On August 28 2025 ASIME Women NPC in partnership with Ethekwini Agribusiness, proudly celebrated the graduation of the 2024/25 cohort of the New Venture Creation (NVC) Learnership at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The occasion was a culmination of 12 months of dedication, resilience, and transformation for 86 young men and women recruited from across eThekwini’s communities.
As the implementing agent, ASIME Women walked with learners through every stage of the journey-from recruitment and induction, to the five-month classroom phase, the seven-month workplace incubation, and finally, to the stage where the learners successfully graduated with an accredited NQF Level 4 qualification.
The Learners’ Journey
•Recruitment & Induction: More than 300 applications were received. After screening and interviews, 100 learners were recruited-92% of them women, including two with disabilities.
•Training Phase: From February to August 2024, learners were equipped with knowledge in entrepreneurship, leadership, financial management, and agricultural value chains.
•Workplace Placement: 89 learners were hosted at 35 employers, ranging from Umgibe Farming Organics to Prokon SA, Icebolethu Catering, Capitol Caterers, Bongumusa Farm, Xpresso Cafe, Mozambik, Mr Price Foundation, Food Lovers Market, South African Breweries and SupaFoods. These placements bridged the gap between theory and practice, building confidence and industry skills.
The ceremony was not only a celebration of achievement but also a recognition of the resilience of learners who overcame barriers to step into their new roles as entrepreneurs and job creators.
Impact and Achievements
•Graduates: 86 learners completed and were declared competent.
•Employment & Enterprise: Several learners were absorbed into full-time roles by host employers, while others launched their own businesses in sectors like farming, retail, and food production.
•Funding Secured: Through ASIME Women’s Entrepreneurs’ Aftercare Programme (EAP), 20 NVC learners accessed 5 million in SEDFA Asset Assist grant funding-a testament to the importance of ongoing mentorship and compliance support.
•Sustainability: Learners left the programme not just with certificates, but with tangible business plans, compliance readiness, and linkages to markets and funding partners.
Beyond Graduation
At ASIME Women, we believe graduation is the beginning, not the end. Through our Entrepreneurs’ Aftercare Programme (EAP), we will continue to mentor graduates, strengthen their compliance capacity, and open doors to markets and funding opportunities. This ensures that learners are not only trained but supported to grow sustainable enterprises.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our funders and strategic partners -FoodBev SETA and the eThekwini Municipality Agribusiness Unit-for their vision and investment. We also celebrate the ASIME Women team, whose dedication ensures that programmes like these are not just implemented, but deeply impactful.
Closing Note
To the Class of 2025: you are more than graduates-you are the future of South Africa’s economy. With skills, courage, and determination, you are ready to build businesses that create jobs, uplift communities, and transform lives.
At ASIME Women, we remain your partner on this journey. The future belongs to you.
1 Comment
Asime Women🙌🏽 Siyabonga! Being an undergraduate student, as well as participating and completing other NVC courses, I have yet to come across or be part of one of exceptional standards such as Asime women. Asime Women has not only grown my knowledge in entrepreneurial skills, but the knowledge shared was not only thorough but also practical, giving me real insights into how to effectively start and run a successful piggery business. I feel so inspired and confident now, equipped with the tools to turn my passion into a sustainable and profitable venture. Thank you for providing such valuable education and motivation!"
To the CEO and founder Mama wethu, mam Mpume Mpanza, thank you for being 'that women' an inspiration, a role model, I deeply appreciate and copy all that you are your grace, beauty, intelligence, integrity, sternness, warmth, love and kindness. Every time I feel weak, I think of you and remember that I need to push not only for myself but to be a full reflection of the spectacular women that you are and all your hard work, love and dedication should never be in vain. May God bless you, your family and team members, and all the ladies that you have governed and that have shown gratitude and appreciation to you. May your name remembered, known and be applauded in all the generations to come, till the end of times. You are a true diffinition of love.
Nothando Njoko
Asime Women 2025 cohert
Hammasdale
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