“WOMEN WHO RISE: NALEDI CELEBRATES POWERFUL SISTERHOOD AND EMPOWERMENT!”
By MABEL MOSIAMEDI
NALEDI EXTENSION — Women empowerment, entrepreneurship and sisterhood took centre stage on Saturday, 7 November 2026, as The Pizza Garden at 2435 Lepping Street in Naledi Extension hosted the highly anticipated 3rd Annual Women Who Rise: Straw Hats & Pizza Picnic.
The elegant gathering brought together women from different walks of life for an afternoon dedicated to meaningful conversations, networking and personal development, with a strong emphasis on wealth, health, business and collaboration.
Organised by Zanele Ndaba, the visionary founder of Pizza in Naledi, the intimate event created a welcoming platform where women could connect, exchange ideas, share experiences and inspire one another to pursue their ambitions.
The gathering offered an exclusive and personal environment that encouraged meaningful engagement and the building of lasting relationships.
Adding further significance to the occasion was the presence of Mrs eSoweto 2025/26, Fikile Zwane, who attended as the honoured guest. Her presence brought an inspiring message of leadership, confidence and the importance of women supporting one another.
As a representative of women making a difference in their communities, her participation reinforced the importance of using platforms such as Women Who Rise to encourage women to recognise their potential, embrace opportunities and contribute positively to society.
The gathering also welcomed several businesswomen and aspiring entrepreneurs who took the opportunity to showcase their businesses, share their journeys and highlight available business opportunities. Through open discussions and networking, attendees exchanged ideas, explored potential collaborations and encouraged one another to grow their enterprises. The conversations reinforced the importance of supporting women-owned businesses and creating networks that open doors to new opportunities.
My Digital Training Experience
”Before joining Woman Rise, I didn’t know how to use apps, order online or check my data. Through the digital training, I learned step by step.
Now I can use Uber, buy data before bread and manage my business online. It has given me confidence and independence.”
Organization: Woman Rise
Motto: Empower • Connect • Grow
Campaign: Digital Skills for a Brighter Future / Digital Skills… A Brighter Future for Us All “said Ausi D, [Woman Rise Beneficiary].
Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, host Zanele Ndaba emphasised the need to create safe and uplifting spaces where women can learn from one another, overcome challenges and establish meaningful personal and professional connections.
Guests arrived dressed in beautiful, signature straw hats, adding a touch of sophistication and charm to the afternoon. The experience was complemented by delicious artisanal pizzas, curated snacks, refreshing drinks and a luxurious grazing board.
However, beyond the food, fashion and beautiful setting, the true value of the gathering was found in the conversations, shared experiences and relationships formed throughout the afternoon.
The 3rd Annual Women Who Rise Straw Hats & Pizza Picnic once again demonstrated that empowerment begins when women create opportunities for one another.
The event also highlighted the importance of township entrepreneurship, particularly the role women-owned businesses play in creating opportunities, strengthening local economies and building sustainable communities.
From Naledi Extension, the message was clear: when women come together, share knowledge and support each other’s dreams, they create opportunities for collective growth.
It was more than a picnic; it was a celebration of women, purpose, entrepreneurship and the power of sisterhood.
Because when women rise, communities rise with them.
