Global acclaim for African women in business

This is great news for women in business in Africa, and more proof that they are among the best in the world. The Chamber praises the four members who will travel to New Delhi in India next week to receive awards from the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) for their success in building socially responsible multi-million rand businesses.

The main award winners are Donna Duggan of Maasai Wanderings & Nasikia Camps, based in Tanzania, and Audrey McMillan of the South African Products International (SAPRO) based in Johannesburg. Both are members of the Cape Chamber.

The two other Cape Town-based business women, Zakira Palekar of Doggobone and Mandy Tinkler of Habits will also travel to Delhi. They have been chosen for the Dreams Beyond Borders programme to develop their business skills to take them to the next level and win awards in the future.

Leading the delegation will be the international board member of IWEC and past president of the Cape Chamber, Ms Janine Myburgh who will be a speaker at the conference.

The award ceremony and conference gives women who own and run businesses an introduction to an international gathering of entrepreneurs and opportunities to network and develop global connections for their companies.

“IWEC’s global business network has left an indelible legacy on world trade. Women provide a previously neglected source of talent, skills, knowledge and insight and we can make a huge contribution to the world economy. This makes IWEC and its work very important.”, said Ms Janine Myburgh.

We are particularly impressed by this year’s awardees. Donna Duggan runs an outstanding photographic safari business which concentrates on the preservation of culture and wild life, while Audrey McMillan exports favourite South African products, from chutney to wine, to the expatriate communities in 16 countries.

New Delhi is a perfect venue for these entrepreneurial awards as India has one of the world’s fastest growing economies with many opportunities for expanding trade.

IWEC was established in Barcelona in 2007. It has annual award ceremonies around the world. Previous venues have been in China, Belgium, Sweden, Turkey, Peru, Cape Town, Seattle and Barcelona.

Geoff Jacobs
President of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry