EmpoweringHER 2025 brought The Power of 50 to the Inanda Club with panels, performances and a focus on women-led impact in South Africa.
EmpoweringHER returned to the Inanda Club in Johannesburg for its fifth edition, hosted by the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation. The event drew more than 300 women from across the country. This year’s theme, Women: The Boldest Strokes of Colour, created a space for conversations about leadership, creativity and the influence of women across South Africa.
The programme centred on The Power of 50, a selection of fifty women recognised for shaping culture and industry through business, social impact and community leadership. The foundation positioned the group as a reflection of the current moment in women-led innovation.
Zozibini Tunzi hosted the gathering and guided the day’s conversations. Her opening remarks encouraged attendees to think about how women claim space in South African society. “To be part of EmpoweringHER is to witness the strength, grace and brilliance of women who are not waiting for permission to lead,” she said. “The future is female and it is already happening.”
Founder Nomzamo Mbatha spoke about how the platform has evolved. She described the event as a response to the need for shared spaces where women can be visible and supported. “We dreamt of creating a space where women could celebrate one another, and today that dream unfolded in full colour,” she said.
The panel discussions, moderated by Nozipho Tshabalala, explored mentorship, resilience and authenticity. Dr Vumi Msweli and Thebe Ikalafeng focused on the role of sponsors and mentors in career growth. Dr Msweli noted that empowerment requires both access and advocacy. “When women support women, industries shift,” she said.
Ndia Magadagela and Ipeleng Mkhari contributed to a panel on leadership through adversity. Sheldon Tatchel and Mathebe Ngwenya discussed the role of authenticity in brand building, grounding the conversation in real examples from their own careers.
Vuyi Ngobese highlighted the impact of investing in women-led businesses. “Fifty businesses have been strengthened and many jobs created. These women are proof that intentional investment in women transforms economies,” she said.
Music from Amanda Black, Lerato Kganyago and Muneyi added to the atmosphere. Their performances brought a cultural layer to the event and helped close the programme on a reflective note.
EmpoweringHER signalled plans to expand its reach for the 2026 edition. Mbatha described the next phase as an opportunity to rethink what empowerment can look like for the decade ahead.
Since its launch, EmpoweringHER has invested more than R3.2 million into women-focused projects, positioning itself as a consistent contributor to community upliftment and entrepreneurship.
