Celebrate Women in Business this Women’s Month at The Pavilion Shopping Centre
Traditionally in South Africa in August the spotlight falls on the role of courageous, strong women in society as we honour and remember the 1956 march of approximately 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, to petition against the country's pass laws.
Now, nearly seven decades later, August remains a month to champion inspirational women and to provide platforms to hear their stories of resilience, perseverance and fortitude and give guidance to the young women who follow in the footsteps of the many remarkable women who have paved the way for the generations who follow.
Over the next few weeks, The Highway Mail in partnership with the Pavilion Shopping Centre, will look at women in business, to be inspired by their successes, and learn from their challenges.
The month will culminate with two performances of an hour-long women’s month concert by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of resident conductor, Chad Hendricks, with special guests, to be held at The Pav Fountain Court on Sunday 31 August, at 11am and 1pm. Entry is free and all are welcome.
THE San Hair owned by Nompumelelo Madubedube is a proudly black woman-owned premium hair brand that offers high-quality virgin human hair and expert salon services to clients across South Africa. Although the business has been running for 12 years, the first salon officially opened its doors in 2016 and it has been operating at The Pavilion Shopping Centre for three years.
Asked how she was inspired to become an entrepreneur, Madubedube said: “It started as a personal frustration. Around 2011, I was looking for good-quality hair for myself and kept getting let down. I saw the same disappointment among other women, and that’s when I knew there was a real gap in the market. What began as a side hustle turned into a full business, and by 25, I left my job in corporate banking to build The San Hair.”
She said when she first started, people didn’t take her seriously. “They assumed I was just selling hair as a hobby. But I stayed focused, built a reliable supply chain, and remained consistent. Quality and professionalism eventually changed the narrative,” she said. Madubedube said she hopes her business can impact all woman, especially young black women from smaller towns like Mthatha, to see that it’s possible to build something great – something that creates jobs and inspires others.
“Today, The San Hair employs more than 150 people, and we actively support other women-owned businesses and suppliers.” She emphasised that it is important for women to support other women in business. “No one understands our unique challenges better than we do. I make it a priority to work with women suppliers, hire women in leadership roles, and mentor other young women who are just starting out.” Reflecting on her journey, she said she would advise her younger self to not second guess herself so much. “Your instincts are more powerful than you realise. Move faster, take the risks, and don’t wait for everything to be perfect.”
She added that her proudest moment since opening her business at The Pavilion Shopping Centre is getting the San Hair into more than 350 Clicks stores nationwide, Madubedube advised other business people to know their value and not to shrink themselves to make others comfortable. “Build your business with honesty, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you. Success doesn’t happen overnight – it’s about consistency, resilience, and staying grounded in your purpose.”
The San Hair
(031) 254 2051 | Shop 164, The Pavilion Shopping Centre
The Pavilion Shopping Centre
Jack Martens Drive, Westville
031 275 9800
enquiries@thepav.co.za
