Ayavuna Women’s Investments (Pty) Ltd is a second-wave empowerment player whose objective is to acquire quality assets for the benefit of Black professional women, as well as women’s organisations in the health, education and skills transfer sector operating in urban and rural environments. Led by Hixonia Nyasulu, who was recently rated by the Financial Mail as one of the most influential women in business in South Africa and by Empowerdex as the most influential female Director on the JSE, the company is aggressively positioning itself as a lead player in women’s empowerment.

As Executive Chairman, Nyasulu is in good company. Ayavuna’s key point of differentiation, and its unique selling proposition, are the 10 professional women whose horse-power will help drive the Ayavuna engine. “We are a broad-based women’s group which also boasts a wide range of skills, as well as management and Board expertise. Apart from my marketing and Board expertise, honed during the years spent at Unilever and as strategic market planning consultant as well as a number of prestigious listed Board seats, we have amongst us a practising psychologist who holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology, a Chartered Accountant, a Lawyer, two HR Executives, an MSc graduate who has authored two prescribed science text-books, two Educationists with Masters degrees (one of whom is Rector of a Community Development College) and two CEOs. That is serious horse-power!”, said Nyasulu

Ayavuna’s focus is on Mining/Mining services, Retail, Branded consumer products and Financial Services. But everyone involved understands that BEE is by nature opportunistic. “We’ve clearly selected areas where we know that our collective experience can add measurable value to the companies we do deals with, but know that our strategy will be refined as we build critical mass.”

No doubt calls made by the President to see more empowerment of women will help Ayavuna’s cause. Nyasulu points to the new cabinet as evidence that the President means business, and is willing to put his money where his mouth is. Most companies are primed to follow suit with their BEE initiatives, but do not always know where to find women’s groups that speak their language. Ayavuna is well-placed to fit the bill, as it does not only have qualified professionals, but can field executive and non-executive Directors who can bring management expertise to the companies they do deals with, thereby helping them meet the requirements of the score-card.

“The fact that we have financial backing as well as the capacity to lead deals adds to the attractiveness of Ayavuna as an empowerment partner,” adds Nyasulu. Ayavuna believes the processes companies follow will determine whether or not they end up with the right partners. “Selecting a strategic partner is as critical as choosing a life-time marriage partner. In both cases, a beauty parade is hardly the best way to do it”, says Nyasulu.

Ayavuna has a lot to offer, and can therefore afford to be selective. “Because we know what value we can add, we don’t sit idly and hope to be “noticed” during the parade. We also do not begrudge the first-wave players their success, even though it is our stated intention to upstage them! As in any competition, we believe our credentials speak for themselves, and may Ayavuna win. As the saying goes, the best man for the job is ALWAYS a woman!”, ended Nyasulu, with no tongue in cheek humour intended.

Management, staff and operational structure

The company currently has 2 full time employees only. Hixonia is the Executive Director, while Catherine Mphuthi, an African female, fulfils the role of receptionist/telephonist. The full time staff demographics are both employees are black women.

Hixonia is responsible for the development of strategy, identification of companies for Ayavuna to invest in, analysis of information regarding these companies, and presentations to the companies. She also compiles Board papers and prepare for Board meetings. She also handles communication with shareholders, and Ayavuna prides itself on keeping ALL shareholders fully appraised on all its affairs.

The management of Ayavuna’s public profile is managed by Hixonia.

^Top^