Bio
Wendy Luhabe is a social entrepreneur and chairman and director of Diverse Industries best known for being a judge on the SABC2 reality competition television series The Big Break Legacy, from 2012-2013.
Wendy holds a portfolio of activities, which is increasingly becoming a phenomenon of the 21st century for a generation of people who wish to live a life comprising of diverse experiences that make a difference and have meaning.
From corporate employment to social entrepreneurship and the boardrooms, with bridging the gap between women and the economy being a common thread in all her endeavours.
Wendy has a portfolio of interests and has been a social entrepreneur since 1991 after 10 years in corporate marketing of a luxury brand.
Her first business was in Human Resources Development to bridge the gap between management and employees, to optimise the performance of new employees without experience, to prepare young people for a successful career and equip them to thrive in an environment that culturally marginalises people who are different.
In 1994 Wendy pioneered together with three women the founding of Women Investment Portfolio Holdings which listed in 1999 on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (de-listed March 2003), an initiative that revolutionised the participation of women in the economic landscape of South Africa and the first women owned company to be listed.
This concept remains the only one in the world and contributed significantly towards women claiming their power and taking responsibility for their financial independence.
She is currently chairman of Vendome SA, and was previously the Chairman of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the International Marketing Council (IMC) responsible for Brand South Africa.
She is on the board of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange, a Trustee of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Foundation for the leadership development of young people, a member of the Club of Rome in Europe, a Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, on the board of the International Institute of Management Development in Switzerland and also sits on the International Advisory Board of Essec Business School in France.
Wendy is a recipient of two Honorary Doctorates in Commerce for her pioneering contribution to the economic empowerment of women.
She is married to the premier of Gauteng, Mbhazima Shilowa. They have two sons and a grandson.