The programme featured key voices including Councillor Zandile Myeni, Deputy Mayor of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality; Xolile Sidu, head of local market, business and commercial banking at Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal; entrepreneur Seshme Holloway; and Anathi Xaba, Founder of Cook On The Bright Side Catering Services.
The afternoon spotlight fell on the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Pitching Den, where seven women entrepreneurs presented their businesses to an expert judging panel.
Taking the top spot was Kiki Sepuru, founder of Afrique360 Solutions, a technology-driven cleaning and property management company using digital innovation to transform facilities management.
Nothando Trace Khowa of Umbilo Express Plant Hire was named first runner-up, while Nikithemba Mbulawa of Sorahosso Services took second runner-up, highlighting the calibre and diversity of women-led businesses across KwaZulu-Natal.
"What we witnessed at EmpowHER KwaZulu-Natal was more than a pitching competition. It was a powerful showcase of the resilience, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that women bring to South Africa's economy. Through initiatives such as EmpowHER, Standard Bank is creating platforms that connect entrepreneurs to opportunity, meaningful networks and business growth support. When women-owned businesses succeed, they create jobs, strengthen communities and contribute to inclusive economic growth. We congratulate Kiki Sepuru on her outstanding achievement and celebrate all the entrepreneurs who demonstrated the courage and confidence to share their vision on the Pitching Den stage," said Fikile Msiza, Regional Head for Business Banking (Kwa-Zulu Natal) at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa.
As the KwaZulu-Natal Pitching Den winner, Kiki will receive R50,000 and progress to the National Standard Bank Top Women Conference, taking place on 08–09 September 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre. She will then join the other regional winners at the 23rd annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards on 03 December 2026, where one entrepreneur will be crowned EmpowHER Entrepreneur of the Year and receive an additional R100,000 cash prize.
The KZN edition marks the second stop in the 2026 Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER journey, building on the momentum of the Cape Town event and bringing another exceptional woman entrepreneur one step closer to the national stage.
Missed a moment? Relive the highlights from EmpowHER KZN! Event photos are now live - see the moments, connections and celebrations from the day here: https://skylerholicmedia.pixieset.com/standardbankempowherdurban2026/
The final regional leg of the EmpowHER series takes place in Johannesburg on 21 August 2026, where another group of women entrepreneurs will step into the spotlight and compete for their place at the national competition.
For sponsorship and partnership opportunities, contact az.oc.ocpot@gnitekram.
From powerful conversations to bold business ideas, Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER KwaZulu-Natal celebrated the women turning ambition into action - and the journey is far from over.
