K. Chen
ABOUT US
The mission of the KZN Top Business Women initiative is to empower, celebrate, and recognize the achievements of women leaders throughout KwaZulu-Natal. As a flagship program of KZN Top Business.
WOA Group
Adv Pria Hassan, Group CEO of Women of Africa Group added: “We invest in the power of women. The KZN Top Business Women event shines a light on the resilience, depth, and character forged by the demands of womanhood. This recognition is our commitment to the future, proving that strength and grace walk hand-in-hand.”
ABSA
Lesedi Metsoamere, KZN Regional Executive for Private Banking at Absa, highlighted the bank’s support for this initiative saying: “At Absa we exist to partner with women of courage and conviction, to fuel their ambitions and to work beside them as they build legacies that go far beyond profit. We believe that when women rise, economies transform, and when women lead with grace and grit, nations prosper.”
Morar Incorperated
Jennifer Reddy, CEO Morar Incorporated reflected on the importance of the initiative, noting: “This event is about celebrating each participating women’s courage, determination and resilience, who have made their mark in their respective fields with purpose and intent. We also honour the incredible power of these women who continue to redefine leadership in our province and beyond.”
DRG Outsoursing
David White, CEO of DRG Outsourcing With a core professional passion for people development, he supports platforms that highlight leadership and "vibrant contributions" to the South African economy.By sharing the stories of successful women through this initiative, he aims to inspire others to believe in their own potential and reach their personal and business goals.
HOW IT WORKS
The KZN Top Business Women initiative stands out as a recognition platform instead of a conventional competitive awards ceremony Its fundamental belief is that every woman chosen for the final is a "winner" in her right, shifting away from the typical "one winner per category" model seen in other industry awards.
1. Nomination and Entry
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Eligibility: Open to business owners, executives, professionals, and social entrepreneurs. For those owning businesses, a minimum of three years in operation (with 50% shareholding) is typically required.
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Submission: Participants can be nominated or nominate themselves by submitting a two-page CV, a brief company write-up (50–100 words), and either an 800–1,000-word written motivation or a two-minute video highlighting their achievements.
2. Selection and Interview
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Selection: Only 40 women are selected for the annual "Collection".
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Initial Interview: Qualifying nominees participate in an online interview with a panel to share their stories of success, challenges, and triumphs.
3. Personal Branding and Profiling
Selected participants undergo a series of promotional activities to build their personal and professional profiles:
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Photography & Video: Formal professional photographic sessions and video interviews are conducted (e.g., at locations like the Radisson Blu Hotel in Umhlanga).
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Webinar Series: Participants take part in a webinar series to share business insights and community impact with a broader audience.
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Digital & Print Features: Profiles are promoted across social media and compiled into a commemorative commemorative coffee table book.
4. Recognition (Gala Finale)
Event: The process culminates in a prestigious gala dinner (the 2025 event was held on 13 November) where nominees are officially honored.
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Awards: Participants receive framed photos and copies of the coffee table book as recognition for their contributions to the province
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SUCCESS STORIES
KZN Top Business Women Experiences
Tracey Mclennan
"Hi Grant thank you and your team for an outstanding experience. It was an amazing night to remember but the entire experience was surreal. I know there are a lot of people involved in making this special but to you, Gayle, Angela, Tracy ,Kerri and Maryke thanks so much and special thanks to your magician Brendon."
Teresa Davie-Rossouw
" I just wanted to say thank you so much for this opportunity. It took me a little while to fully understand what was expected of me throughout this experience and journey, but it has helped me grow in ways I didn’t even realise were possible.Hearing other women’s stories has inspired me so deeply, and this entire experience has been truly special. Thank you for everything."
Rashika Reddy
" I thought I'd take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and your team for this wonderful opportunity. I am in awe and what you have created, the attention to detail, the spirit of sisterhood through collaboration in the business industry is nothing short of incredible magic. I am extremely humbled by your support and belief in me. You will always be a part of my life and wherever I go you are now a part of my story.God bless you and Mrs Adlam for the magic you have created.
Love, light and blessings"