Being an adaptive graduate and ensuring she utilises her knowledge of entrepreneurship to nurturing small businesses is what drives Snelisiwe Hlongwane, the marketing officer at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CSRI). Her collaborative efforts have been instrumental in supporting and nurturing small businesses within the university and outside the university, providing entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance necessary to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.
Given her passion and knowledge for entrepreneurship, Hlongwane has been invited to be a guest speaker at the prestigious Evolution of Women in Leadership Conference, presented by the Wear Your Brand Foundation. The event will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) on Tuesday, 29 August 2023.
Upon hearing of her nomination to present, Hlongwane was extremely proud of herself.
“I am honoured and excited to be a part of the upcoming Evolution of Women in Leadership Conference, as an ambassador of impactful change especially during this remarkable month of celebrating women’s achievements. My passion lies in empowering individuals and fostering positive change. Being invited to engage at this conference is a remarkable affirmation of the impact our work is making in the field of entrepreneurship and leadership,” she said proudly.
Hlongwane’s academic journey is a testament to her commitment to excellence. Holding a degree in Public Relations Management from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), she ventured further to attain qualifications in Projects and Operations Management, Intellectual Property from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and Entrepreneurship from the University of Cape Town (UCT). Currently, she is further enriching her knowledge by pursuing a Master’s degree in Marketing.
Giving an overview of the conference, Hlongwane said that the conference will be attended by powerful women in socioeconomic backgrounds.
“It serves as an unparalleled platform for educating and empowering women leaders, facilitating the exchange of perspectives and best practices and collectively formulating innovative ideas. This conference holds a significant purpose in advocating against gender-based violence and femicide. It unites influential women in leadership, creating a powerful platform where they can collectively contribute to South Africa’s sustainability agenda while driving impactful social transformation,” she said.
Her objective in terms of presenting at this conference is to inspire and empower fellow women by sharing her experiences, insights and encouraging women to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations with determination and resilience.
“Women have made significant progress in achieving gender equality in South Africa. They have made great strides in gaining access to education, employment, and political representation. Women are making a difference in the lives of children and families. They are the primary caregivers for children, and they play a vital role in ensuring that their children are healthy, educated, and safe. They are also working to break the cycle of poverty and violence that affects many families. Lastly, celebrating accomplished women provides positive role models for young girls and future generations. It encourages them to dream big, pursue education, and aspire to be in leadership roles, breaking down barriers that may have once limited their ambitions,” she stressed.
For Hlongwane, as a marketing officer she consistently demonstrates professionalism in interactions and strategies, reflecting DUT’s pursuit of excellence.
“I enjoy engaging in strategic initiatives, with the Evolution of Women in Leadership Conference being one of the strategic initiatives where I will be engaging with stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and partners with integrity and respect,” she said.
Pictured: Snelisiwe Hlongwane
Waheeda Peters
