Durban | 23 February 2026 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli led the handover of R1.25 million from the Women Advancement Fund (WAF) to 25 beneficiaries at the Marine Building on Monday, 23 February 2026, reaffirming the Provincial Government’s commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment.
The event was attended by representatives from sponsor Absa Bank, Human Insight representative Ms Nokwazi Shezi, WAF beneficiaries, Acting Director-General Mr Sibusiso Ngubane, Premier’s Advisor Mr Nhlanhla Mtaka, Deputy Director-General Dr Sabelo Gwala, and senior government officials.
In his keynote address, Premier Ntuli expressed appreciation to Absa Bank for its financial support of the Women Advancement Fund, noting that partnerships between government and the private sector are critical in driving inclusive economic development.
The Premier reiterated that women’s economic participation remains central to the province’s growth agenda and stressed that gender-based violence and femicide continue to undermine women’s full participation in development programmes. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to intensifying efforts to eliminate these social ills.
“Through the Women Advancement Fund, we want to see women contributing constructively to the economy of the province and the country,” said Premier Ntuli.
He encouraged beneficiaries to think beyond provincial boundaries and to expand their enterprises into national and global markets, urging them to scale up operations, innovate and pursue sustainable growth opportunities.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms Sindisiwe Dlamini from Nquthu, welcomed the support and praised the provincial government for creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs. She encouraged patience among applicants, noting that persistence had ultimately resulted in success for many beneficiaries.
The Women Advancement Fund forms part of broader provincial initiatives aimed at supporting women-owned enterprises, promoting financial inclusion and strengthening the participation of women in key sectors of the economy across KwaZulu-Natal.