WHERE BOLD IDEAS, POWERFUL VOICES, AND THE FUTURE OF WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP UNITE.
Gauteng Discover inspiring speakers, powerful networking opportunities, and the conversations shaping the future of women-led growth and empowerment across South Africa. 21 AUG 2026 | RADISSON BLU, SANDTON, JHB
Standard Bank Top Women sbtopwomenleaders sbtopwomen Standard Bank Top Women
FROM STARTUP TO STANDOUT
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Where bold ideas, powerful voices, and the future of women in leadership
T
unite
he EmpowHER Development Series is aimed at building communities, creating meaningful connections, and opening access to valuable networks for entrepreneurs across South Africa. Travelling across various provinces, the series provides a platform for 10 pre-selected entrepreneurs to pitch their promising business models to a well-rounded panel of respected thought leaders, investors, and business experts. Participants deliver a 3-minute elevator pitch followed by an engaging 5-minute Q&A session, where they receive valuable feedback, mentorship, and insights on how to strengthen and grow their businesses into market leaders. Beyond the competition, the initiative is designed to empower entrepreneurs through exposure, networking opportunities, and access to influential industry players who can help accelerate business growth. Winners from each region then advance to the annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards, where one outstanding entrepreneur will walk away with the prestigious trophy and a R100 000 cash prize. n
At Topco Media, we believe that empowering women in business is not simply about creating opportunities, it is about unlocking economic potential, driving innovation, and building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. Across industries, women continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience, creativity, and leadership, yet many still face challenges in accessing the networks, markets, funding, and strategic partnerships needed to scale their businesses and realise their full potential.
Welcome to the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference 2026. Dear EmpowHER Delegates, Welcome to the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference 2026. It is a privilege to welcome you to this inspiring gathering of entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are shaping the future of South Africa’s economy. We are delighted that you are joining us for a day dedicated to connection, learning, growth, and opportunity.
The Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference was created to help bridge these gaps. More than a conference, it is a platform designed to connect ambitious women with the knowledge, resources, and relationships that can accelerate growth and unlock new opportunities. Through meaningful conversations, practical insights, and access to influential decision-makers, we aim to equip women entrepreneurs to thrive in an increasingly competitive business landscape. Our partnership with Standard Bank reflects a shared commitment to supporting women-owned businesses and fostering sustainable economic participation. Together, we are creating pathways that enable women to lead, innovate, and build enterprises that contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future. A key highlight of
this year’s programme is the EmpowHER Pitching Den, where 10 pre-selected entrepreneurs will present their promising business models to a distinguished panel of thought leaders and business experts. Through a three-minute elevator pitch followed by an interactive five-minute question-and-answer session, participants will receive valuable feedback and strategic guidance on how to strengthen their businesses, access new opportunities, and grow into market leaders.
The stakes are higher than ever. Three regional winners will each receive R50,000 and advance to pitch at the National Top Women Conference, taking place on 8 and 9 September at the Sandton Convention Centre. From there, one exceptional entrepreneur will be crowned the Top Women EmpowHER Champion 2026 at the Top Women Awards on 3 December, receiving the prestigious Top Women Trophy and an additional R100,000 cash prize. Equally important are the opportunities created beyond the stage. Our one-hour Fast Track networking sessions have been carefully designed to facilitate meaningful introductions, encourage collaboration,
and create real business opportunities. Combined with immersive stage experiences, sponsor activations, and interactive content studios, the conference offers a premium environment where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and inspiration is transformed into tangible impact. I encourage you to engage fully throughout the day, share your experiences, challenge your thinking, expand your network, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. The connections you make and the insights you gain today could play a defining role in the next chapter of your entrepreneurial journey. Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we are advancing a future where women-led businesses are recognised, supported, and celebrated for the vital role they play in driving economic growth, innovation, and social progress across South Africa. I wish you an enriching, impactful, and successful conference experience. Warm regards, Ralf Fletcher CEO, Topco Media
Get ready for a day of inspiring conversations, insightful sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. 08h00 – 09h30
REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS
09h30 - 09h45
Moderators Opening Remarks: Mokoena Moloto, Founder, Brave Voices
09h45 - 10h00
Standard Bank Keynote Address: Stella Parker, Head, Business Banking, Standard
Bank Gauteng
10h20 - 11h00
Keynote Address: Nonnie Kubeka, Executive Director : Gauteng Convention & Event Bureau
11h00 - 11h30
Fireside Chat: Sinovuyo Mondliwa, Founder, Love Kinks
11h30 – 12h30
REFRESHMENTS + NETWORKING
11h30 – 12h30
Fast-Track Networking Session – “Turning Conversations Into Connections”
12h30 – 13h30
LUNCH
13h30 – 15h45
The 2026 Pitching Den
15h45 – 16h00
Moderators Closing Remarks: Mokoena Moloto, Founder, Brave Voices
Good luck to all of our finalists!
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Meet the leaders, innovators, and changemakers bringing valuable insight, expertise, and encouragement to the next generation of women-led businesses and bold entrepreneurial ideas.
balala-Shandu Thoko Tsha ING DIRECTOR, VEA MANAG
Lebo Jane
MANAGER, PREMIUM & GROWTH STANDARD BANK
Kume Luvhani
CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTO VAXOWAVE
R,
SEGMENTS,
Lagini Govender HEAD, ENTERPRISE BANKING, STANDARD BANK GAUTENG
Nonnie Kubeka
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: GAUTENG CONVE & EVENT BUREAU
NTION
Thank you for championing bold ideas.
Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston 93 Grayston Drive Sandton, South Africa, 2149 0800 780 018 jnbgs_res@hilton.com
Each speaker brings unique insights, practical experience, and fresh perspectives designed to spark meaningful conversations and empower attendees to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact.
Stella Parker FOUNDER, BRAVE VOICES
Sinovuyo Mondliwa FOUNDER, LOVE KINKS
HEAD, BUSINESS BANKING, STANDARD BANK GAUTENG
Nonnie Kubeka
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: GAUTENG CONVENTION & EVENT BUREAU
Thank you for championing bold ideas.
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Confidence Have a look at our visionary entrepreneurs selected to take centre stage this year. Each finalist represents innovation, resilience, and the future of women-led business in South Africa as they pitch their ideas live to a panel of industry leaders and changemakers.
Hannah Rasethe PEAK A SITE PTY LTD
Koketso Zandile Mogashwa Naleko Digital Solutions
Yonela Nzmaa Azi flavor burst
Pretty Kubyane eFama App
Zulfa Nkosi
Zulfa’s Glamour Girls Trading Enterprise
Refilwe Moreno Barahona Tsogomath Pty Ltd
Sewela Matjekane Mc Lante Telecoms
Vutomi E Muchemenye Renature PTY LTD T/A Eullys Cakery
Nompumelelo Sthabile Magwaza Sthabile Business Investments
Mosa Mufamadi
Tshedza Shangoni Holdings
A huge thank you to the incredible sponsors and partners who helped make the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference in JHB such a success.
STANDARD BANK Platinum Partner
RADISSON BLU Hospitality Partner
AK SPA AND EVENTS Lifestyle Partner
BEAUTY BY BINKI Lifestyle Partner
COFFEE FOR A CAUSE Lifestyle Partner
THE SUNNY CLUB Lifestyle Partner
PEARLESCENT THERAPY Lifestyle Partner
KOLOR FAKTORY COSMETICS Lifestyle Partner
QUANTUM LIFESTYLE Lifestyle Partner
MALACHI ORGANICS Lifestyle Partner
BENEFIT COSMETICS Lifestyle Partner
FROSTED Lifestyle Partner
DEWDROP SKINCARE Lifestyle Partner
THE TAYLA MADE MELTS CANDLES.CO Lifestyle Partner
BEAUTIFUL POSSIBILITIES Lifestyle Partner
HERBAL LIFE Lifestyle Partner
BISCOFF Lifestyle Partner
REFRESHA TRADING Lifestyle Partner
ROYAL NUTS Lifestyle Partner
KHAYELITSHA COOKIES Lifestyle Partner
HIGH VOLTAGE CREATION Lifestyle Partner
SATAGURU TRAVEL Lifestyle Partner
EQUILIBRIUM JEWELLERY TSWAA ORGANIC SKIN CARE Lifestyle Partner Lifestyle Partner
SkillsTrain
SKILLS TRAIN Lifestyle Partner
ONA MAE Lifestyle Partner
CJ MEDICAL Lifestyle Partner
HASSTEON ORGANIX Lifestyle Partner
COLOR SMOOTHIE Lifestyle Partner
THE MELANIN HOUSE Lifestyle Partner
HER WINE COLLECTION Lifestyle Partner
NKANDZO WELLNESS SPA Lifestyle Partner
TENDRAI Lifestyle Partner
YAYAY & CO Lifestyle Partner
HILTON Lifestyle Partner
Travel Management & MICE Specialists SOUTH AFRICA · SOUTHERN & SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
One Partner for Every Business Trip Across Africa and Beyond Companies without a managed travel programme spend up to 30% more than those with one (GBTA). We turn fragmented, unmanaged spend into one accountable programme — with local execution across Southern Africa and 80+ countries beyond. WHO WE ARE
WHAT WE HANDLE FOR YOU
▸ Africa's largest TMC — Corporate Travel and MICE Services
▸ Flights, hotels, car hire & rail — best negotiated fares & accommodation rates, fully managed.
▸ 30+ years of experience, with South Africa branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban & Pretoria.
▸ Airport transfers, ground logistics & visa services.
▸ Local Teams, Global Programme. On-the-ground staff in 80+ countries handling bookings, local currency settlements, and supplier
▸ MICE full service under the same roof — Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events by a dedicated MICE team
negotiations.
▸ Travel policy design, enforcement & reporting.
▸ 140+ self-owned branches and 64 local IATA accreditations, with local-currency settlement across Southern & Sub-Saharan Africa.
▸ Customised MIS reporting with clear cost overview, billed in local currency.
SECTORS WE SERVE
Retail
Mining
Oil & Gas
Pharma
Logistics
Banking & Insurance
Embassies & High Commissions
Universities
WHY COMPANIES CHOOSE SATGURU
80+
1 Point
24/7
Countries
Dedicated Account Manager
Emergency Support
Satguru Group presence & on-ground support
Direct line, no call centres
Real-time traveller tracking, anywhere on the map
▸ Full visibility — your finance team sees every rand in real time. ▸ Policy enforcement built into the booking flow. ▸ On-ground teams in 80+ countries — local support wherever your team travels.
▸ Integrated with your approval workflows & travel protocols. ▸ Managers approve or reject from any device. ▸ Both offline and online booking tools (OBT) available.
CLIENT RESULT · ENTERPRISE · SOUTHERN AFRICA · MULTI-COUNTRY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Up to 15%
20%
100%
Travel Spend Reduction
Less Coordination Time
Policy Enforced
Negotiated rates across 80+ markets*
Consolidated booking & reconciliation*
Compliance applied at point of booking
Before Satguru: fragmented spend, no consolidated view · inconsistent ad-hoc approvals · manual reconciliation · reactive traveller safety · retail supplier rates
Try Satguru Travel Risk-Free
90-DAY FREE TRIAL
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
15-Min Discovery Call
Tailored Proposal
Structured Pilot
We review how your team currently books travel and identify exactly where Satguru adds value.
Tell us your destinations, frequency, key challenges and preferred suppliers. We build a programme around you.
Full service for 90 days with clear monthly MIS. Joint review at day 30 and day 90. The results speak for themselves.
SOUTH AFRICA COVERAGE Fully staffed branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria. Local-currency settlement, in-country regulatory compliance, and on-ground emergency support across Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa. .
Email: renier.vds@satgurutravel.com Tel: +27 011 826 1511 Website: satgurutravel.com
BOOK YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CALL
*Cost-reduction figures reflect typical managed-travel client outcomes and vary by programme. Managed-travel benchmark: GBTA / Safe Harbors, 2025
Confidence
W
ith the EmpowHER journey now at it’s final regional stop in Gauteng, the stage is set for one last powerful gathering of bold conversations, inspiring women, meaningful connections, and ambitious businesses ready to make their mark.
They’ll pitch their hearts out, bring their boldest ideas forward, showcase the businesses they’ve worked so hard to build, and give it everything they’ve got. It’s their opportunity to take everything they’ve learned throughout the EmpowHER journey and turn it into one unforgettable final pitch.
After three regional events across South Africa, the journey now comes down to the strongest pitches, the boldest ideas, and the entrepreneurs who have proven that they have what it takes to stand out.
The stakes are higher, the audience is bigger, and the opportunity is greater than ever. This is their moment to step into the spotlight, tell their story, champion their vision, and prove why their business deserves to take the ultimate title. And in December, at the prestigious Standard Bank Top Women Awards, the EmpowHER journey will reach its grand finale.
The winners from all three regions will go head-to-head in the final pitch battle, putting their businesses, vision, resilience, and ambition on the line for the chance to win the grand prize.
One entrepreneur will rise above the rest and be crowned the ultimate champion, taking home the grand prize and earning a place among the women who are shaping the future of business. The journey may be reaching its final regional stop, but for these women, this is only the beginning. Scan the code & secure your seat to join us in Gauteng for the final showdown.
info@topco.co.za 186 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, 0860009590
Topco Media
topcomedia_
topco.co.za
@TopcoMedia
@Topco_Media
Topco Media