The Vaal region came alive recently when the NWU bhive Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) programme opened its doors to the Vaal United Business Forum for a powerful training session on “The Basics of Investing and Investments”. The event was not only a workshop but also a celebration of women in business, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The training was facilitated by Mrs Lizette van Lingen, CEO of Org Con Global (OCG), an international business management consultancy headquartered in Dubai. With more than twenty years of experience across three continents, Van Lingen brought global insights to the local community, breaking down complex investment concepts into practical, actionable knowledge. OCG specialises in helping businesses navigate every stage of growth – from idea development and organisational blueprints to tax strategies, angel investors, venture capital access and legal requirements.

For many attendees, this was not just a workshop – it was an eye-opening experience. Dorcus Matshabe said the session was life-changing, explaining that it “moved the curtain away from her eyes regarding investment”. Annah Mofokeng shared her determination to put the lessons into practice immediately, while Isabel Mathoto praised the workshop as a wonderful educational experience that gave her clarity on how to build wealth and establish a legacy.

Speaking after the workshop, Martin Manmohan, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem project manager at the NWU, emphasised the importance of equipping communities with knowledge that can transform their futures. “We are proud to walk alongside our local communities in their personal and business growth. Empowerment through knowledge is at the heart of sustainable development,” he said.

The event was supported under the leadership of Dr Johann Landsberg, whose vision for the NWU bhive is to create spaces where education meets empowerment, and where entrepreneurship can flourish in even the most underserved communities. This initiative also highlighted the growing partnership between the university and local business forums in the Vaal region.

“By providing women, and the men who joined them, with tools to better understand finance and investment, the NWU bhive is helping to create a ripple effect of empowerment. The long-term goal is to enable small businesses and entrepreneurs not only to survive but to thrive, building wealth that can be passed down through generations,” said Manmohan.

Manmohan said the workshop ended with a strong sense of optimism. “Many participants walked away with new confidence, ready to apply their skills to both their personal finances and their business ventures. In a region where economic challenges often dominate, this training offered a fresh reminder that with the right guidance and opportunities, communities can take charge of their futures,” explained Manmohan.