Ntokoza Ntleko Crowned 2023 Standard Bank Top Woman EmpowerHer in KwaZulu-Natal

Ntokoza Ntleko, a prominent resident and business owner in Musgrave, has emerged victorious at the prestigious Radisson Blu Top Woman EmpowerHer Awards, securing the coveted title of 2023 Standard Bank Top Woman EmpowerHer for KwaZulu-Natal. Ntokoza , the founder of Takkie Wash, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship and commitment to advancing female empowerment in the region.

Operating her business across multiple locations in Musgrave, Berea, and uMhlanga, Ntokoza spoke about the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal. She emphasized the unpredictable nature of the province, with load shedding and the high crime rate posing significant obstacles. In response, Ntokoza implemented a cashless system, accepting only card payments since the beginning of this year, although occasional instances of fraudulent attempts persist. Furthermore, despite her best efforts, the impact of load shedding on Takkie Wash's operations and overall service quality remains a concern.

Recognizing the need for increased female representation in the business landscape, Ntokoza stressed the importance of female entrepreneurs launching companies in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. She acknowledged the scarcity of a diversified group of women in business and highlighted her participation in various business seminars, where encounters with women working in her industry or similar fields have been rare.

Ntokoza’s competition proposal revolved around economic development, gender equality, and sustainability. She eloquently presented her firm, Takkie Wash, focusing on its commitment to gender equality, sustainability practices, and economic success. While explaining her pitch, Ntokoza faced the challenge of ensuring clarity and understanding among the judges and the public, emphasizing the order in which she delivered her ideas.

Looking ahead, Ntokoza expressed her ambition to build her brand while championing gender equality in the South African industry. She aims to create a resilient and sustainable brand that South Africans can take pride in, emphasizing the uniqueness of the term "takkie" as 100% South African slang, unknown to the rest of the world. Ntokoza firmly believes in fostering a work environment where gender equality is a non-negotiable norm and continually expanding and advancing her team.

As the recipient of the 2023 Standard Bank Top Woman EmpowerHer title for KwaZulu-Natal, Ntokoza Ntleko is poised to leave a lasting impact on the business landscape of the region. Her entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to advancing gender equality serve as an inspiration to aspiring business owners, particularly women, throughout South Africa.