8 March 2025
On International Women’s Day 2025, we honour the trailblazing women entrepreneurs who are redefining industries and driving meaningful change. As participants in the Black Umbrellas Programme, these inspiring women have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth. Their journeys align seamlessly with this year’s theme, highlighting the transformative power of women in business.
Nobubele Nzima: Cultivating Growth Through Agriculture
As the founder of Bellarosa WIP Productions, Nobubele Nzima is not just running a poultry business, she is cultivating opportunities. Based in the Eastern Cape’s Mthatha region, her company specialises in broilers and egg production while serving as a platform for empowering young people, women, and individuals with disabilities. By equipping them with vital skills in poultry farming, Nobubele is creating a pipeline of future entrepreneurs who will go on to build their own enterprises.
Since joining the Black Umbrellas Siyakhula Programme, Nobubele’s business has flourished, earning her recognition through the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture Award and the Iwisa Community Champions Award. Her success is a testament to how women-led businesses can drive sustainable community development, ensuring that economic opportunities are accessible to all.
Sinazo Ncindi: Building a Future of Sustainable Housing
Entrepreneurship is more than just business for Sinazo Ncindi, it is a vehicle for social impact. With a vision to revolutionise South Africa’s real estate landscape, she founded Noni Property Developments in 2022, focusing on quality and sustainable housing solutions. Her journey with the Black Umbrellas Programme provided her with the mentorship and strategic insights needed to scale her business.
From overcoming operational challenges to mastering financial compliance, Sinazo’s growth has been extraordinary. Her participation in the programme saw her business expand significantly, increasing revenue by 33.32% and growing her team. As the youngest board member of the Multi-let Owners Association, she is not only breaking barriers but also ensuring that housing is accessible to those who need it most. Her story underscores the power of innovation in building inclusive communities.
Siphokazi Nodude: Advancing Agribusiness for a Sustainable Economy
Agriculture is the backbone of many communities, and Siphokazi Nodude is ensuring that small-scale farmers have the resources to thrive. As the director of Natures Sense Agribusiness, she leads a company that produces vegetables, broilers, and fodder, while also mentoring emerging farmers. With a degree in Agricultural Management from Nelson Mandela University, she combines expertise with a passion for sustainable farming.
Through the Black Umbrellas Programme, Siphokazi has strengthened her business operations, aiming to expand into agro-processing. Her vision is to integrate small-scale farmers into formal markets by creating infrastructure for processing and packaging. By fostering economic inclusion in rural areas, she is proving that women in agriculture are key drivers of economic resilience and food security.
These women exemplify the power of inclusion and innovation in business. Their participation in the Black Umbrellas Programme has not only elevated their enterprises but also contributed to broader social and economic transformation. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate their courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others.
By championing women entrepreneurs, we pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future, one where barriers are dismantled, and possibilities are limitless.