PRESS RELEASE

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day on the 8^th of March and Mother’s Day in May 2025 , and reflects on the progress and challenges faced by women, Connie Matlejoane, CEO of CRM Enterprise and a respected business leader in her community, is introducing the Leruo Foundation. The Lerou Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs, young business leaders, and branding experts in South Africa. It seeks to break down barriers, provide mentorship, and create tangible opportunities to fuel the next generation of business success stories, with a specific focus on support for community-based entrepreneurs.

Despite the growing influence of women in business, South African female entrepreneurs continue to face systemic challenges, particularly in securing capital and resources. It is reported that while only 38% of SMEs in the country are women-led, female entrepreneurship is rapidly growing, particularly in sectors like retail, technology, and social enterprise. However,  there remains a number of hurdles, limiting their potential for expansion.

“The reality is that women entrepreneurs don’t just need motivation; they need access to capital, networks, and knowledge that directly support their business growth,” says Connie. “I was lucky enough to receive support in joining multiple business programmes when I first started my business, CRM Enterprise, and I want to give back to my fellow entrepreneurs in opening up these doors and providing the support they need to access opportunities. This foundation is about creating a movement, where local business owners uplift each other, share resources and insights, and build sustainable success together.”

At the same time, youth entrepreneurship is on the rise, as young South Africans turn to business ownership amid record-high unemployment rates. The foundation recognises the potential of these emerging entrepreneurs but also acknowledges their struggles in accessing mentorship, funding, and essential business knowledge.

“Many young entrepreneurs lack experience and business knowledge, struggle with access to capital, and are limited in their networking opportunities,” says Connie. “Youthpreneurs are the future of entrepreneurship and by supporting and empowering them, we can foster the next generation of business leaders, innovators and problem solvers who will reshape industries and create positive change in society.”

Unlike many large-scale initiatives, the Leruo Foundation takes a grassroots approach, working directly with aspiring entrepreneurs within their own communities. By prioritising personalised mentorship and peer collaboration, the foundation ensures that business owners receive practical, hands-on support tailored to their specific needs.

The foundation’s first major event, the Youthpreneurs Summit, will take place on 16 June 2025, bringing together young business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to discuss innovation, inclusion, and the future of youth-driven enterprises in South Africa. A Women’s CEO breakfast is also being planned for August. 

To find out more about the Lerou Foundation, please visit leruofoundation.org.

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About the Leruo Foundation

The Leruo Foundation is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and young business leaders in South Africa by providing mentorship, funding access, and skills development. The foundation focuses on three areas including women-led enterprises, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and promoting branding companies. By taking a hands-on, grassroots approach, the foundation ensures that aspiring business owners receive practical, tailored support to help them succeed in an increasingly competitive economic landscape.

To learn more about the Leruo Foundation and how to get involved, visit https://leruofoundation.org or contact Connie Matlejoane at 077 605 2454  or connie@leruofoundation.org.

About Connie Matlejoane

Connie Matlejoane, an entrepreneur from Klipfontein View in Midrand, has built a thriving business despite facing numerous challenges. After being retrenched, she took a bold step to start her own business – both to support her family and to contribute to local economic growth by creating employment opportunities in her community. What began with just a desk, laptop, and cellphone in the corner of her bedroom has since grown into a successful enterprise.

Her company, CRM Enterprise, offers a diverse range of services, including corporate gifts, promotional products, PPE and workwear, vehicle wrapping, branding and signage solutions. CRM Connect Internet Café also offers small business support services and company registrations.