By OBAKENG MAJE

12 August 2026 – As part of Women’s Month Celebration, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) is celebrating women entrepreneurs whose determination, resilience and innovation are contributing to job creation, economic participation and community development across the province. The department said amongst them is Maureen Modisaotsile, founder of Maureen’s Beauty Hub (Pty) Ltd in Golfview, Mahikeng, whose entrepreneurial journey demonstrates how targeted government support can help women-owned businesses strengthen their operations and unlock opportunities for growth.

Formally registered in 2019, Maureen’s Beauty Hub offers a range of professional beauty and wellness services, including massage therapy, waxing, facial treatments, make-up, manicures, pedicures and nail treatments. The business also provides house-call and mobile services for events. Like many small businesses, Maureen’s Beauty Hub faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Modisaotsile remained committed to rebuilding and growing her business.

The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane said theough the department’s empowerment fund, DEDECT provided the business with essential equipment and furniture to strengthen its operational capacity and support its long-term sustainability. Lenkopane said the equipment package included a laptop, salon body massage beds/portable wooden massage tables, beauty trolleys, wax warmers, beauty stools and electric facial chairs.

“These resources have enabled the business to improve the quality of its services, expand its client base and operate more efficiently. The impact of the department’s intervention extends beyond the provision of equipment.

“Since receiving the support, Maureen’s Beauty Hub has expanded its workforce by two additional staff members undergoing training, bringing the business to five beauty professionals, three of whom are permanently employed,” she said.

Lenkopane further said the growth demonstrates how targeted support to small and women-owned enterprises can translate into tangible economic opportunities, skills development and livelihoods within local communities. She added that the growth of Maureen’s Beauty Hub demonstrates the importance of creating practical pathways for women and young entrepreneurs to participate meaningfully in the economy.

“Women entrepreneurs are not merely beneficiaries of economic development. They are active drivers of it. Reflecting the 2026 Women’s Month message is, if you empower women, you empower the nation.

“By supporting a women-led company means building abilities, incomes, households and communities. The story of Maureen’s Beauty Hub demonstrates what becomes possible when entrepreneurs with vision and determination are given the right tools and opportunities to grow,” said Lenkopane.

She said through the empowerment fund, they want to see more women and young people turn their ideas into sustainable enterprises that create jobs and contribute to the economic development of the province. Lenkopane said her department remains committed to using the empowerment fund to strengthen the capacity of women- and youth-owned enterprises, enabling them to improve their operations, access opportunities, create sustainable employment and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient provincial economy.

“The success of Maureen’s Beauty Hub illustrates that empowerment is most meaningful when support translates into real change, stronger businesses, improved livelihoods, skills development and new opportunities for others.

“Her journey is a reminder that when women entrepreneurs are allowed to grow, the impact extends far beyond the business itself. The success of Maureen’s Beauty Hub illustrates the positive impact that targeted government support can have in unlocking the potential of women-owned as well as youth enterprises,” she said.

She said this Women’s Month, the department celebrates entrepreneurs such as Modisaotsile, whose dedication and perseverance continue to inspire other women to pursue entrepreneurship and seize opportunities for economic participation.

Modisaotsile expressed her appreciation to the department for investing in the growth and sustainability of her business.

“The support from DEDECT has made a significant difference to my business. It has enabled us to improve our services, attract more clients and create employment opportunities.

“I encourage women to believe in their ideas, make use of available government support programmes such as the DEDECT’s Empowerment Fund and take the bold step of starting and growing their own businesses,” she said.

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