'Women need mentorship, networks to unlock business potential'
correspondent | Wednesday July 29, 2026 18:57
The Women Entrepreneurship and Business is slated for August 1 at Thwaza Vintage garden, Letlhakane.
Speaking in an interview, Khiswa said the initiative was born out of a desire to address the challenges many women continue to face despite having the ambition to succeed in business.
'We recognised that while many women have great business ideas and ambition, they often lack access to the networks, mentorship and practical support needed to grow. This event was created to bridge that gap by bringing together women who can learn from one another and access opportunities that can help them move their businesses forward,' she said.
Drawing inspiration from mother Teresa, Khiswa said the event is founded on the belief that 'there is no need to do great things, but to do small things with great love,' adding that even small acts of empowerment can transform lives.
Khiswa said organisers want participants to leave the event equipped with practical tools rather than temporary inspiration.
'We want every attendee to leave with more than motivation. They must be prepared to stand firm on cardinal issues of right and wrong and hold principles without flinching. They must devote themselves wholeheartedly to their duties and spare themselves no effort in understanding the true conditions faced by women. They should gain meaningful connections, practical business knowledge, potential mentors and collaborators, and opportunities that can contribute to the growth of their businesses and careers,' she said.
She explained that the programme has been carefully curated to feature accomplished speakers whose experiences reflect the realities of entrepreneurship and leadership. Among them are successful businesswoman Theo Olopeng, who has excelled in farming and owns African Wax Prints BW.
'We intentionally selected speakers who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, entrepreneurship and service. Each brings a unique perspective and real-life experience that attendees can relate to, ensuring the conversations are practical, relevant and inspiring,' Khiswa said.
She added that the event seeks to create lasting impact by fostering relationships that continue beyond the conference.
'Our goal is to move beyond conversations by creating connections that lead to action. No one is born with knowledge; we all have to acquire it through study, practice and mentorship. We want to encourage partnerships and open doors to opportunities that women can continue to benefit from long after the event,' she said.
Looking beyond this year's event, Khiswa said the vision is to establish a sustainable platform that empowers women in business, leadership and purpose while giving back to communities through support for vulnerable children and mental wellness outreach programmes for women.
'Our vision is to build a lasting platform that empowers women to thrive in business, leadership and purpose. We hope to create a strong network of women who continue to support one another, and we will measure our impact through the partnerships formed, businesses strengthened and lives transformed as a result of this initiative. We also intend to give back to the community by supporting a girl or boy child and sponsoring mental wellness outreach programmes for women,' she said.
Quoting Kwame Nkrumah, Khiswa concluded: 'Those who would judge us merely by the heights we have achieved would do well to remember the depths from which we started.'