ABOUT KZN WOMEN IN BUSINESS
KZN Women in Business is a support structure for women and a forum for fostering relationships, building networks, exchanging business knowledge and, ultimately, helping our members grow their businesses.
KZNWIB brings businesswomen together at monthly breakfast meetings, in a friendly, structured environment, to build business relationships and supportive friendships.
It’s not just about monthly meetings; it’s about creating a successful community of businesswomen to engage and connect with other committed, successful and inspiring women.
Members include established entrepreneurs, corporate executives and small business start-ups from a wide range of business sectors.
Formed in Durban in 1995, KZNWIB is one of the longest-standing businesswomen’s organization in KZN.
We’re a non profit voluntary organisation, managed by a committee of volunteers and a part-time administrator.
What’s in it for you?
You get the perfect opportunity to network with like-minded businesswomen, sharing business ideas and experiences. KZNWIB provides a wonderful balance between motivational and business oriented speakers throughout the year. Speakers at the monthly meetings ensure that members can learn new skills and keep up to date with current business practice while developing business alliances and leads to grow their businesses.
KZNWIB promotes the interests of its women, advocates for women in business, and fosters the recognition of women in business.
With a database of 1 800 women that continues to grow monthly, KZNWIB is an extensive network of businesswomen and executive decision makers in the Durban area and throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
Giving back
The Robin Hood foundation is our currently elected charity beneficiary of KZNWIB, with formal contributions by the organization, as well as individual contributions of time and expertise by members.
KZNWIB LEADERSHIP
The Chairmanship of KZNWIB changes after two years as this is the usual term of office. This regular change of leadership is a particular strength of KZNWIB and has, no doubt, contributed to its longevity and continued freshness and relevance to our members. Over the last 26 years, each chairman has left her own unique mark on KZN Women in Business and infused it with freshness.

2020-2021: SENTA DUFFIELD
Senta Duffield assumed the helm of the organisation in January 2020.

2018-2019: CHRYSTAL AUSTIN
Chrystal Austin assumed the helm of the organisation in January 2018. During her time as chairperson she was instrumental in the formation of a past chairpersons advisory council.

2016-2017: MEL GARD
Mel Gard assumed the helm of the organisation in January 2016. Mel came from a strong entrepreneurial and marketing background, and was instrumental in forming the digital communication of KZNWIB. Under her stewardship, the organisation became a registered NPO and made the largest single donation to its elected charity since the organisation's inception.

2014-2015: TINA CARTWRIGHT

2012 – 2013: EMMA DUNK

2010 – 2011: CHARMAINE SCHWENN

2008 – 2009 ALICE LEAH

2005 - 2007 KAREN BROKENSHA

2002 – 2003 BELINDA DAVIES

1999- 2000 SHARON EMMERICH

1995 – 1998 BEVERLEY-ANN FINK
Founding member and first Chair of KZNWIB, Beverley-Ann remains an active member of the organization today. As the original Chair, Bev played a significant role in laying the foundation of KZNWIB and clearly remembers how she used to “beg, borrow and steal” venues in which to meet before corporate sponsorship of meetings allowed for a fixed schedule of meetings as we have today.
Bev’s advice to all women is twofold: “Two things to remember: Take care of your thoughts when you are alone. Take care of your words when you are with people.”
[…] History & Objectives […]