On 22 May, the Graça Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth (WCW) Enterprise Development Programme is proud to partner with the Finance, Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) to offer a 10-month programme that empowers women business owners in the financial services sector to realise their potential and turn their businesses into wealth-creating ventures. FASSET has committed to supporting the Trust with a 3-year grant, contributing to increasing the capacity of South African women entrepreneurs in the financial services sector.

Mamarothi Mathibe (FASSET), Korkor Cudjoe (GMT – Head of the Women Creating Wealth Program), Ayanda Mafuleka (FASSET CEO), Shiphra Chisha (GMT –  Head of Programmes) and Nomandla Mtetwa (FASSET)

The programme will provide them with information and tools to attract investment and grow their businesses from small-scale to larger, more profitable ventures, primarily in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Apart from funding support, the partnership with FASSET offers a unique opportunity for technical support, coaching, and mentoring for entrepreneurs. Studies by the African Association of Entrepreneurs indicate that gender disparity in South Africa has hindered the career development of women: poor access to business opportunities and information, lack of capital and assets, low self-esteem and confidence, and limited business networks are among the challenges women in business face. [1]

Through this partnership, women will have access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise. including access to industry experts, business coaches, and mentors,  learning how to leverage resources to build sustainable businesses that not only generate income but also create long-term wealth and economic opportunities for themselves and their communities.

Shiphra Chisha (GMT –  Head of Programmes) and Ayanda Mafuleka (FASSET CEO) 

“We are proud to work with a South African entity that is aligned with our goal of women’s economic empowerment. Partnerships are critical to the work we do; FASSET brings the resources, and we bring our expertise and experience working in 17 African countries, helping women grow their businesses exponentially. We look forward to being able to empower a cohort of South African entrepreneurs who’ve already done the hard work of setting up their businesses and growing them to get to the stage that requires new skills and mindset to evolve to the next level,” said Shiphra Chisha, Head of Programmes at the Graça Machel Trust.

[1] https://aaeafrica.org/southafrica/female-entrepreneurship-in-south-africa/