RICHARDS Bay Minerals (RBM) means business when it comes to empowering women within its host communities. Through the Asakhe Enterprise Development programme, RBM supports the growth of local women-owned businesses in various sectors.

This commitment was recently demonstrated through the AccelerateHER Masterclass, hosted in Richards Bay for 13 female entrepreneurs from the Asakhe Enterprise Development Programme. Held during Women’s Month, the masterclass equipped participants with practical tools to lead with confidence, strengthen their brands and navigate business environments where women are often underrepresented. Sessions focused on emotional intelligence, personal leadership and brand development, supporting the entrepreneurs as they continue to grow sustainable businesses.

“We wanted to support businesswomen working in and around the supply chain and look at some of the challenges they face as women within business,” said RBM, adding that Asakhe Enterprise Development supports suppliers outside of RBM’s supply chain.

“It is a two-pronged approach. While opportunities within our supply chain are limited, we also want to support businesses that can grow sustainably and operate beyond RBM.”

Asakhe Enterprise Development focuses on capacity-building, mentorship, training and market access across sectors such as agriculture, agri-processing, environmental and recycling services, hospitality, tourism and manufacturing. The programme supports local businesses through one-on-one coaching and group learning, equipping owners with practical tools to strengthen their marketing, finance, operations and strategy.

Meet the entrepreneurs

The impact of this support is best reflected in the women leading these enterprises and the progress they have made in their businesses.

Lusanda Dlamini

Owner of Ikumi Enterprises

Lusanda holds a BSc in civil engineering from UCT and a Master’s in engineering and project management.

“I have worked for multiple organisations, including parastatals, government and private companies. After 13 years, I decided to start my own business,” she said.

Ikumi Enterprises, which means “It is within us” focuses on construction project management training and development. For Lusanda, the name reflects the belief that women have the ability to empower themselves and excel in any space they enter.

“It is within us as women to empower ourselves and be great in whatever we participate in,” she said.

Ikumi has also recently expanded into e-recruitment for the built environment, focusing on the engineering and construction sectors.

Participating in the Asakhe Enterprise Development programme has supported both Lusanda’s business growth and her personal growth.

“The decisions I am making now are decisions I would not have made last year had I not participated in such programmes,” she said.

Ntando Ngcobo

Sole Director of Configuration Solutions

Ntando is a qualified instrument mechanician from the Mkhwanazi Tribal Authority area. She says her experience in the sector helped her identify the need for a company that offers quality, accountability and cost-effective solutions.

“Over the years, I learnt that clients need a company that can differentiate itself by offering a strong value proposition built on accountability, quality and cost savings,” she said. “That is where the idea of solving a problem within the sector came from.”

Since joining the Asakhe Enterprise Development programme, Ntando says her business growth is already evident.

“The goal was for my business to scale up because I believe that a business grows as much as you do. I had reached a saturation point, and the gaps were visible. The programme helped me identify those gaps, and now my company has systems in place and is scaling,” she said.

She was recently awarded a contract with a harbour engineering company, an opportunity she attributes to the self-awareness and business tools she has gained through the programme.

“I am getting opportunities because I am more self-aware as a director. I understand my business needs and the tools required to scale, grow and become sustainable,” she said.

Configuration Solutions provides control and instrumentation, electrical construction and maintenance, civil works, general building and fencing services.

Nomuntu Zuma

Owner of Nomuntu Construction and Projects

Nomuntu has participated in several enterprise development programmes, and the growth of her business is evident. Through her company, she has created much-needed employment while responding to practical needs in surrounding communities, including building houses, classrooms and ablution facilities for local schools.

“The support we received through the programme has helped elevate my business and improve our compliance,” said Nomuntu.

“It goes beyond mentoring, training and technical support. The programme helps us build sustainable businesses by exposing us to new opportunities that strengthen and position our companies for growth. My goal is to use this support to scale up my business and secure larger construction projects.”

Sindisiwe Sithole

Owner of SindiGlad

Sindisiwe hopes to further expand her bead weaving business while growing her role as a skills training facilitator.

“I am soon going to introduce carpentry because I am now a certified carpenter,” she said, adding that the Asakhe Enterprise Development programme has been instrumental in helping formalise her business.

“RBM operates within communities, and while not everyone will become an engineer or technician, people still need opportunities and skills that enable them to provide for their families.

“This is where the skills training comes in, where I can teach others the skills I have learnt so people generate an income through arts and crafts.”