Busisiwe Faith Shabangu, 35, was shaped by a family rooted in faith and service. From an early age, she embraced leadership — from coordinating church programmes to mentoring her peers. Busisiwe holds an advanced diploma in financial management from Regent Business School and is pursuing her ACCA designation. As a business banker at Absa, she supports small and medium-sized enterprises with more than transactional banking. She provides tailored financial solutions, strategic advice, and access to funding that help businesses scale sustainably — including clients such as Azul Intelligence, whose revenue growth was accelerated under her guidance. Her work also spans partnerships with organisations such as the Energy Council of South Africa and Remako Group Holdings, crafting bespoke solutions for sector-specific challenges. Busisiwe has mentored professionals through Absa’s Enterprise Development Programme and guided matriculants through bursary and university applications. She was a finalist in the Woman of Stature Awards (Finance) and named a Savvy Fellow. She leads in church ministries, mentors youth through the Pathfinder Club, and builds grassroots networks to uplift professionals and entrepreneurs.
One of the women I deeply admire is Wendy Luhabe, a trailblazer in South African business and social entrepreneurship. Her boldness in founding WIPHOLD to economically empower women during a time of deep systemic exclusion is nothing short of revolutionary. She proved that it is possible to lead with purpose, transform lives, and build sustainable enterprises that uplift entire communities. Her journey has inspired me to think beyond traditional roles and use my career as a vehicle for impact. I also draw strength and inspiration from my mother, a woman of quiet resilience, unwavering faith, and incredible strength. She raised four children, often under challenging circumstances, with grace, dignity, and fierce love. Watching her persevere through adversity and still lead our family with compassion taught me that true power lies in consistency, sacrifice, and belief in something greater than yourself. Lastly, I am grateful for the spiritual mentors within my church community—women who have helped shape my character, fuel my leadership, and anchor my decisions in faith. Their guidance has grounded me through every high and low and continues to shape how I lead, serve, and uplift others. These women—in business, at home, and in faith—are the blueprint for the woman I strive to become.