The Ithala Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) took part in the Nokusa Disability NPO Workshop, held at the Durban Stable Theatre on 25 June 2026. The event brought together people with disabilities, entrepreneurs, and development partners to discuss access, dignity, and economic opportunity — themes that sit at the heart of IDFC’s mission to build an inclusive economy where no one is left behind.
Inside the Nokusa Disability NPO Workshop
The workshop created space for open discussion between disability-owned business operators and organisations that can support their growth. IDFC’s participation reflected its broader mandate to widen access to funding and business support for underserved groups across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Representing IDFC at the event was Ms Thabisile Zungu, Business Advisor in IDFC’s Business Finance division. She shared practical information on:
- Funding solutions available to small businesses
- Mentorship support for entrepreneurs
- Business advisory services, including for enterprises owned and operated by people with disabilities
Supporting Businesses Owned by People With Disabilities
Ms Zungu was direct about IDFC’s approach to inclusion in business support. As she put it, IDFC helps small businesses grow, and that includes businesses run by people with disabilities — no one gets left out.
This message matters because access to funding and mentorship is often harder to come by for entrepreneurs with disabilities. By showing up at workshops like this one, IDFC signals that its Business Finance division is open to supporting this segment of KZN’s business community, not just mainstream SMMEs.
Why This Matters for KwaZulu-Natal’s Economy
Through engagements such as this, IDFC continues to support inclusive enterprise development and meaningful participation in KwaZulu-Natal’s economy. The table below summarises how the workshop connects to IDFC’s broader role:
Key Takeaways
- IDFC participated in the Nokusa Disability NPO Workshop at the Durban Stable Theatre on 25 June 2026.
- Business Advisor Ms Thabisile Zungu represented IDFC, sharing information on funding, mentorship, and business advisory support.
- IDFC’s support extends specifically to enterprises owned and operated by people with disabilities.
- The workshop reflects IDFC’s ongoing commitment to inclusive enterprise development across KwaZulu-Natal.
Conclusion
IDFC’s involvement in the Nokusa Disability NPO Workshop shows how the organisation is putting its inclusive economy commitment into practice — not just as a policy statement, but through direct engagement with entrepreneurs who are often overlooked. By offering funding, mentorship, and advisory support to businesses owned by people with disabilities, IDFC is helping widen economic participation across KwaZulu-Natal.
