ELAVATING WOMEN IN KWAZULU-NATAL

Now in its sixth year, the KZN Top Business Women 2025 is proudly powered by the Women of Africa Group, Morar Incorporated and Absa, and supported by DRG. T he initiative recognises and celebrates the achievements of KwaZulu-Natal’s most dynamic and inspiring women – leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are making a difference in both business and society.

According to Lesedi Metsoamere, Absa KZN Regional Executive for Private Banking, the true value of KZN Top Business Women lies in recognition, inspiration, and connection. “It spotlights women who are quietly but powerfully transforming their sectors. It also provides relatable role models for young women and future leaders. And it creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to network, collaborate, and access new markets – which is one of their biggest challenges outside of funding.”

 Adv. Pria Hassan, Group CEO Women of Africa Group, noted that the platform has also shifted perceptions of women’s roles in the province. “KZN is one of the most thriving provinces, yet the role of women has often been underestimated. This event showcases women from rural areas to corporate leaders, all of whom drive the economic hub of KZN. It is about teaching women that they can lean on each other. T hey are not competitors in the room, but sisters.”

 Jennifer Reddy, CEO Morar Incorporated, shared her personal perspective, having been a nominee herself. “In 2022, I was listed as a nominee. At the time, I did not fully grasp the value, but as my career progressed, I realised what an uplifting movement this is. Women in business are competing on many levels, often in male-dominated professions. For us to uplift KZN, to make it a brand on its own, and to showcase our businesswomen is incredibly valuable.”

 Only forty women are selected each year, and each participant participates in a photographic session, a video interview, and a webinar. Their stories are collated into a coffee table book. The women also receive recognition on social media – providing personal branding and marketing exposure. The webinar dates are the 16, 23 and 30 October at 18H00. Each woman will participate in one of the webinars and be  provided the opportunity to introduce themself and their business. To register to attend these online events visit https://www.kzntopbusiness. com/save-my-spot The 2025 celebrations culminate in a prestigious gala dinner on Thursday, 13 November at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga, where this year’s nominees will be honoured for their invaluable contributions to Grant Adlam, Adv Pria Hassan, Lesedi Metsoamere and Jennifer Reddy perceptions of women’s roles in the province. “KZN is one of the most thriving provinces, yet the role of women has often been underestimated. This event showcases women from rural areas to corporate leaders, all of whom drive the economic hub of KZN. It is about teaching women that they can lean on each other.

They are not competitors in the room, but sisters.” Jennifer Reddy, CEO Morar Incorporated, shared her personal perspective, having been a nominee herself. “In 2022, I was listed as a nominee. At the time, I did not fully grasp the value, but as my career progressed, I realised what an uplifting movement this is. Women in business are competing on many levels, often in male-dominated professions.

For us to uplift KZN, to make it a brand on its own, and to showcase our businesswomen is incredibly valuable.” Only forty women are selected each year, and each participant participates in a photographic session, a video interview, and a webinar. Their stories are collated into a coffee table book. The women also receive recognition on social media – providing personal branding and marketing exposure. The webinar dates are the 16, 23 and 30 October at 18H00. Each woman will participate in one of the webinars and be KwaZulu-Natal.