Nthabiseng Yvonne Thabeta

What does your company do?

Education, Talent & Change Management Agency Carve strategic partnership in contributing towards our client’s profitability, leading to the creation of growth and economic opportunities for all, particularly the rural women and the disabled communities. Education: We consult for companies in creating sustainable educational projects Talent: Recruitment and Selection Management Change Management Solutions.

What is your biggest success?

Our Mission: Maximise Opportunities. Steward Momentum. Our Vision in Action We live our mission by investing in Education, cultivating Talent, and championing Change Management. These pillars guide our work, empower our people, and shape our nation’s future. Our Impact Over the past few years, we have: Put the spotlight on equitable and inclusive quality education Advocated for women’s empowerment and advancement Shifted perceptions and mindsets through sustained change leadership These actions are not just initiatives; they are catalysts of transformation. Our Focus: Women and the Girl Child Our business model centers on advancement, empowerment of women, and the projection of the girl child. In South Africa — our beautiful, complex, and evolving nation — democracy has brought political change, but economic emancipation remains uneven. Women, in particular, continue to be underrepresented in entrepreneurship and economic leadership. Legacy barriers and cultural norms have long confined their roles, but we are rewriting that narrative. Through: Fundraising and advocacy for informal women entrepreneurs Building a platform for women in business and leadership Supporting sustainable livelihoods for families We are cultivating a future where women no longer survive on the margins but thrive at the center. Why We Lead Change As the saying goes: “Change is inevitable.” “The only constant in the world is change.” Our ethos is grounded in embracing, initiating, and leading change. We believe stagnation is the enemy of progress. That belief was put to the test during the global pandemic. Covid-19 disrupted every plan, strategy, and assumption — yet, it also revealed the power of resilience and adaptability. Remote work, digital transformation, and human-centered leadership became the new normal. In this environment, we didn't just survive. We led. As a certified Scrum Master, I’ve been at the forefront of guiding our team through these changes — building agility, driving performance, and staying true to our core values. Looking Ahead Our work is far from done. We are committed to: Expanding access to education and opportunity Supporting female entrepreneurs from informal to formal markets Driving mindset shifts that enable inclusive economic participation Because true transformation requires more than policy — it demands purposeful action, people-centered leadership, and ongoing momentum. We don’t just advocate change. We are the change.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Challenges facing our businesses 1. ACCESS 1.1 Funding The notion that “you don’t need money to make money” is misleading. Adequate funding is essential to: Secure professional services (e.g., website design, branding, legal services). Purchase office automation tools and manage day-to-day operations. Cover transportation costs to clients and pay for accreditation and professional registrations. Impact: Without funding, it's difficult to compete, remain professional, or scale operations. 1.2 Markets and New Opportunities Post-incubation, many new and small businesses are left without support. Large corporates are often hesitant to engage with small or emerging businesses, limiting market access. Impact: Limited inclusion in value chains hinders business growth and sustainability. 1.3 Information Although government programs aimed at women empowerment exist, communication often fails to reach rural areas where they are needed most. Many women lack access to email and internet. Information about opportunities is often shared too late—after deadlines or once beneficiaries are already chosen. Proposed Solution: Develop a centralized, accessible platform for real-time dissemination of opportunities and support programs. 2. RED TAPE Obtaining accreditations, especially for industries like mining or construction, involves: Stringent requirements Specialized skills and funding Impact: Small businesses without legal, technical, or financial support are excluded from lucrative tenders and partnerships. 3. LOADSHEDDING While not as severe as before, intermittent power cuts and water shortages still: Disrupt productivity Increase operating costs Affect customer trust and deadlines Proposed Solution: Stabilize energy and water supply; provide backup systems or subsidies for small businesses. 4. OTHER FACTORS 4.1 Ethical Business Practices There is a silent but persistent issue of unethical practices, especially against women: Subtle forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Sexual exploitation masked through suggestive emojis or messages Call to Action: Promote safe and ethical business environments, empower women to report such issues without fear of retaliation. 4.2 Market and Political Uncertainty Key sectors like mining, engineering, and construction are volatile: Retrenchments reduce demand for recruitment services. However, recent renewed interest in Platinum and Gold brings hope. Outlook: Cautiously optimistic about sector recovery and new contracts. 4.3 Budget Cuts in Education Both local and international budget cuts (including by USAID) affect: School procurement of supplies and infrastructure NGO-funded education initiatives Impact: Businesses supplying educational resources face declining demand. 4.4 High Banking Fees Banking fees remain a major barrier for small entrepreneurs: Monthly charges discourage account maintenance Poor banking history affects credit ratings and funding eligibility Proposed Solution: Financial institutions should create SME-friendly packages with reduced fees and simplified credit access. Conclusion To support women-led and small businesses, it is critical to: Improve funding channels Enhance access to markets and information Streamline accreditation and procurement processes Promote ethical practices Address infrastructure issues like loadshedding Advocate for budget protection in education Reduce financial barriers such as banking fees