Economic empowerment in focus at Global Business Women’s Chamber networking breakfast in Umhlanga

The Global Business Women’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GBWCCI) hosted a dynamic Business Networking Breakfast in Umhlanga on Wednesday, positioning women’s financial empowerment, business leadership, and strategic collaboration as key drivers of South Africa’s future economic growth.

Held at the IBV Privé Lounge in Umhlanga, the event convened entrepreneurs, business executives, financial institutions, and policymakers to discuss actionable strategies to uplift women-led enterprises and strengthen inclusive economic participation.

GBWCCI President Fawzia Peer opened the event with a powerful reminder of the chamber’s mission.

“As chambers of commerce, we do more than sell services. We sell belonging,” she said. “We confer status and credibility through membership… We offer praise and validation through recognition, awards, and spotlights.”

Peer said the chamber remains committed to helping women acquire practical business skills, navigate procurement processes, gain visibility, and ultimately generate sustainable income.

Among the attendees was Nozibele Soguni, founder and Managing Director of Nozibele Solutions, who shared a personal reflection on the transformative role GBWCCI has played in her life and business journey.

“It’s such an honour to be part of the Global Business Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” she said.

Soguni credited Peer for unlocking a heightened sense of self-belief early in her entrepreneurial path.

“There was a day that I will never forget in my life… it was pivotal in changing my mindset and projection of my own future,” she recalled. At one of Peer’s Friday high teas, “she introduced me as ‘she’s going to be the richest woman in Durban’. And that day, I went back home and I looked myself in the mirror and I asked myself, what does she see in me that I don’t even see in myself?”

Soguni said the experience reshaped her approach to business and personal development. “That changed my whole mindset of who I am, how I see people and how I visualise myself as an individual,” she said. “Dream it, believe it, prepare for it, walk in it.”

Reflecting on her business growth, she added: “My business has grown quite tremendously in 2025 compared to 2024, and it’s really through the networking with various people and individuals.” She encouraged other entrepreneurs: “Join the chamber… Have a network for people that will help you in your journey of life and speak the right words over you.”

IBV CEO Ashok Sewnarain, emphasised women’s unmatched potential as drivers of innovation and societal transformation.

“Today, the biggest untapped source of economic growth, is the woman who understands her worth,” he said. “Women don’t just multiply money. They multiply opportunity, dignity, and legacy.”

Sewnarain linked women in leadership to a more connected, responsible, and inclusive future. “Women do not lead through intimidation. They lead through connection. When they sit at the head of the table, they don’t ask, what can I gain? They ask, who can I lift?”

He announced a significant gesture of support. He said the IBV will offer the Global Business Women's Chamber a corporate membership for 12 members.  

“It’s an IBV Privé Gold corporate membership that allows the members to use this facility for one year,” said Sewnarain.

The chamber will be able to host quarterly events and utilise the elite venue for networking, collaboration, and leadership development.

Confident in the potential of South African women, he added: “Our South African ladies are just as smart, just as beautiful, just as competent. There’s nothing stopping you now.

THE MERCURY