Ency Samkelisiwe Litsoane
Role
Chair person
Ency epitomizes the quote - “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” (Nelson Mandela).
A true daughter of Africa, Ency is dedicated to using her strength and expertise in empowering women, youth and entrepreneurs by equipping them with the skills necessary to become leaders of change in their communities. Having been aligned with SAWEN (South African Women’s Entrepreneurial Network) as the Chairperson for the Western Cape. She discovered the desperate need of equipping entrepreneurs. She has taken the initiative in understanding the legislation and funding available to reinforce the vital role women in business are playing in shaping the national agenda.
Equipping herself initially in the nursing profession, she took herself to the next level by carving a career in network marketing, later studied and trained in entrepreneurship after opening a guest house of her own.
She was sponsored by the Eskom Contractor Academy to study Entrepreneurship through the University of Limpopo (Edupark). She further did a short course at the Cape Peninsular University of Technology (CPUT) on Entrepreneurship sponsored by Bank Seta. She has been facilitating Over the Rainbow Teen Boss for three years.
Through focus and sheer commitment she has now made a name for herself as a transformation speaker, leadership strategist, entrepreneurship training and personal development trainer.
The work she does with diverse organizations, such as SAPS, Correctional Services, Government Departments, Metro Rail, Private companies and Churches reflects her nurturing personality. In this role her passion makes her job feel less like work and more of a calling. Her charisma makes her a popular choice as a speaker and also a guest on radio shows. A top achiever, she consistently wins prestigious awards, including frequent international travel benefits. Over and above that she was a finalist as the most influential woman in business and government in South Africa and in Africa.
As a Founder and Director of THERATO HOLDINGS (Therato Guest House and Therato Training), she is passionate about purpose and dedicated to teaching, mentoring and training clients to attain the lifestyle they desire. Her corporate experience and diversity of skills that foster cultural understanding have made Ency a credible and respected leader. Recently appointed as Director of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF). AWIEF is a pan African and non-profit organization that promotes and supports female innovation, technology and entrepreneurship across Africa through a portfolio of high impact initiatives and programmes.
A multi-talented lady, Ency still lists relationships and balance as core values in leading an enriched life, and family life rates high on her list of priorities. As part of a truly influential team, she and her husband, ‘Oppa’ Mohlomi Litsoane are a powerful force for change.
“Your playing small does not serve the World…”