EmpoweringHER 2025 Returns With Nomzamo Mbatha Celebrating South Africa’s Women

The EmpoweringHER 2025 movement is more than an event — it is a force shaped by passion, community, and a deep commitment to uplifting women in business. And at the heart of it all is actress, philanthropist, and global advocate Nomzamo Mbatha, whose mission continues to transform lives across South Africa.

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According to The Citizen, on Saturday, 15 November 2025, the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation, in partnership with the Hollywood Foundation, will host the 5th annual EmpoweringHER Seminar & Business Awards at the Inanda Club in Johannesburg. Running from 9 am to 5 pm, the event will bring together entrepreneurs, leaders, and dreamers for a full day of learning, networking, and celebration.

Nomzamo explains that the idea behind EmpoweringHER was born during one of the hardest moments in recent history.

“During COVID, while I was in quarantine and watching devastating business losses, something stuck out,” she recalls. “The big players had insurance to back them up and resources they could tap into. Meanwhile, women-owned businesses in rural and marginalized areas were closing down and making tough choices. These women already had multiple families to care for, and I thought, ‘This can’t be right. We must raise funds to not only sustain but also scale and fail-proof such businesses.’”

What started as a response to crisis has now become a powerful movement. Five years later, EmpoweringHER stands as one of the country’s most impactful initiatives for women. Many attendees have left with new tools, contacts, and confidence to grow their businesses.

This year’s theme, “The Power of 50,” honours fifty women who have made remarkable contributions to social and economic change. For Nomzamo, the milestone is emotional and meaningful.

“It is a gift and a blessing to have stayed the course on what was once a vision,” she says proudly. “Now it’s at such a pivotal milestone.”

She adds, “The Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation team works really hard. I’m so proud of our partners like Hollywood Foundation, who trust the growth of this and where we can take it.”

The summit goes far beyond motivational talks. It offers real, practical guidance on business development, financial management, and building community impact.

“Our panel discussions are very tailored for the audience,” Nomzamo explains. “They are here to learn how to scale their businesses and ensure sustainability. They also learn to tap into grants and think about community engagement and investment. We also hope it’s a time to network, connect, and celebrate.”