52 years ago our mothers marched to Pretoria to protest amongst other things against the Past Laws, a freedom which we are privileged to have and celebrate today. 52 years later we are on a different kind of march.
It is a march to all sorts of boardrooms to clear the way for the women of South Africa, for our daughters, who 50 years from today must also talk about the miracle of an economic freedom for the women of South Africa. Presenting my fist report as Chair for the Zululand branch of the Businesswoman’s Association in the midst of such powerful women I am honoured as this makes us all part of the new script of the next 50 years.
My report is brought to you with absolute pride on this the 7th Annual General Meeting of the branch. 2007 has been an extremely successful one for the Zululand branch of the Businesswomen’s Association. My role as Chairperson of the organisation for the very first time in the year has been a busy, dynamic and extraordinary experience. For this, I thank the Head Office team of the Businesswomen's Association South Africa for all their support, direction and guidance . I am delighted to be able to share with you all the highlights and lowlights that our branch experienced this year, as well as the challenges we still face both as an organisation and in Zululand.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS SINCE LAST AGM FEBRUARY 2007
During the past year we hosted the following functions:
March 2007
Networking lunch
Charlies’ Croft
+/- 50 attended
Introduction of new committee, and networking for members
April 2007
Superwoman-The balancing Act
Myra ’s Kitchen
Presentation by Slyvia Walker of Old Mutual
+/-60 attended
Presentation on Financial Planning
May 2007
A change of Heart-Breakfast
Blue Marlin Guest house
Talk by Dr Nicholas Nel
+/-45attended
Spoke on the effects of stress, and how to cope
June 2007
Regional Business Achievers Awards
Richards hotel
Highlight on the Zululand Calendar. Guest speaker was Basestsane Kumalo.
+/-285attended
Response from locals was phenomenal. Still receiving compliments re: the entire event
Luncheon with Basetsane Kumalo
Richards Hotel
+/-45attended luncheon with RBAA winners.
Presentation with Basetsane Kumalo on benefits of corporate membership.
Entertainment by local school choir and KZN synchronised swimmers
July 2007
Women in Property Luncheon
Marintino’s Tavern
Presentation by Portia Tau-Sekati
+/-65attended
Presentation on the property industry
13 August 2007
CUPPA FOR CANSA
African Essence Spa
+/- 25attended
Held at business of RBAA Start-up winner
Pamper Tea Party to raise funds for CANSA
28 August 2007
1ST WOMEN’S DINNER WITH BLACK MANAGEMENT FORUM
Richards Hotel
Guest speakers were Gerry Rantseli and Rector of University of Zululand
140guests
September 2007
FIONA COYNE
Richards Hotel
71Guests
2 October 2007
BWOYA ROADSHOW
Rebeun’s Restaurant
74guests
20 October 2007
ANNUAL GOLF DAY
Kwambonabi Golf Club
52entrants
12 November 2007
LAUNCH OF THE BUSINESS PARTNER’S WOMEN’S FUND
Blue Marlin
50guests
Presentation by Business Partners
6 December 2007
YEAR END FUNCTION WITH GCINA MHLOPE
Imvubu Lodge
80guests
6 February 2008
PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS
Richards Bay Country Club
30guests
Presentation by Tricia Reed
We tried to listen to member’s comments and vary the times of day we held these gatherings and we also took note of requests on subject matter. Whilst we acknowledge that it is difficult to satisfy all of the people all of the time, I firmly believe that we have offered astounding value for membership, in terms of the calibre of the functions that were hosted. We are aware that the range of functions do not satisfy the needs of all members. We have constantly called for members to come forward with fresh and innovative ideas. Unfortunately, this has happened at snail’s pace. To address this, we will schedule a strategic planning workshop with all our members. Details of this session will be communicated shortly. I urge you to attend this strategic planning workshop to ensure that your expectations are met.
Buzz Hours
These popular networking sessions continued throughout the year. Members were given the opportunity to freely market themselves, by making exciting presentations. However there are many challenges that are hindering the growth of these sessions. We have been unable to clearly identify the needs of members at the buzz hours, as communication has been poor, as well as other local organizations have once again followed the trend-setting approach of the BWA and are conducting similar networking sessions. Despite these challenges, we will continue to add spice to these sessions, so keep a watchful eye!
RBAA
Regional Business Achiever Awards function was exceptionally well attended. The judges were overwhelmed and expressed how difficult it was to choose the final winners. The four achievers were: Chantal McNally ( who is standing for election to the 2008 committee), Maria Ferreira, Dr Lungile Masuku and Mimmy Zuma. A heartfelt thanks to our judging panellists, who each went above and beyond to ensure that the most worthy were the overall winners in each category. We were all indeed inspired by the finalists.
Yet again my sincere thanks are offered to Vice Chair, Jane Ferraris, Livia Isabelle, and Alice Meintjies for all of their sterling efforts in bringing the event together, a responsibility that they so professionally handled.
I also thank our local corporates as well as the Zulualand Observer for their continued support. They have all truly contributed to the growth and transformation of the branch.
FUTURE EVENTS
The Branch has an exciting calendar for the year 2008 and we look forward to adding more value to it with your input. The planned functions are:
18th March 2008-Women in media-are they cracking the glass ceiling? Guest speaker, Ferial Haffejee, editor of the Mail and Guardian. To be held at Imvubu Lodge.
April 2008-Networkig dinner focusing on women in directorship/corporates
Networking on the dance floor
May 2008
Cell C take a girl Child to work project
Noleen from 3talk
19th June 2008- Regional Business Achievers Awards
July 2008
Career Development Workshop
August 2008- Rural Women’s Expo
20th September 2008-Annual Golf Day at Kwabonambi Golf Club
October 2008
Business Woman of the year Road show
To our members who have supported the BWA with their regular attendance at functions, we thank you. We look forward to your continued support.
COMMITTEE
My sincerest thanks to my extremely dedicated committee this year. Their efforts have kept the BWA vibrant and busy. All of these ladies have given time and effort into the variety of responsibilities necessary sustainability of the Association.
The committee members for the year 2007 were:
Dezray Naidoo - remaining
Alice Meintjies - remaining
Livia Isabelle - remaining
Sue Birkenstock - remaining
Charmaine Kotze - remaining
Jane Ferraris - stepping down
Anita Van Tonder - stepping down
Biddy White - stepping down
Jeanette Small - stepping down
Sandy Esterhyzen - resigned
Elmari Viljoen - resigned
To the outgoing committee members, thank you for your time, dedication and commitment to continue to grow women in business.
My gratitude to Nedbank for their ongoing support and in particular our Nedbank Champions Ruby Pillay, and now Alice Meintjies, who are always around to lend support and encouragement.
MEMBERSHIP
The committee held valuable strategic sessions in an attempt to resolve the membership challenge we always seem to face. Our current membership status is 246, of which 150 are paid up members, and 96 are unpaid!
Transformation within the organization is also a highlight on our agenda. Our vision is to be truly representative of the South African population and in the business sector. This has been successfully achieved and will continue to be the focus.
BURSARY AWARD PROJECT
A bursary award has been made available from proceeds of the National Businesswoman of the Year Award Dinner. The 2007, bursay winner was Zinhle Sithole, who is presently employed at Richards Bay Coal Terminals. Our search for a worthy recipient for 2008, still continues. We welcome your nominations.
FINANCES
This continues to be a huge challenge. While striving to meet the high expectations of our members, one should not loose sight that the functions held over the past year were of an impeccable standard. The presenters were all well known national figures, and hence the added expenses. Payment of membership fees are a sensitive issue, as many members need to be constantly reminded. This is your association, and I urge you all to take an active lead and contribute not only to your growth, but to the growth and empowerment of ALL women. The provisional financial report is attached for your further perusal, and comment.
BRANCH CO-ORDINATOR
This area has been a rocky road in 2007 for BWA. Bonny Evans left in February 2007, Alex De Beer started that same month and left in April 2007. Sunette Reichart started in June 2007, and returned to the Richards Hotel in Janaury 2008. Sherry Lee Bevan, a BWA member herself, took over only 2 weeks ago, and has already learnt the ropes. We are delighted to have Sherry on our team and wish her a very happy journey with BWA.
There is much work to be done and lots to look forward to. BWA Zululand is firmly on the map and has very positive direction in terms of growth and transformation. I once again thank each and every one of you for your support over the past year, and look forward to an even exciting and memorable 2008.
BWA Zululand is a women on a mission, and we all know that you can’t keep a good woman down!
South Africa is producing remarkable women leaders, because of the vision and dedication of the leadership in our country. Nelson Mandela has sown seeds that have made this country a fertile ground for women leaders. We are here because of the many lights that shine on the women in our country. There are still many challenges, but the many levers of change in our environments, give us hope. In this age of hope, I would like to leave you with the inspiring words often used by Nelson Mandela: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness, that most frightens us”.
Regards
DEZRAY NAIDOO
CHAIRPERSON - ZULULAND