Wendy Yvonne Nomathemba Luhabe, popularly known as Wendy Luhabe, is a distinguished entrepreneur and passionate advocate for women’s economic empowerment who.
She is the founder of Bridging the Gap, founded in 1991, and Women Investment Holdings, founded in 1993, which have played a pioneering role in supporting and empowering women-owned businesses.
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- Full name: Wendy Yvonne Nomatemba Luhabe
- Stage name: Wendy Louhabe
- Date of birth: May 29, 1957
- Age: 67 years old
- Place of birth: Davidon, Benoni, South Africa
- Nationality: South Africa
- Occupation: Entrepreneur and businesswoman
- Height: unknown
- Parents: unknown
- Siblings: 4
- Spouse: Mbazima Shilowa
- Children: unknown
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $1 million and $5 million
early life and education
Wendy Luhabe was born on May 29, 1957 in Davidon, Benoni, South Africa. Louhabe was raised by her single mother, a nursing sister, as the second of five children.
Luhabe began her higher education journey at the University of Fort Hare, studying social sciences, but her studies were interrupted by the 1976 Soweto uprising.
She later obtained a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the National University of Lesotho. She later earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of the Witwatersrand. Louhabey identifies as Black and Christian, and her faith plays an important role in shaping her values and commitment to empowerment.
Profession
Wendy Luhabe began her career in the corporate sector, where she gained valuable marketing experience working at BMW for ten years. During this time, she honed her skills in strategic planning and business development.
However, in 1991, Luhabe turned his attention to entrepreneurship, establishing Bridging the Gap, a consultancy with the aim of helping young black South Africans transition into the labor market.
The company also assists businesses in integrating black South Africans into their businesses, marking a pivotal moment in her career from corporate marketing to social entrepreneurship.
In 1993, Luhabe launched Women’s Portfolio Holdings, Inc. (WIPHOLD), a groundbreaking initiative to economically empower women and teach them about investing. The organization played a vital role in transforming South Africa’s economy during its democratic transition, enabling more than 18,000 women to become investors.
Luhabe also demonstrated her commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs by establishing South Africa’s first private equity fund for women-owned businesses in 2002, raising R120 million to help them grow their businesses. Her leadership in these businesses not only promoted women’s participation in business but also contributed to the country’s wider economic development.
Throughout her career, Louhabe has held several key leadership positions. She served as Chairman of Vodacom from 2000 to 2006, during which time the company experienced substantial growth.
In addition, Luhabe was instrumental in promoting economic initiatives across the country as Chairman of the South African Industrial Development Corporation and the International Marketing Committee. Her global recognition includes being named one of the 50 most powerful women in Africa in 2020 by Forbes.
Luhabe’s extensive contributions to women’s empowerment, social entrepreneurship and economic transformation have earned her numerous accolades and cemented her position as a leading figure in business and development.
social media
- Instagram account: @luhabew
- Twitter account: @WendyLuhabe
personal life
Wendy Luhabe is married to former Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa. The couple has four children and three grandchildren. Although Louhabey tends to keep her family life private, she values her role as a mother and grandmother, maintaining a balance between her personal and professional lives.
Despite her many entrepreneurial and leadership achievements, Louhabe always put her family first, showing that she could excel in both a business career and family commitments.
net worth
Wendy Luhabe’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. Much of her wealth comes from her successful entrepreneurial endeavors, including founding Women’s Portfolio Holdings, as well as her leadership roles at major companies such as Vodacom and Richemont.