Trialogue’s Social Impact Stories took the spotlight on SABC’s Expresso Show on 7 November 2024, sharing an inspiring tale of local entrepreneurship and community empowerment in South Africa.
Nomasonto Mahlangu-Moncho is the dynamic entrepreneur behind Babalaz Chilli Sauce. Hailing from the Northern Cape, Nomasonto has successfully infused her passion for local flavours into a product now making its way onto shelves nationwide.
“When Sanlam came on board saying they are willing to give me a sponsorship, it was a dream come true. Sanlam gave me confidence to perform my financial skills and also my record-keeping. And with that confidence I managed to mentor a number of women and we are commercially viable.”
Nomasonto Mahlangu-Moncho
With the support of the Sanlam Foundation, Mahlangu-Moncho has not only scaled her business but has also become a beacon of empowerment for women in her community. The foundation’s backing has provided resources, training and mentorship, enabling Mahlangu-Moncho to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship while fostering economic opportunities for other women in her area.
Nozizwe Vundla, Head of the Sanlam Foundation, joined Mahlangu-Moncho in the studio to shed light on the Foundation’s broader mission and impact. The Sanlam Foundation focuses on initiatives that drive sustainable development and social upliftment.
“We are very proud. This is the first women-only focused enterprise and development program in Sanlam’s history. We do have gender disparities in South Africa. Women tend to have less social capital. Women often have childcare and household duties. We build a relationship with the entrepreneur and tailor-make solutions to make sure she gets on track to where she wants to be.”
Nozizwe Vundla
Corporate social investment (CSI) in South Africa plays a pivotal role in bridging gaps within communities, fostering economic growth and promoting social equity. Companies like Sanlam leverage their resources and expertise to support small businesses, education, health and entrepreneurship — key areas that drive long-term societal benefits.
The partnership between Babalaz Chilli Sauce and the Sanlam Foundation exemplifies effective CSI by aligning business growth with community development.
Empowering women through entrepreneurship
Mahlangu-Moncho’s story is also significant in the context of women’s empowerment. In many South African communities, women face systemic barriers to economic participation. By providing financial support, business training and networking opportunities, the Sanlam Foundation empowers women like Mahlangu-Moncho to break through these barriers, fostering a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape.
A model for future initiatives
The feature on the Expresso Show highlighted how strategic CSI can create sustainable models for community development. By investing in small businesses and empowering entrepreneurs, corporations can drive meaningful change that resonates across multiple facets of society. This model not only addresses immediate economic needs but also builds the foundation for long-term prosperity and resilience.
Watch the full Expresso interview:
