Please visit the Cape Town gallery to view photos of the functions listed below.

Online Social Marketing

Review by: Tamara Polakow

Whether you are a business owner or operate within a corporate environment, you are faced with a myriad of social media to put your brand’s best foot forward.  The task of keeping your finger on the pulse can prove daunting, especially when faced with the social media on offer.  Which channels should you be utilising?  How often should you 'tweet'?  Which social media successfully target South African markets and generate action from potential consumers?

Who better to address these issues than online marketing guru, Dave Duarte, internet and mobile media educator and entrepreneur?  Amongst his many accolades, Duarte took honours in the "Best Business Blog" category at the 2009 "SA Blog Awards", was runner-up for "Innovator of the Year" in the 2007 "African ICT Achiever Awards" and has been rated as one of the "Top 100 Most Influential Media and Advertising People in South Africa" by Jeremy Maggs.

During a 45-minute online marketing presentation held recently at the prestigious V&A Atlantic Imbizo conference facilities, Duarte imparted his knowledge to techno-hungry Cape Town BWA members, in his refreshing down-to-earth style, providing an overview of online marketing tools and their relevant statistics. While online articles which include brand information appear to hold the online marketing monopoly (51% of user responses), static banner ads and pop-up ads seem to be far less attractive options in the modern era of the internet.  Duarte also encouraged BWA members to engage in adventurous online advertising campaigns as opposed to run-of-the-mill campaigns that generate little user interest or response.

With South Africa taking sixth place in the world for mobile internet usage, 4 000 people logging onto MXit every second in South Africa, over 2.4 million South African Facebook users and Twitter fast becoming one of the most used websites in the country, social media offers tools to be maximised by the business owner, especially during an economic recession where everyone has been forced to tighten their belts when it comes to marketing budgets.  These tools are at our fingertips and reap tangible results.
 
With Facebook now profitably turning over R5 billion per year with over 350 million registered users, 200 million blogs, 5.8 billion tweets so far and 77% of people using online social media, ladies, consider yourselves warned; online marketing is the new black.

BWA Charity Lunch

Date: 18 November 2009
Review by: Natasha Arendorf

BWA raises funds for orphaned and vulnerable children

The Businesswomen's Association Western Cape has raised more than R 8000.00 for the Westlake-based charity Orphan Care Foundation in a single sitting. The funds were raised at the organisation's annual End of Year Charity Luncheon.

This top networking organisation for women, with a members list that includes leading figures like Pam Golding and Jenna Clifford, managed to raise the money in just two hours much to the delight of the Orphan Care Foundation's Director, Martin Oosthuizen, who was also present at the event.

The Foundation provides basic need services, school fees, clothes, food, transport to and from school, dental care and mentorship for orphaned and vulnerable children in the Westlake community where more than 6000 people live in poverty. Oosthuizen expressed his gratitude for the BWA's help.

"The BWA is such a powerful vehicle with which to create positive change in our country. I am deeply moved by their willingness to do something for our little organisation. The way everything came together was just inspiring," he said.

BWA Western Cape Chairperson, Ferose Oaten, said that the Orphan Care Foundation was doing amazing work in helping to lift children from a hopeless poverty stricken existence. "We are proud to be affiliated with such a phenomenal giving and caring organisation," she said.

In addition to the R 8000.00 that was raised at the event, which was held at the new  Atlantic Imbizo conference hall at the V&A Waterfront, each of the women that attended also brought along a gift for a child.

According to Oosthuizen, the Foundation cares for approximately 80-100 children on Fridays through their child support program / kids club. He added that the gifts were going to make a huge difference to the children's Christmas this year.

"The money and the gifts are going directly to giving the children a memorable Christmas. We will provide a nice lunch for them and hand over the gifts, which I know will be received with great happiness – we are really looking forward to that," he said.

Oaten commented that the work of the BWA is about providing a platform for businesswomen of all ages to network and to build useful contacts that can be valuable for their businesses and careers. She also said that another one of the key elements of why the BWA is such a respected organisation is because it also provides a platform for women to exercise their corporate and personal social responsibilities.

"The women of the BWA understand that success in business also means giving back to society. That is why our fundraising events are always so successful," she said.

"There are a lot of generous women in the BWA," said Oosthuizen, "walking into a room full of successful businesswomen is quite intimidating – but the experience was wonderful. Women are changing the world and I thank the BWA for passing on some of that inspiration and generosity to us."

Getting To Know Our Natural Heritage

Review by: Phumeza Mgxashe

The weatherman’s forecast of drizzle and westerly winds was not enough to quell the enthusiasm of the BWA members in the Western Cape, who spent Heritage Day hiking in the Table Mountain National Park.  They soaked in the views of the visual feast that is the majestic Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and the Atlantic seaboard on a chilly Thursday morning while walking from Signal Hill to Lion’s Head.

All the above is part of the beautiful natural and cultural heritage of South Africa, which Capetonians are fortunate to have on their doorstep.  A total of 14 women (members and guests) and one brave male took part in the inaugural BWA hike from Signal Hill to Lion’s Head and back – guided by two internationally accredited Hoerikwaggo mountain guides from Table Mountain National Park.

The hike took 90 minutes to Lion’s Head and 90 minutes back to the car park on Signal Hill.  The path is mainly flat and was therefore reasonably easy for inexperienced hikers as well.

Thando Takane, who also hiked was delighted that she did.  “An event that turned out to be, one of the joyous events I have attended this year. I think the presence of the mountain guides was fantastic as they shared invaluable information during the walk. Along the narrow footpath happy conversations started and there was lots of giggling.   Stunning views also told a story and showcased the beautiful geographical landscapes and excellent town planning. Walking on mountains covered by indigenous plants; smelling the herbal scent of the colourful flowers covering the rich soil and the refreshing breeze from the ocean was breathtaking,” she said.

The hike was followed by a luncheon (pre-cooked and packed braai packs).

The group was impressed with the mouth-watering pre-braai(ed) packs prepared by Lucille Brooks who catered for the function.  All left looking forward to the BWA Heritage Day hike in 2010.

BWA Cape Town Honours Top Achievers

The Businesswomen’s Association Western Cape Regional Business Achievers Awards, a prestigious event in Cape Town’s social calendar, where remarkable women achievers are recognized, were held on Thursday, 18 June 2009 at the Table Bay.

Emerging Entrepreneur Category

Michelle Pietersen - Winner

The winner in the Emerging Entrepreneur Category was Michelle Pietersen, who started the Lofted B&B in 2007.  This home away from home is situated in Paarl and caters mainly for the corporate market.  Her bathroom facilities are upgraded to accommodate physically challenged guests.  She considers her unique selling point the personal services enjoyed by guests.

Entrepreneur Category

The Entrepreneur Category recognizes women who have profitable businesses and have been operating successfully for more than 3 years, with a turnover in excess of R500 000 per annum.

The finalists in the Entrepreneur category were:

• Mariette Hopley from White Shark Ecoventures
• Rowena Hay from Umvoto Africa
• Fiona Ross from Learn to Lead
• Millicent Wolmerans from Premium Consulting and
• Andre Bohmert, Director of Hasso Plattner Ventures Africa

Rowena Hay - Winner

Cape Town hydro geologist and MD of earth sciences consultancy Umvoto Africa, Rowena Hay, is noted for her outstanding scientific contributions in groundwater and integrated water resource management. She has developed Umvoto (name derived from the respectful word some Xhosa brides use for water) into an internationally recognised consultancy with clients like the World Bank, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Nations.

Since she founded the company in 1992, Rowena has led Umvoto to become a leading hydro geological consulting team with a reputation for technical excellence and innovation. One of her main contributions has been her rigorous scientific approach to quantify groundwater resources and ensure sustainable use and accurate planning.  Rowena has brought innovative techniques to drilling deep boreholes and has pioneered the use of geo-informatics technology in the exploration and sustainable use of groundwater.  She has also introduced the concept of risk management into managing groundwater resources.
Rowena has contributed a great deal to building up much-needed skills, especially among women scientists.  Umvoto has offered local and overseas students invaluable practical experience over many years through their internship programme.

Social Entrepreneur Category

This category recognizes the work of women in the non-profit sector, where their businesses or organizations make a positive impact on communities in terms of health, social upliftment and empowerment.

The finalists in this category were:

• Louise van Rhyn, CEO of the Symphonia group
• Iris van der Poll from Veritas Transcription services
• Melanie Burke, MAB & Associates and Common Purpose
• Karen Harrison from Indego Consulting

Karen Harrison - Winner

The winner of the Social Entrepreneur Category was Karen Harrison, who launched Indego Consulting after having worked in the fields of development and governance in the NGO and government sectors for 21 years.  Karen’s move into the private sector came from a desire to be more creative and independent within her field.  She works in close association with Jacqui Boille from NB Ideas and together they offer specialist consultancy services in economic development, community development, local government, inter-governmental relations, decentralisation and governance.  Their main clients are: government departments, municipalities, donors, parastatals and non-government organisations.

Karen’s core business focus is supporting under-capacitated municipalities and NGO’s in developing strong strategic frameworks and implementation programmes to improve service delivery.  Recently, Karen and Jacqui have re-focused their work to include a regional SADC focus with the intention of supporting poverty reduction and improved governance initiatives.  Karen’s work is her passion and she is driven by values of good citizenship, professionalism, innovation, integration and integrity.

For further information, please contact:

Ferose Oaten, National Vice-President and Chair of Cape Town Branch
Cell:  082 442 6556

Should you wish to contact any of the finalists or the winners, their details are available from Caryn at 0861 292 278 or caryn@bwasa.co.za.

ANNUAL BUDGET REVIEW - Coaching you to Financial Fitness for 2009!

Date: Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Venue: Old Mutual Business School
Review by: Yolandi Pretorious

This year’s budget forced difficult choices, as domestic demand continued to weaken and the global economy experienced a sudden, sharp slowdown.  The 2009/2010 budget is designed to provide stimulus to the economy.  The continued spending on infrastructure and the rise in welfare payments will all help to boost the economy, but this coupled with tax cuts for individuals, will result in a deficit and public sector borrowing requirements rising to levels not seen for many years.  The deficit rises to 3.9% of GDP, which is higher than expected, but not unreasonable in the circumstances.  The public sector borrowing requirement rises significantly to R185 billion.

As the global financial crisis spilled over into real economic activity, the active economy that we saw during the past few years came to an abrupt halt during 2008.  A healthy banking system and significant infrastructural investment activity, shielded South Africa from the crisis, but recent news in the mining and industrial sectors have been sobering. At a time when domestic spending remains weak, local firms have had to adjust to a sharp and sudden slowdown in key export destinations.

Conditions in the year ahead are likely to deteriorate, and although the growth forecast is cut dramatically, it could still prove to be optimistic.  GDP growth of 1.2% is anticipated in the budget.  Given the nature of the global crisis, with its banking and asset price deflation origins, the external environment will remain harsh over an extended period, impacting negatively on export growth and prices.  Lower inflation and interest rates will help domestic consumer spending, but much will depend on how significant net job losses will be.  Inflation targets remain the same at 3% to 6%, based on the new measure of CPI inflation.  There was no mention of the further relaxation of exchange controls.

The Need for Speed

Date: Friday, 13 February 2009
Venue: PWC
Review by: Paula Neethling

Time is money and that is a fact.  In today’s world no matter what you do, time is a luxury and it comes at a price.  No more so than when it comes to your business.  Every second you are away counts.

When an email came over my desktop from the BWA inviting me to a Speed Networking session – I was immediately interested.  A bit nervous, as to how on earth I was going to make my pitch in 1 minute flat! Being a financial consultant – we normally have a lot to say – how on earth was I going to put that into the proverbial nutshell?  So I started working on my little speech, panic set in, too long, to cumbersome and so it went on, enter help in the form of my colleague - excellent marketer – she makes a suggestion.  I work the pitch – sounds great!!  One minute flat, who I am, what I do, something to make you think, punchline, smile! Done!

The day arrives, last minute jitters settle in, you know meeting strangers, what are they going to think and say?  Well, after the welcome we all get into the musical chair event, we each get a minute to speak, bell goes, change to your partner in front of you, change! Move to the next chair.  And so I went on the merry go round, it was fun, it was fast and my body and tongue got a massive work out.

In the end I walked out with everyone’s contact details – and the best part – they knew who I was, and I knew them – I made them think!  Now the rest is up to me, to follow up and engage in building relationships with each of the fellow networkers, and the rest is magic.

Speed networking is a great idea, the important thing to remember is to have fun, laugh and have a kickass punchline, make the other person think, they will remember you then.  And last but not least stock up on your saliva – because you will not believe how fast your mouth runs dry from all the talking.