The Power of the Widow's Rise
Saturday, 7 November, 2026
Protea Hotel Midrand
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A Word by Noni
Widows Rising NPC was birthed from a deeply personal place—a divine instruction that came after I recorded the final episode of my podcast, A Space to Breathe. I asked God, “What now?” And in His gentle yet powerful way, He answered: “I want you to host an annual event for your fellow widows. Empower each other. Support one another. Grow together. Walk this journey side by side, because you all know what it feels like to be alone.”
And just like that, Widows Rising NPC was born.
This is more than an event, it is a calling. A community. A movement. A safe space where widows can rise beyond loss, reconnect, and reignite their purpose. Through this annual gathering and the year-round initiatives to follow, we will empower widows to build and grow sustainable businesses, offer mentorship and coaching, and support each other emotionally, spiritually, and professionally.
For me, this is personal. After the passing of my husband, I struggled to find my footing again. I had lost not just a life partner, but a major pillar in my professional world, his network, his presence, his belief in me. I had to rebuild, often in silence and solitude. It was lonely, and it was tough, but I know now that I was never meant to do it alone and neither are you.
Widows Rising NPC is our response to that isolation. It’s our commitment to making sure no widow feels unseen, unsupported, or stuck. Together, we are creating a business hub, listing registered widow-owned businesses, offering collaborative opportunities, and walking this path as sisters in strength and purpose.
This is our time.
This is our rise.
My Story
Award-winning financial expert Nonhlanhla Nxele is the Founder and CEO of Esteemed Financial Solutions and Esteemed Learning Academy. With nearly two decades of experience, she is a seasoned CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®. She was honoured with the FPI 2024 “It Starts with Me” award, recognised as a 2024 Top 50 IFA in South Africa by Citywire, and named one of the Top 3 Woman of Stature in the Financial Services Category (2025).
Nonhlanhla is also a mentor, coach, and assessor, currently guiding two aspiring Certified Financial Planners® on their professional journey. She uses her voice to advocate for financial literacy and inclusion, particularly for women.
As the host of A Space to Breathe, her YouTube podcast, she offers practical tools and emotional support for widows rebuilding after loss. Nonhlanhla is passionate about helping people secure their legacies and thrive financially—at every stage of life.
Nonhlanhla Nxele
Our Story
Widows Rising, formerly known as WidowPreneur Rising, was born from a vision to see widows transform their grief into greatness. Founded by Nonhlanhla Nxele, the organisation has evolved into a movement that embraces all widows, providing a safe and supporting community for healing, recognition, and rebuilding after loss.
Widows Rising exists to ensure that no widow walks the journey alone, whether she is rebuilding her life, her finances, or her sense of purpose. Through meaningful programmes, partnerships, and advocacy, the organisation creates pathways for widows to rise, lead, and thrive in their own right.
What We Do
- We are widows empowering one another to rise beyond loss and rebuild with strength.
- We equip widows with financial, legal and business knowledge.
- We connect them to opportunities, networks and resources for growth.
- We celebrate those who are thriving and redefining what is possible.
Mission
To empower, celebrate, and support widowed women as they rise from grief to greatness by building businesses, preserving legacies, and stepping into purposeful financial and emotional freedom. Widows Rising NPC exists to create sacred spaces of healing, recognition, and opportunity, transforming widows into impactful entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities.
Vision
To become a globally recognised movement that honours the resilience of widowpreneurs, turning personal loss into powerful legacy. We envision a world where every widow has the support, tools, and recognition to rise, lead, and thrive, unapologetically.
What To Expect
Panel Discussions
Panel Discussions
Discussions on relevant topics
Workshops
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Awards
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Testimonials
My Experience of the Widows Awards 2025
It was a great honor to be part of the inaugural Widows Awards and Networking Platform, an initiative dedicated to empowering widows to thrive after loss.
The awards selection process was thorough, transparent, and evidence-based, recognizing resilience, growth, and meaningful impact. It inspired every participant to aspire to become a true shero—not only for their children and families, but also for themselves.
The platform created valuable opportunities for widows to grow personally and professionally, learn from past life choices, make informed decisions, and build a hopeful future. Beyond celebrating achievements, it fostered meaningful connections, encouragement, and a renewed sense of purpose.
I left the event inspired by the courage, strength, and determination of every widow who continues to rise above adversity. This initiative is a powerful reminder that life after loss can still be filled with purpose, hope, and new possibilities.
Thank you Noni for saying Yes to God💖🫂🙏
