A woman leading the way to breaking the bias

Renowned businesswoman Ipeleng Mkhari’s story is one that tells a 23-year story of resilience as a way stepping stone to build success.

Ipeleng founded South Africa’s first black-woman owned and managed CCTV company at the very young age of 23, and the Motseng Investment Holdings Group, which was an evolution of this business, was born shortly afterwards.

Motseng has since grown in leaps and bounds to become a powerfully women-led contender in the industry. The group is committed to transformation and empowerment thus executive management comprises of majority Black Southern African women.

In 2007 she became the National chairperson of the Women’s Property Network. During her tenure she spearheaded the vision to introduce a diverse membership base, a mentorship programme and the education trust which supports educating marginalised women in the industry.

Her vision is to become the most technologically advanced and premier black-owned investment group both within Africa and globally.

Between 2018 and 2019 she served as president of the South African Property Owners Association, which is the voice of commercial property in South Africa. In November 2012, she was a promoter of Delta Property Fund, a leading black managed and substantially black owned property loan stock company which listed on the JSE with an asset value of R2bn, today the asset value is circa R11bn.

BREAKING THE BIAS

As a woman in the diversified investments space, with ventures and operations in the industrial, infrastructure, telecommunications and property sectors, Ipeleng strives everyday to break down stereotypes and inspire the next generation of young women.

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day for celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. a reminder of the strides that women have made toward equality around the world, as well as the work that remains to be done in achieving parity.

According the IWD website, the theme for 2022 is #BreakTheBias, a call to action for a world that is free of bias, stereotypes, & discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Each International Women’s Day, the global community pauses to reflect on women who inspire. Even through facing incredible challenges, inspiring women forge ahead with the confidence that they are making a difference. One such woman is Ipeleng Mkhari.

WHAT SHE SAYS

“Starting a business is not easy, and involves many a sacrifice. Being an entrepreneur is far less glamorous than what many may think, especially when they see the magazine covers and awards etc. To put it plainly, it is a lot of hard work and sleepless nights. However it is not without its rewards, the most important being the learnings along the way, it builds resilience, boldness and strength”.

ACHIEVEMENTS

During her 22-year career, Ipeleng has been named the Cosmopolitan Mover of the Year and she was a finalist in the Entrepreneur Businesswoman of the Year Award (National Business Women’s Association) in 2006. She was named one of CEO magazines Most Influential Women in Business in 2008.

She has been featured in The Times (March 2012) as one of 20 Movers and Shakers in Africa and was recently featured by Destiny Magazine’s 25 Most Inspirational Entrepreneurs (July 2013). In November 2015 she was awarded Pioneer Woman of the Year Award by Forbes Woman Africa. In 2016 she was awarded the Standard Bank Top Woman in Property Award.

One of the reasons we believe such stories need to told are that whilst there so few female founders in South Africa, the number is growing everyday. In this very challenging world for women, it’s important to celebrate every facet of us.