ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
30 TRAILBLAZING WOMEN GRADUATE FROM INDLELLA INCUBATOR
A powerful new chapter is unfolding in Durban’s creative sector as 30 women graduate from the IndlELLa Incubator, equipped with the tools, networks, and confidence to transform their ideas into thriving enterprises.
EThekwini Municipality last night celebrated the graduation of the inaugural IndlELLa Incubator cohort, marking a significant milestone for the programme.
In a dynamic partnership between Alliance Française de Durban and Innovate Durban, with support from the Embassy of France, these 30 visionary women have completed a transformative six-month journey.
Now, they are poised to make a meaningful impact across Durban’s creative industries, demonstrating that when innovation meets opportunity, the results can be truly transformative.
Launched in November 2025, IndlELLa is a pioneering programme designed specifically for women in the cultural and creative industries.
What sets the initiative apart is its dual approach: delivering high-level business development while simultaneously providing on-site parenting support.
This model enabled participants, many of whom are mothers, to focus on growing their enterprises while their children participated in a structured educational playgroup facilitated by Kindling International and Zoë Life.
The graduating cohort represents a diverse range of talent, spanning visual arts, fashion design, digital content creation, and artisanal production.
Over the six-month period, participants were based at the Innovate Durban Innovation Co-Lab in Cato Manor, where they received intensive training, participated in international masterclasses, and benefited from mentorship provided by both local and French industry leaders.
“Today marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter in Durban’s creative sector,” said a spokesperson for Alliance Française de Durban.
“This milestone represents more than the completion of a programme, it signals meaningful and sustained impact. IndlELLa has demonstrated that when women are supported holistically through skills development, mentorship, and practical support systems, they are able to build resilient businesses, unlock new opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the creative economy.”
A key highlight of the graduation was the announcement of seed funding and strategic partnerships for several high-potential ventures.
Selected participants will also benefit from equipment grants and observation internships within partner organisations, ensuring continued growth beyond the programme.
This initiative reinforces the commitment of all partners to fostering cultural diversity and advancing economic empowerment through international collaboration.
As these 30 women return to their communities, they do so not only as creatives, but as business leaders ready to reshape Durban’s creative landscape.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
