30 March 2025 

The Women Advancement Fund is an initiative that provides various forms of financial support to empower women-owned businesses in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Launched this year during the State of the Province Address, the fund is part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to uplift women and ensure their economic inclusion. 

The African National Congress is committed to empowering women, and this project is part of a long line of government-led projects that have been started by previous administrations. Additionally, it will break down economic and social barriers, placing women at the forefront of South Africa’s development. 

When the ANC was in power, different parts of the government helped women-owned businesses in a number of ways, such as by training in areas like agriculture and information technology. The president has further committed that women-owned businesses must have 41% set aside in public procurement. The previous administration under the ANC had already initiated many such efforts. 

The KZN Women Advancement Fund will add to these efforts already in place and championed by our government. We ask all KZN women to take advantage of this opportunity to increase the number of women participating in the economy. 

This fund is significant on many fronts because, beyond empowering women, it will contribute to employment creation for women and youth. It is in this spirit that, as the ANC parliamentary caucus, we appreciate the initiative and applaud seeing the commitments of President Cyril Ramaphosa being implemented by provinces. 

We will ensure that we monitor the application and outcomes of the processes of the fund and its use to ensure that all women from all backgrounds benefit. Furthermore, we plan to augment the funds to support an increasing number of women-owned businesses.

Through the Women’s Economic Assembly, we will ensure that proper training is provided for women-owned businesses to increase their chances of success. 

Issued by the Whip of the ANC Study Group on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Hon Tshehofatso Meagan Chauke-Adonis  

For enquiries, please contact: 

Cde: Hlengiwe Hadebe 

Media Liaison Officer 

+27 64 147 3276