Please visit the Cape Town gallery to view photos of the functions listed below.
BWA Charity Lunch
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Devonvale Wine Estate
Review by: Nina Joubert
What more can any lady ask for… a clear blue sky, a lovely venue in the heart of the Western Cape Winelands, awesome food and entertainment and surrounded by women who, each in a very special way, can inspire those around them.
This was the scenario at our annual BWA Charity Lunch held at Devonvale Golf Estate. The lunch began with the normal formalities but soon became focused on the real reason for the event being the charities we were raising funds for. The representatives from Rapcan and the United Sanctuary Against Abuse were each given an opportunity to explain what they are doing in our community and how we were assisting them.
Thanks to the generous hearts of the BWA members and sponsors we managed to raise more than R15000 through direct financial donations as well as the raffle and the auction of a piece of artwork. This was in addition to the gifts and donations given on the day to the two charities.
After the more sombre part of the lunch, we were entertained by Tracy Klass, who brought great laughter to all there.
All in all this was another great BWA event full of networking and inspiration.
Thank you to all who contributed to the great success of this charity drive.
Lunch with Evita
17 October 2008
Marimba
Review by: Zahida Ebrahim
On Friday, 17 October 2008, just a few hours after the launch of her political party, EVITA'S PEOPLE'S PARTY, Evita Bezuidenhout joined BWA members for a scrumptious lunch at Marimba Restaurant at the CTICC to discuss the "Zunami of 2009" and to gather a few stylish handbags and paperback thrillers – all for a good cause, off course.
Not new to politics, Tannie Evita, as she is affectionately known is a former ambassador of Bapetikosweti. Her political party, she says, was launched to fill the empty space left by infighting in the ruling African National Congress, not to mention that it is high time that South Africans had someone to vote for who dresses well.
Speaking of the ANC, Evita says that ANC President, Jacob Zuma, wants her for his seventh wife. She says that he has always treated her with great respect, although this is likely because she has never been alone in a room with him for more than a minute. But, says Evita, she will continue calling him by his Zulu name, Innocent.
Evita believes that anything is possible – just hours before, said Evita, a woman who does not exist announced her candidature for the presidency in 2009 at an event that was attended by some of the most powerful women in politics including Helen Zille, Patricia de Lille and Lynne Brown.
Evita being the darling of Darling, it is only fitting that all proceeds from the sale of the handbags and novels collected at the event will go towards transport for disabled children in Darling to the Wilge Day Care Centre in Atlantis and for HIV/AIDS patients in Darling to the ARV clinic in Malmesbury.
Evita Bezuidenhout, who in real life is acclaimed satirist and actor Pieter Dirk Uys, founded The Darling Trust in August 2003. The Darling Trust was set up to assist the previously disadvantaged communities of Darling and surrounds. They aim to empower individuals to help themselves, mainly through participation in the sectors of education, skills development and health.
On 1 November, The Darling Trust will have a stall at the Rondebosch Craft Fair where they will sell the handbags, costume jewellery and thriller paperbacks so generously donated to The Darling Trust.
No doubt Tannie Evita will be there wearing a fancy frock and her iBEZ4PREZ badge.
Spring Breakfast
26 September 2008
Winchester Mansions
Review by: Elspeth Donovan
The annual spring breakfast for BWA CT on 26th September was a sell out from a weather point of view didn’t feel a bit like spring!! However inside the Winchester Mansions thanks to a spectacular array of hats worn by members and friends it felt like spring!! There was a buzz in the air and Nina did a wonderful job of positioning the value of belonging to the BWA. This was endorsed by testimony from members- ranging from stalwarts like Margaret McFarlane and recent members like Phumeza Mgxashe. Everyone present grabbed the opportunity to make new connections and happily we signed up .. new members.
African Feast of Inspiration
26 September 2008
Marimba Resturant
Review by: Caren Willett
On 21 August, BWA Cape Town hosted "An African Feast of Inspiration" lunch at Marimba Restaurant at the ICC...and what an absolutely inspirational lunch that was. The first speaker was Emily Voller, the Creative Director of EVO Media, who is a dynamo! She is so bubbly and energetic and had everyone enthralled with her life story of being a central african orphan to travelling and studying all over the world, to finally settling in Cape Town. The mother city is truly a better place with people like her in it. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious.
The second speaker was Les Aupiais, owner of Write Angles Editing, a communications company, as well as being an accomplished author. Les is probably best known as being an investigative journalist for Cart Blanche for 8 years. She spoke candidly about what you'll never see in her CV, which was really funny as most of us could relate. Les also spoke about her new book, Take Three, which is about the trials of raising her triplets.
Our last speaker was the beautiful, ex Miss SA, Basetsana Kumalo, our BWA President and co-owner of Tswelopele Productions, a television production company, which produces Top Billing, Pasella and Ses'khona. Bassie spoke passionately about "you are a brand". She also shared with us some of her childhood stories and the wisdom shared and passed on by her parents. Bassie also told us that it's not "who you know", but "who knows who you know".
Marimba Restaurant certainly laid on an African feast as promised. All food was served in platters and placed down the centre of the table. Diets went straight out of the window...
I must mention that both Bassie and Les spoke about their mentors and both mentioned Jane Raphaely, who happened to also be there, which was great. Lucky prize draws were done, followed by extreme networking and coffee.
I for one felt deeply enriched having spent a few hours with so many amazing women.
Menopause - Bring it On
23 September 2008
Encore
Review by: Nerina Bierman
On the 23rd September we were informed by Dr. Alan Alperstein, a leading gynaecologist from Cape Town on the topic of Menopause, a normal part (season) of a woman’s life. He did a presentation that explained the seriousness of looking after your health and also entertained the ladies with comical slides that life (menopause) is not a topic to get all hot and flustered about! Yes! Women are unique and embrace this season as part of the journey of womanhood, knowing we all go through it, some of us just experience more of the obvious symptoms in a higher degree.
Menopause facts: Menopause is a natural biological event in a woman’s life that can start between the age of 45 and 58. The time leading up to menopause ( Menopause Transition) can begin 5-6 years prior to menopause. Periods may become irregular. Both estrogen and progesterone are necessary in the female cycle, and their BALANCE IS KEY FOR OPTIMUM HEALTH. It is more likely that it is the progesterone levels that are low and not vice versa. Your adrenal glands and ovaries are your main sources of progesterone. The truth is, for many women, the worst part of hot flashes is the sense of powerlessness over their own bodies. A menopausal hot flush is essentially caused by a mix-up of signals between the brain and the body. The brain is affected by fluctuations in estrogen that occur against a backdrop of relatively low levels of progesterone. During moments of extreme estrogen flux, the temperature-regulatory part of the hypothalamus (the CEO of your body) misinterprets the message as a signal for elevated core body heat. It responds by sending ‘release heat’ messages to the peripheral body. To release this heat within seconds by increasing its heart rate and dilating vessels to circulate more blood, as well as opening sweat glands. For some women, waves of anxiety wash over them while others might feel heart palpitations. Your body is going through a major hormonal transition, but like with any form of transformation, the scary part is we know where we are now, but we don’t know what it will be on the other side. This is where women need to take control of their health and become knowledgeable of what is happening and what they can do to make healthy adjustments to their lifestyle.
Your whole body is affected in this transition phase of your life. You may also be plagued with a variety of other hormonal-based conditions:
- Osteoporosis ---- thinning of the bones
- Heart disease happen to women as well! Coronary Heart Disease increase by 3 x once women reach menopause. Risk factors for heart disease: overweight; high blood pressure; diabetes; smoking; bad cholesterol; inactivity
- Colon problems
- Depression
To sum it up. Protect your body from head to toe, inside out.
- Sleep 6 -8hrs in a dark room with fresh air
- Breathe deeply to oxygenate your cells and detoxify your mind and blood
- Exercise every day for bone health, good circulation and elimination and weight control
- Direct sunlight on your skin is important for Vit. D, also go without your sunglasses to expose your eyes to natural light
- Drink plenty filtered water
- Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
- Eat more protein than carbohydrates and forget about low fat this and that. It is since women are so concerned about their weight that they do not get enough nutrition the natural way, go back to butter, no dairy, and eat more oily fish and a variety of nuts and seeds.
- Supplements - get personalised advise from a homeopath for your own needs
- Eliminate exposure to cell phones, computers, microwaves and everything instant
- Consult your gynaecologist for professional advice on female health matters and always get at least 3 opinions when you have to make a serious decision on treatments or on a diagnosis.
Relax more, dance more and pause more for ultimate vitality.
About Dr Alperstein
Dr Alan Alperstein is a leading gynaecologist in South Africa and he hails from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Cape Town, and Head of the Gyneacological Firm in the Academic Unit at Grooute Schuur Hospital. He was previously the Head of the Infertility Department at Groote Schuur.
He is a member of several professional organisations, including serving as a Board member of the South Africa Menopause Society. He also forms part of the advisory panel of several health care and pharmaceutical companies, and women's health website. www.menopause.co.za
Accelerate Cape Town 2010
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Winchester Mansions Hotel
Review by: Zahida Ebrahim
South Africans are not optimistic people at the best of times and, quite frankly, crawling along the N1 in heavy downpour toward the Accelerate Cape Town 2010 presentation which the Cape Regional BWA hosted at the Winchester Mansions Hotel last week, I wasn’t feeling too optimistic myself… little did I know that I was about to be enlightened…
Guy Lundy of Accelerate Cape Town, a business-led initiative aimed at bringing together major stakeholders in the Cape Town region to develop and implement a long-term vision for sustainable, inclusive economic growth, has afforded me a new perspective on the importance of 2010 and what it will bring to the African Continent, and to Cape Town in particular. With little under two years to go to kickoff, there appears to be much for Capetonians and business women to be excited about.
The 2010 World Cup is expected to attract a cumulative television viewership in excess of 28 billion for the 64 matches and all eyes will thus be on our country. It is the opportunity of a lifetime to showcase our breathtakingly beautiful Mother City to the world.
With an expected 400,000 foreign visitors with an average spend of R1575 a day each, the direct economic benefit is not to be scoffed at, but Lundy says that this is only the beginning. The hosting of the 2010 World Cup will likely be a catalyst for faster economic growth and the achievement of the country’s developmental goals and it is the long term positive effects of hosting the World Cup in terms of socio-economic benefits, infrastructure development, investment and tourism that is likely to be the lasting legacy. South Africa will have better sports facilities, a better public transport system and better telecommunications infrastructure.
Hosting of the 2010 World Cup will create a number of business opportunities for small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in various sectors, more particularly the tourism, hospitality, arts crafts and entertainment, transport, health, ITC, language and translation services, waste management and recycling and security and manufacturing and retail sectors says Lundy.
He cautions that business owners must however be vigilant of restrictions and limitations before investing in or expanding their businesses in anticipation of the 2010 World Cup. Fifa, he warns, is fiercely protective of its sponsors rights and considering that sponsorships costs hundreds of millions of US Dollars, one can appreciate why. Any combination of FIFA, 2010, South Africa and World Cup is likely to infringe Fifa’s rights and result in huge financial losses for the unlicensed user whose goods will not only be confiscated, but against whom legal action will most certainly be instituted. Very important also to note are the restrictions applicable to non-hotel accommodation, which must, amongst other things, be in host cities or designated satellite areas and must be graded by the Tourism Council.
So let us shed the negativity and defeatist attitudes surrounding the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Let us recall instead the country’s celebrations when we won the bid to host the first FIFA World Cup on African soil in FIFA’s more than 100 years of existence. Let us direct our energy toward seizing instead the numerous business opportunities available. Let us help get South Africa ready for 2010.
Mentor Workshop
Saturday, 26 July 2008
PwC
Review by: Jane Notten
The power of mentoring
Mentoring is a powerful too that can add huge value to individuals and organisations but only if it is done in the right spirit.
This was the key message to come out of the recent mentoring workshop hosted by the BWA Western Cape Branch in July. Yvonne Finch of Yvonne Finch Consulting, led the half-day workshop at PWC headquarters in Canal Walk that was designed to build individual skills as well as to develop a cadre of professional mentors to drive the BWA mentoring programme in the region.
“Mentoring is a powerful tool that can add huge value to individuals and organisations and play a significant role in skills transfer, but only if done in the right spirit,” says Finch. “A key part of this is choice. Both the mentor and the mentee must want to be in the relationship or it cannot be successful.”
According to Finch, the chance of achieving a successful interaction between mentor and mentee is increased if the right parameters and support mechanisms are put in place at the start of the relationship and if regular checks and reports are adhered to as the process unfolds. Some of the things to watch out for is that both parties understand what the process will and will not achieve and to have a clearly defined end point in mind.
“Without a clearly defined end to the process, there is a danger of drift. In addition, a mentee cannot celebrate when they have arrived,” says Finch, who recommends that all of these parameters are put down into a formal agreement or contract that both parties sign before the process starts.
Through discussion, instruction and role play, delegates were introduced to a number of key skills required by mentors including the ability to listen actively. “It is often said that a mentor has two ears and one mouth and should listen twice as much as the mouth talks,” joked Finch.
Finch showed delegates that the ultimate goal of mentoring is to open the mind of the mentee to other possibilities of how they can be in the world. “For people to grow they have to be challenged,” she says simply, adding that this is core to what mentoring seeks to do.
“Make no mistake, mentoring is a rigorous process and is not for the faint hearted. Not everybody has what it takes to be a mentor, but those who do will find that done right, it can be a richly rewarding experience.”
The BWA mentoring programme will start shortly please email Cheryl on ct@bwasa.co.za should you be intrested in the programme as a MENTOR or MENTEE.
Front - Susan Stelzner, Nina Joubert, Jane Notten, Phumeza Mgxashe
Back - Gita Lison, Yvonne Finch, Nuraan Adams, Ferose Oaten
Review by: Phumeza Mgxashe of Sanparks
Mentoring has mutual benefits
Mentorship is one of the buzzwords of the 21st century. The benefits for mentees have been discussed and debated at length yes there is hardly any attention paid to the role of the mentor and what they are supposed to get from the relationship.
Why do mentors choose to mentor? How should they relate to their mentees? What do they get out of mentoring someone? These and other questions were posed and answered on a chilly Saturday morning in Cape Town when the BWA held an interesting and informative workshop on mentoring on Saturday, 26 July 2008.
A mentor guides, teaches, counsels, motivates, sponsors, advises their mentee. It is the mentor’s responsibility to find out where the mentee is careerwise. One needs to find out what the mentees barriers, challenges are and the path they have chosen to follow. Most importantly the two parties, namely mentor and mentee, need to enter into an agreement that covers the time-frame, frequency of meetings, contact method, ground rules and the desired outcomes.
The BWA found the attendees had attended the workshop for different reasons. Jane Notten of Rothko International said, “I am about to enter into a mentorship relationship and therefore thought this workshop would be useful.” Phumeza Mgxashe of SANParks came because she wants to be mentored by a woman leader and thought the workshop would assist her in defining the objectives of such mentorship. The workshop was facilitated by Yvonne Finch of Yvonne Finch Consulting and held at the offices of PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Canal Walk.
RBAA Winners Breakfast
27 June 2008
Venue: Winchester Mansions Hotel, Sea Point
Review by: Amanda Greeff, Steps Engineering
Breakfast of Champions – Keeping it Real
Breakfasts at which one meets and hears the stories of leaders within BWA, are my favourite kind. This, the Regional Business Achievers Awards Winners breakfast, was full circle. My first ever BWA event, in 2004, had been the Mingle and Mentor Doyenne Breakfast. After the latter, I firmly decided to join BWA and have been delighted I did, ever since. Why are events like this so powerful?
Each winner addresses the room for about 10 minutes. But these are not mere glamorous tales of success.
What makes the stories riveting and inspiring is that they are personal and real. They are the stories of how role models have gone from where they were to where they are now. And the real, tough, if not seemingly impossible challenges they face, both in personal development and in business. And in this all of us have been there, and can see the way forward through role models who keep it real.
As Anne Mayers, “Miss Gray”, of Allen Gray Investments (Corporate Winner) speaks, you can hear a pin drop. Her story is intimate, powerful and real. This is what gives it unforgettable impact.
Each of the winners goes up to tell her inspiring story. While listening, we are seated at tables of about eight, which provides allows for more personal networking over the course of the morning. In addition to meeting one’s peers, one of the Regional Winners is seated at each table. Now we are able to meet and interact personally. This is what I love about BWA. We are a supportive community in which we can enjoy getting to know all members, and we can learn from each other.
Shona MacDonald of Shonaquip speaks passionately about the little-known effects of poorly-designed wheelchairs. We see slides that showed that serious conditions result, not from the disabilities, but from the postural deformity the chairs cause.
Shonaquip manufacture special innovative custom-designed chairs that support the head, neck, torso and legs in an upright, healthy position and allow the person to actually be alert and engaged in the world. They also do not develop fatal conditions any longer.
Most of us have been ignorant on this issue, and it is eye-opening and worthwhile learning the facts via Shona’s presentation. Anyone who would like to assist in providing employment for the differently-abled can contact Shona. Almost her entire factory and office is staffed by differently-abled individuals. Because most understandably lack the self-confidence to look for jobs via conventional means (e.g. agencies), Shona would like to assist with this but needs our support in making this happen.
Thanks to Cheryl for the lovely Nedbank gift sets that each guest received. The Winchester Mansions provided a charming setting for this inspiring event.
Hopefully this morning also identified some of the members who will become Mentors on the BWA Mentorship Programme in the future.
Congratulations again to all the Cape winners for their struggles and successes, and thanks for your braveness in sharing them so candidly.
RBAA 2008 Winner Breakfast
Nikki Pane
Elaine Bosch (Nedbank), Karen Swart & Lizelle Parsons Start Up winner 2008
Anne Mayers Corp Winner 2008 and Allan Gray Guests
Amanda Greeff, Masie Stock & Ferose Oaten
Wendy Taplin & Meagan Harvey (Allan Gray)
Sumaya Adam (Nedbank)
Sue Milne & Zosh Khil
Take a Girl Child To Work Day
29 May 2008
Venue: BOE Clocktowers V & A waterfront
Review by: Ferose Oaten
The BWA Cape Town branch joined up with Nedbank Women’s Forum to co-host an interesting programme for girls as part of the Take a Girl Child to work initiative on the 29th May 2008. The theme of this year’s initiative was “Empowering through Choice.”
120 girls from Trafalgar High School as well as Groenvlei Secondary participated in the programme. An exciting day was laid on with speakers which included Irma G, DJ on KFM, who told them her story. They were absolutely blown away by the editor of Seventeen Magazine, Khwezi Magweaza who talked to them about personal branding.
To motivate them, we had 2 inspirational stories, the one being from Zelda Mycroft of the Chaeli Campaign, who was also one of our Social Entrepreneur finalists. The girls were moved by the work that Chaeli and her family were doing to improve the quality of life of differently-abled children.
The other inspirational story came from Joylene Cedras who runs Prontoclean as well as City Security Services. The girls could identify with her obstacles as she grew up in the coloured community, and rose above harsh challenges to achieve her current position of employing 3000 workers in different cleaning and security contracts. She was the Cape Town winner in the Entrepreneur Category in 2007.
Nedbank was on hand to teach the girls about the world of money, and also offered to open bank accounts for every single one of them. An expo of tertiary institutions was set up, with information on post-matric studies. Among these were the University of Stellenbosch, Abbotts College, the College of Cape Town, Northlink College and UCT. All these institutions gave each girls give-aways for a jam packed goody bag.
CV writing was next on the cards, where Karen George gave them tips on the best CV’s, and Gita Lison, the Managing Director of Contact Personnel, told them about the critical things prospective employers look for when reviewing CV’s.
Anneline Black from Brush Strokes School of Make-Up and Artistry presented to the girls how to make the best of enhancing their own good looks; did a make-over on one of the girls, showing the complete transformation that could be achieved by only a few good guidelines.
One of the things we wanted to achieve, was to expose the girls to different career choices. We presented a panel of women with diverse careers. They were Dr Susan Vosloo, a Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon, Zahida Ebrahim, an attorney with ENS, Jane Notten, a PR / Marketing / Journalism guru from Rothko Marketing, Caren Willet, a Graphic Designer and Razaan Samsodien from Nedbank Small Business.
The highlight of the day was a mini theatre production put on by the committee and directed by Yvonne Finch, which demonstrated the way that interviews should be handled. Cheryl Steyn, our co-ordinator, took the role of a very “bad” candidate, who did all the wrong things, including sticking chewing gum under the desk of the interviewer! Yvonne then took the time to debrief the girls highlighting the good ways to present oneself during an interview.
Altogether, a very significant day, one which provided lots of information to our special guests, the Grade 11’s, and one where the whole team of the BWA Cape Town committee could participate and play a meaningful role.
Investment Opportunities
20 May 2008
Allan Gray
Review by: Alison Sprag, Financial Focus
On a dark and wintry morning, a group of BWA ladies gathered at Allan Gray’s offices in the hopes of learning of a bit more about investing and what our various investment options are. To kick things off, Delphine Govender, an Allan Gray director and investment manager, took us through the reasons why we all need to consider investing our money, rather than leaving it under the proverbial mattress. She did this by showing us some eye-opening graphs which showed the effect on our retirement of investing compared to not investing. So with that established, the obvious question is where and how to invest our money. There are clearly a number of different places we can put our money, but Delphine showed how, over time, equities (or shares) tend to outperform cash and bonds. However, this comes with a word of warning as equities also tend to be more volatile, so it is all about taking a long-term view of average returns, rather than looking at performance in any one year. The different types of unit trusts were also explained, which helped to do away with some of the jargon one encounters when trying to choose a unit trust.�
The current state of the stock market was discussed, and it was noted that we’ve had a phenomenal run over the last few years, which seems unlikely to continue at the same rate. Looking at the current prices of equities (as represented by their Price Earnings ratios), the stock market looks quite expensive compared to historical levels, especially taking the current economic climate into account. To help address this, we were given some tips for picking stocks in tougher times.
Delphine also covered what to look for when choosing an investment house and was surprisingly objective (although obviously proud to work for Allan Gray!). We learnt that you are not obliged to use a financial advisor when investing, and that if you have educated yourself, you can invest directly and avoid the fees that brokers charge.
In summary, the need to take responsibility and empower ourselves as women was emphasised. Judging by the number of questions afterwards, there is a huge interest in - and need for - this type of education. The talk was practical and inspiring, and I think all of the women walked out of there better off for having attended.
Marita Oosterhuizen, Nina Joubert & Alison Sprag
Guests at the breakfast
Anneline Black, Cheryl Steyn & Andrea Huggett
Allan Gray Staff with Delphine Govender
Refqah Fataar, Anne Mayers & Jane Notten
Janis Kennedy, Ferose Oaten & Roz Messanger
Census Launch - Cape Town
15 May 2008
BOE Auditorium
Review by: Nina Joubert
For the first time this year it was decided to launch the BWA South African Woman in Corporate Leadership Census in Cape Town as it was felt that this is such an important measurement of the progress being made in the corporate world regarding the empowerment of woman. Such a launch also allowed us an opportunity to discuss and debate the results by means of a panel discussion. The panel included Fran du Plessis, a director of numerous large companies that are featured in the Census, Delphine Govender, a director and portfolio manager at Allan Grey, Sumaya Adam, Head of Business Banking for the Southern Peninsula region and the highest placed woman within Nedbank Western Cape and Elaine Rumboll, director of the UCT GSB’s Executive Education program.
A very lively and interesting debate was held and, although no conclusions was reached, it was once again highlighted that this is a very important topic which needs to be addressed regularly in all possible forums.
Alison Maytham, Elaine Rumbell & Elspeth Donovan
Census Panel with Nina Joubert
Sanette Van vuuren, Janis Kennedy & Truida Prekel
Rene Revells, Wiebke Lusted, Ferose Oaten & Gita Lison
Organic Vs Non Organic
8 May 2008
Winchester Mansions
Review by: Karen Grant
Thursday, 8 May dawned as a grey and drizzly day in Cape Town. But in the warm and homely atmosphere of Winchester Mansions a group of ladies had taken on the Cape Town winter grey to attend a breakfast focusing on the use of organic food to heal the body and the environment.
It is rather a fad at present to bandy about the term ‘organic’ and presenter Jill Fraser Halkett cautioned us at the outset to be sure that what we are terming organic is truly organic. Halkett, who hales from an organic farm in Stanford (yes REALLY organic!) began her presentation by demonstrating the use of a ‘hot box’ in which to cook your evening meal or pot of rice, as was the case at the breakfast demonstration. Not only did it conserve electricity (by using none) but it is also a healthy way to cook.
Jill’s start on the organic road began when she was personally prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy and cholesterol medication only to discover, after extensive research, the long-term side effects and dangers of being on such treatment. In Juill’s own words she chucked out her medication and began to research food and its ability to heal.
Much of what we viewed that morning probably frightened us and one could have walked away feeling a bit helpless as to what on earth to eat (literally) that is not harmful in some way to one’s body. But what was clear is that there are practical and inexpensive tips you can apply to your life to accommodate a greater proportion of truly organic in your life. Jill’s suggestions included;
•Planting a garden which can even be done in pots
•Removing all processed food from your diet (yes that includes margarine and polony!)
•Opting for fruits and vegetables that are in season (those that aren’t are being ‘artificially grown’)
•Being careful to read labels – although they are often difficult to understand we can at least become aware of artificial additives
•Choosing organic where we can but being sure it is certified as such. (In response to organic food being labeled as expensive, X assured us that we would save sufficiently in doctors’ bills to justify the expense.)
•Reading up on what will truly contribute to your body and the environemnt
A further tip offered by one of the delegates was “if you can’t make it in your own kitchen don’t eat it”! You can check out Jill’s blog spot on www.cabbagesandcream.blogspot.com and for a directory of all things organic why not visit www.urbansprout.co.za?
BWA Book Club
6 May 2008
Lion’s Kloof Guest Lodge
May saw the launch of the BWA Book Club: A social book club for dynamic businesswomen to network and discuss good reads. The gorgeous venue, the regular home of book club, was kindly sponsored by Lion’s Kloof Guest Lodge, near the slopes of Table Mountain.
With ample space, yet cosy, it was the ideal place to settle in and see what everyone had brought as their favourite books. After chatting and networking we settled in to discuss our recommended books.
There is something powerful and enticing about hearing someone personally review a book, which made us all want to read each of the books discussed! Overall the main focus will be on fiction books, as well as autobiographies, with other non-fiction included as and when desired.
BWA Book Club exists to offer an inclusive, welcoming book club that’s open to all BWA Members, in any given month. This fills a need not always met by private book clubs, which can be difficult to access. Networking was comfortable and relaxed, and it was interesting to learn more about each other through our respective choices of book and the stories we told about them. It was also an eye-opener to consider other authors and genres than we already know, having been imparted with a taste for the books we heard about!
From June members will be able to borrow books at the meeting. This will be organised in the traditional way, the books recorded and so on. Everyone who comes along will bring at least one book, ideally a few, and we will be able to choose from among them.
Book Club will take place on the First Tuesday of every month. Every book club will be unique because we will have new members along, while keeping to a core structure. As it grows there will be the opportunity for satellite BWA Book Clubs to start in various areas.
The May launch was a delightful evening of good conversation and company, thoroughly enjoyed by all. We look forward to welcoming you at the June event!
Female Brain
11 April 2008
Venue: Lourensford Wine Estate
Review by: Caren Willett
On the 11th April, BWA CT hosted a function at the fabulous Lourensford Wine Estate. Networking started in the cellar, where we sampled some of the delicious Lourensford wines, we then moved across to the restaurant, Under the Oaks, where our guest speaker, Jocelin Kagan, a brain difference expert, had us enthralled with her analysis of the female brain. Jocelin explained how it differs from the male brain and how we as women can use these differences to advance ourselves in business. It soon became evident that male behaviour in business, how they measure success against efficiency and the language they use, are the result of the bio-chemical changes that occur in-utero between six and eight weeks.
The female brain, we learned is the default for the brain and hardly undergoes any changes in-utero. The net result is that we are empathetically wired and rate our successes against effectiveness and the inter-connectedness of relationships.
In short our language is different. We heard, that for men to listen and hear us we need to be aware of our choice of words, our non-verbals and to take full advantage of what our female brain has to offer. For many this was an eye-opener. Did you know that we can grow our brains by being active. Exercise builds new neurons.
Jocelin's expertise in schooling women to deliver business presentations was aptly demonstrated in the many examples she gave of how to improve one's audience contact and how to make men sit up and take note. Speaking up in meetings, being heard, putting across a new concept and delivering a riveting business presentation are the leading skills that determine one's career advancement. Jocelin conducts in-house programmes and coaches women to acquire these skills.
Jocelin's neuroscientific research and good humour, together with the breathtaking country venue made this networking function a memorable one.
Saftey Awareness Workshop
15 March 2008
Venue: PWC offices
Review by: Caren Willett
Safety is our biggest concern these days and to help us to face this challenge, Dave Lamprecht gave us a 2 hour workshop on Safety Awareness, as being prepared is the best thing that you can do for yourself. Dave gave us a lot of expert advice, regarding our rights and the law. Did you know that you do not have to give your statement immediately after a trauma? It's difficult to give an accurate statement when you have been traumatised, you can legally do it later.
The practical demonstrations went down very well, with quite a few over eager participants. Dave showed us the vulnerable strike points, without needing brute force, which is very useful for women. Of course the statistics were scary and definitely made us all aware why attending something like this was so important. Hot croissants straight out of the oven, of course also helped to make this a great workshop.
Nerina Bierman
BWA members with hands on self-defence moves
Annual General Meeting
3 March 2008
Venue: Vineyard Hotel Newlands
OUT the window to formal AGM meetings was the theme this year for the BWA in Cape Town – they decided that a “little eye candy” would set the tone for another hectic week!
OH yes, two of the hottest men and one of the sexiest women in SA were up bright an early to sparkle at a traditionally formal event.
The vibrant sexy TOP BILLING presenters Aidan, Janez and Jeannie D along with producer Patience Stevens and deputy editor of Top Billing magazine Simon Lewis , kept the BWA members mesmerized with their presentation and great business tips on the topic of “the growth of consumer interest in lifestyle TV”.
It was evident from the comments made by each one of the presenters that Patience Stevens, the producer of Top Billing and previous BWA Regional Business Achiever Winner - is an exceptional business woman who is admired and respected by her peers. Yet Patience is adamant that nothing she does would be half as effective if it was not for her brilliant team !
Not only do these “gorgeous” people work in an environment to die for , but it was evident that they work with a team of phenomenal individuals who are all passionate about making Top Billing a program of excellence.
Budget Analysis
26 February 2008
Venue: BOE ClockTowers
Review by: Janine Nel
The Budget Analysis function is always one of the highlights of the BWA calendar. This year was no exception.
Nedbank’s Nicky Weimar presented an informed and enlightening interpretation of the budget. Her key message was the fact that the “good living” days have, unfortunately, come to an end.
Changes in the global economic environment, the US housing crisis, the disparity between SA’s imports compared to low exports, the electricity crisis and the ‘Polokwane’ factor have contributed to a bleak economic outlook for SA and the subsequent budget.
The bottom line: be creative, tighten your belt, and focus on working hard and making money! Change will come; hopefully by 2009.
South Africans must learn to curb debt (currently 77% debt to disposable income ratio) and save or invest more. An encouraging note in the 2008/9 Financial Budget is that the government is investing substantially on infrastructure, but also on social development and services – the country’s ‘heart’ is in the right place.
Thank you very much for a wonderful function and to Nicky Weimar for her outstanding presentation.