WomX Conference, Sandton: When Cape Town based entrepreneur Shameem Kumandan started her laundry business, it was out of necessity, not ambition. With little more than a washing machine, a repurposed family car, and the support of her family, she printed pamphlets and delivered orders door-to-door.
WomX success stories unveiled
Today, that humble backyard operation has grown into a nationally-recognized enterprise employing around 60 people, partnering with schools, washing sports kits, and even providing sanitary towels and life skills training for schoolgirls. Kumandan moved into a custom-designed facility, installed large-scale industrial equipment, and won multiple industry awards. Her journey, marked by grit, resourcefulness, and resilience, is now one of 100 stories captured in a new book launched at the WomX Women in Business Conference in Sandton.
WomX founder launches book
The book, Her Story, Her Success, curated by WomX founder Jayshree Naidoo, documents the barriers women entrepreneurs face, from difficulty accessing markets and funding, to unpaid family responsibilities. This includes the endless hours women spend cooking, cleaning, and taking care of their children or elderly relatives. These ‘invisible’ responsibilities often leave little time for them to grow a business, attend networking events, or to pitch for contracts. The book also highlights the breakthroughs that take place when those barriers are lifted. The stories tell how women-owned businesses are powering growth, creating jobs, driving digital transformation, and leaving a legacy for the next generation.
Facing bias and exclusion
“As an Indian Muslim woman in a white, male-dominated industry, I often faced bias and exclusion,” Kumandan recalls. “But success isn’t about where you start, it’s about the values you live by, the lives you uplift, and the courage to keep building despite the odds.”
Translating into economic impact
Naidoo said stories like Kumandan’s proved the real impact of women-owned businesses. “Women are driving change in new and innovative ways,” said Naidoo. “What they need more than anything is access to markets, practical development, and mentors who walk with them until their confidence becomes readiness for even bigger spaces, and their readiness translates into economic impact.”
Her Story Her Success
The launch of Her Story, Her Success comes against a sobering backdrop. While South African women are more likely than men to start a business, they remain less likely to access the capital, networks, or procurement opportunities needed to scale. The WomX Accelerator programme has already shown what’s possible when those barriers are removed: structured digital training and adoption boosted participants’ revenue by 92%, collectively creating more than 150 jobs.
Stories proving women win too
For Naidoo, the vision is clear: “We want young women to see themselves in these pages and to believe their ambitions matter. These stories prove that when women are given a fair chance, they don’t just survive, they thrive, building communities and shaping the future of South Africa’s economy.”
A Curated Spoken Word Experience
Delegates were also treated to a moving spoken word performance by the talented poet, Puno Selesho, who delivered her specially curated piece “The Call.” Lines such as: “Woman, you are the right one for the job. There is a call, written in your name. A call to rise, to stand firm. To turn your passions into purpose…” resonated deeply with the audience, capturing the spirit of the conference and affirming the strength of women entrepreneurs.
Reflecting on the performance, Naidoo said: “Puno’s words gave voice to what we often feel but cannot always articulate, that women are the right ones for this moment. Her piece reminded every woman in that room that they are not only worthy but vital in shaping our collective future.”
“These winners demonstrate what can happen when passion meets opportunity. Their journeys of growth, resilience, and innovation are the very stories that remind us why platforms like WomX exist, to enable women entrepreneurs to rise, thrive, and lead.” – Jayshree Naidoo CEO of YIEDI and Founder of WomX
WomX 2025 winners
- 1st Prize – R50 000: Sindisiwe Nyawuza, Aziye Solutions (Pty) Ltd (KwaZulu-Natal) – Aziye Solutions, a 100% black-owned business, delivers organisational diagnostics, engagement services, and legal support. Under Sindisiwe’s leadership, the company expanded from 5 to 17 employees, with an increase annual revenue of over 300%, entered new markets, and strengthened its digital presence.
- 2nd Prize – R30 000: Anastasia Jacobs, Hands On Approach Printing (Gauteng) – A proudly South African woman-owned business specialising in corporate printing, branding, and stationery. Anastasia expanded services into promotional branding, secured major clients including Mercedes Benz and SPAR, and leveraged AI in marketing to increase visibility and revenue.
- 3rd Prize – R20 000: Caitlin Samuel, Hi-Q Chemicals (KwaZulu-Natal) – A black-owned lubricant manufacturer offering high-quality, affordable products. Caitlin grew revenue from R11 000 to R500 000, expanded her workforce by 300%, and secured a significant contract through improved tender readiness and mentorship support.
This report is courtesy of Melini Moses of Express Yourself PR
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