Business Update

MEET THE CEILING SMASHERS

History made as YWBN gets mutual bank licence

History has been made, the first majority women-owned bank will soon open its doors to the public. After 9 challenging years the Young Women in Business Network (YWBN) cooperative financial institution, led by Nthabeleng Likotsi, has been issued a license. The YWBN says it has taken a major step forward opening its doors in South Africa, having now received its mutual banking licence from the South African Reserve Bank’s Prudential Authority.

Dr Nombasa Tsengwa at the helm of mining

Congratulations are in order for Dr Nombasa Tsengwa who was recently appointed the Deputy Chairperson of the Energy Council of South Africa. She is also the CEO of Exxaro, the first woman to assume this role. In 2017, Dr Tsengwa was awarded the coveted Standard Bank Businesswoman of the Year Award. She started her career in the mining industry in 2003 when she joined the then, Kumba Resources. Dr Tsengwa believes in a balanced lifestyle with regular exercise and finished nine Comrades marathons.

Founder of Women in Mining Kenya scoops prestigious mining competition

After an impressive round of head-to-head live pitches, the Mining Innovation and Research Battlefield 2024 winner has been announced. Founder of Women in Mining Kenya, Grace Akinyi, was awarded USD$25,000 for her concept Eco Green Gold, producing biodegradable gloves from bacterial cellulose derived from coconut waste as a simple yet effective solution to the problem of mercury in ASM gold mining. Grace’s innovation focuses on sustainability in communities.

Ignited Woman founding editor wins a national journalist of the year award

Ignited Woman Magazine’s founding editor, Kamogelo Seekoei who also doubles as a broadcast journalist for the SABC was recently bestowed the Journalist of the Year award for her reportage on the Thabo Bester escape saga. The award is in the category of Live reporting and breaking news. She is the award winner in the Free State, Northern Cape, Limpopo and North West region.