Unlocking Potential
Being a businesswoman in South Africa makes you a unique creature, as you are not only a valuable economic contributor but also the custodian of your family's welfare. With many exceptional women still stuck under the social and corporate glass ceiling, we have unique problems and needs.

Who are we?
We are an apolitical business organisation, founded on sound business ethics and principles, that strives to increase the negotiating power of women in business through our affiliation with the AHI, in terms of knowledge and formal business sector involvement.

History of the SACBW
The SACBW was founded as the Johannesburg Businesswomen Club and became the National Council for Business Women in 1987. The name was changed in 1997 to South African Council for Businesswomen. Since 1989 the organisation presented the Businesswomen of the Year awards in three categories, namely:

1. Entrepreneur Businesswomen of the Year
2. Professional Businesswomen of the Year
3. Corporate Businesswomen of the Year

Since 1995 the organisation has also presented an Entrepreneurs Week on an annual basis. The annual national congress has been presented since inception.
The SACBW became affiliated with the AHI in 1989.

How the SACBW fits into CHAMSA
The historical launch of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry South Africa (CHAMSA) on 11 October 2003, as the independent umbrella body of the four national chambers, is a major step forward to unite South African business across all sectors of the economy.

Through the active involvement of its constituent members - AHI, FABCOS, NAFCOC and SACOB, CHAMSA endeavours to encapsulate the envisaged objectives and essence of representing business more effectively and progressively.

The South African Council for Businesswomen (SACBW) is affiliated to the AHI, and is therefore a professional association, which is linked to CHAMSA.