact.

The recognition goes beyond individual businesses, normalising women’s success in Tshwane’s business landscape and making it the norm rather than the exception. 

Stander stressed the need to scale up these efforts to grow the city’s local and township economies, citing the potential for woman-led township agribusinesses to expand through green energy integration.

Women entrepreneurs can participate by visiting www.teda.org.za/TWIBA to download the application form and submitting it to info@teda.org.za. 

Stander noted that globally, women entrepreneurs contribute trillions to economies but face persistent barriers, including limited access to funding, markets, and networks.

“The disparity is even more pronounced in emerging markets like South Africa, where systemic inequalities rooted in history continue to hinder progress,” Stander said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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