Bulawayo musician, entrepreneur and cultural icon Sandra Ndebele has hailed women’s unity and collaboration as the driving force behind the growing success of the empowerment initiative, Denim on Pearls.
This follows a larger and more impactful edition of the show this year.
In an interview, Ndebele said the platform was created to empower Bulawayo women by giving them space to showcase their work, connect across industries, and build partnerships that contribute to local development.
“If we, as Bulawayo women, unite for a cause — empowerment and development — we can go far,” she said.
“By creating these stages and platforms where everyone can learn about each other’s work, collaboration becomes easier because we get to understand the different businesses other women are involved in.
“Together, we can go far as the people of Bulawayo.”
She added that this year’s edition was bigger than the last and promised more similar platforms for women in the city.
“We also reached our ticket targets, which makes us very happy,” Ndebele said.
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“Our sponsor returned as well, so in 2027 we are ready for Bulawayo. I will continue creating this platform for my people because I am who I am thanks to you.”
With ticket targets met and sponsors returning, Ndebele described the event as a testament to what is possible when women come together with a shared vision for Bulawayo.
She further surprised the crowd with a performance by Platform One, who were warmly received as they performed their hit songs.
Scheduled DJs kept the crowd on its feet before guest performer Dladla Mshunqisi took the stage.
“The show was very great. I loved the reception, and the energy is still there from the last time I came. I am definitely coming back,” said Dladla Mshunqisi after his set.
On the sidelines, Bulawayo women in business praised the platform.
African Recycling Queens founder and CEO Sukoluhle Ncube applauded the initiative, explaining that her business focuses on engaging idle individuals.
“This is important, considering how many young people are falling into drug abuse, early pregnancy, and the unemployment crisis in our country,” Ncube said.
“I believe empowering them with any life skill can serve as a positive distraction from these challenges, and if guided properly, one can make a living from it.
“The event was packed with women, including youth, and my message would definitely have had an impact.”
Since 2020, Ncube’s enterprise has grown into a stable creative business that turns recycled materials into a wide range of functional and decorative products.
Beyond recycled bottle art, she produces home décor and household items that blend beauty, practicality, and environmental care.
Her work is strongly rooted in cultural identity, particularly through Ndebele-inspired designs, which give her products a distinctive and meaningful aesthetic.
With hotels and lodges among her regular clients, her business has successfully positioned itself as a supplier of culturally inspired, eco-friendly décor that transforms spaces into visually appealing environments.
