May 2009
Cell C Take a Girl Child To Work Campaign
Date: Thursday, 28 May 2009
Venue: Richards Bay Hoer Skool
Review by: Monica Naidoo
The Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work day was hosted by the Businesswomen’s Association at the Richards Bay Hoerskool on the 28th May 2009. The theme this year was “Change your World” and there were lots of worlds to change as there were lots of surprises in store.
The exciting day began at 9:00am with 11 schools, both rural and surrounding present. The girls were impatient and anxious to get into the swing of things. The MC being the energetic and easygoing Lucy Steenkamp soon made all the girls feel at home and relaxed. Her excellent sense of humour and rapport with the girls soon had them in stitches. The first item of the programme was the welcome and an introduction to the BWA by local chairperson Dezray Naidoo. Many of the girls were totally clueless about BWA but after Dezray’s insightful and lighthearted presentation showcasing all the celebrities and exciting events associated with the BWA, the girls were truly enthralled – and all hoping in anticipation that they would be the lucky one chosen to attend the BWOYA in Johannesburg that was up grabs later in the programme.
Next up was the inspiring Pinky from Bees Ink who spoke about her road to success that came after much perseverance and determination. Natasha and Mark from the Careers Centre were equally enlightening as they explained the 6 colour disciplines and how each person falls into different categories – now this even left some of the adults open-mouthed!
The first surprise came from Bees Ink as they decided to sponsor a years membership to BWA for a lucky girl. The draw was done and Zibuyile Zulu of Gcwaluwazi School was announced as the winner of this prize. Talk about change your world - needless to say her world is not going to stay the same for the next year!
Natasha from Hairstreaks Hair Salon informed about the world of hairdressing. She touched on the “highlights” and “lowlights” of the profession which contrary to popular belief has become a very sought-after job.
There was a short break here where the girls creativity was challenged by allowing them to “think outside the box” and work in teams to create a fancy outfit for a doll. Putting on their thinking caps and armed with scissors, material and other haberdashery they dashed off each wanting their design to be the showstopper. And the showstopper was judged by the males that were present – most qualified I must say! All would be revealed much later as the judging process was quite a difficult one!
A quick tea break followed with delicious cupcakes each presented with a fancy flag and a generous topping of icing – not that the girls needed a sugar rush, they were already on a high with all the activities!
Next up to speak was Sivashni from TATA Steel and she had the girls amazed talking about the wonderful world of engineering – a profession that was, until now perceived as a male only field. The girls enjoyed her down to earth approach taking them through the steps of getting into the engineering world as well as giving them facts about the advantages and disadvantages of this exciting career.
In the field of the persuader, Elmari from Style de Provence related her success story that began working in the corporate environment and when told that she would be out of a job, used that opportunity to persue her dream of owning her own business. She attended the weekly Buzz Hour and was motivated and spurred on by the women of BWA and eventually her dream became a reality. The girls were soon persuaded that being your own boss was not glamourous but came as a result of sheer hard work and lots of energy.
Vanessa from St Catherines High School informed the girls about the difficult yet personally satisfying career of teachers. Again hard work and commitment was among the many qualities inherent in becoming an educator.
Rekha Naidoo from Uthungulu Municipality covered the journalism and Public Relations careers having the fortune of experiencing both fields. Speaking on ethics in media she covered the much debated current issues and how the media deals with it.
Cherese Brits the Cell C winner last year, spoke about how BWA changed her life and how important it is to know what you want after school and to work hard towards achieving that.
And for the main item of the day, the announcement of the Cell C winner and the very lucky young lady was Younica Sewpaul of St. Catherine’s School. Both Younica and Zibuyile will travel to Johannesburg to attend the prestigious and elite BWOYA hobnobbing with the who’s who of the business world. These prizes were sponsored courtesy of Bees Ink, Dezray Naidoo and Associates, Honey Jewellery and BWA Zululand.
Aah finally - the winners of the dolls are announced - a beautiful damsel in a cerese evening gown was chosen as the winner and the winning team was very thrilled.
Another surprise came from Zee Haniff, principal of Boston Business College who sponsored a R10 000 bursary. So many worlds changed in just one day!
The girls and mentors visited the various tables during the event and were assisted with career guidance and information as well as beauty tricks and tips.
In closing, Dezray thanked the sponsors who made the event possible and a success. To end this exhilarating day the girls were handed out Cell C goodie bags as well as specially made goodie bags put together by the amazing and innovative BWA team that had the girls gobsmacked filled to the brim with everything from career info, mags, stationery to cosmetics, bookmarks, jewellery items and so much more. They looked like they needed an extra pair of hands to help carry their delicious lunch as well as all the goodies.
For us as role models and caring citizens it is our duty to not only educate our girl children, but to actively guide them to make empowering choices that will change their lives and lead them to a prosperous future.
Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” – I think BWA Zululand did just that!!
Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Campaign: Change your World
Date: Thursday, 28 May 2009
Venue: Richards Bay Hoer Skool
‘Teach a child how to think, not what to think!’ – Sidney Sugarman. In order to successfully carry out this years theme of CHANGE YOUR WORLD – the BWA pulled out all the stops.
The day was full of learning, inspiring, feeding the girls with knowledge, providing them with information and making sure that their lives were changed enough before they left, to become successful in their lives. It is important to mentor and lead our youth – they are our future.
The day was structured around the six different colour career options. The different colours are determined by people’s different personalities and interests. It is believed that choosing a career in the same colour discipline as oneself would prove to provide better job satisfaction and job performance. It was important to therefore identify the colours to the students, and then provide an example, using a guest speaker to demonstrate. Our discussion was led by Natasha Bothma of the Zululand Career Centre and went on to include the following speakers:
- Sivashni Veerasamy - ‘the thinker’ - colour Red
- Natasha - ‘the doer’ - colour Green
- Elmari Viljoen – ‘the persuader’ – colour Orange
- Vanessa Janse Van Rensburg – ‘the helper’ – colour Blue
- Rekha Naidoo – ‘the creator’ – colour Yellow
- And finally the main sponsors of BWA – the purple category – Nedbank
But the day did not end with just information, two lucky girls won free membership to the BWA for a year and a trip up to Johannesburg for the Business Women of the Year Awards in August. Kindly sponsored by Bees Ink, Dezray Naidoo and Associates, Honey Jewellery and BWA Zululand – these girls will be rubbing shoulders with President Basetsana Kumalo and the who’s who of the business world! Zibuyile Zulu of Gcwaluwazi School and Younica Sewpaul of St. Catherine’s School will be mentored and guided for the next year.
Thank you to all our sponsors and guest speakers who helped make the day possible, and especially thanks to our members Anita Van Tonder and Deirdre Bevan, with the help of our 2009 CellC winner Cherese Brits, without whom all of this what not have been the success that it was.
Students learning about different options for their futures
Jeanette Small and Zibuyile Zulu – membership to BWA for a year sponsored by Bees Ink
Zee Haniff hands over bursary of R10 000 to BWA Chairperson Dezray Naidoo
For some light hearted fun the girls were put into mixed groups and asked to dress a doll with only what they were given in a box. It is important for the students to meet and mix with each other – whilst thinking out of the box!
Dezray Naidoo and Zibuyile Zulu – flight to BWOYA all expenses paid courtesy of Dezray Naidoo and Associates
BWA Annual GOlf Day - Creating Awareness of Charities
Date: Saturday, 9 May 2009
Venue: Felixton Country Club
Theories of it doesn’t rain on the Golf Course were thrown out the box on Saturday, when guests and BWA members took to the course. Despite the rain the crowds took to the tees and played on. Invited guests, Dumi Kunene, Rowan Clelland, Brenden Cavanagh and Neville Pillay, were pleasantly surprised by the tremendous support for local charities and the rivalry amongst competitive people and businesses!
The day was wrapped up with lucky draws, raffles and prize giving which saw every player receiving a gift.
Rowan Clelland, Brenden Cavanagh, Neville Pillay, Ingrid Osborne, Dumi Kunene and Juanita Woodhouse, Simphiwe Zwane, Monica Naidoo, Sonia Baumann and Sherry Bevan
Dumi Kunene and Bernice Cannon who won ‘biggest target of the day’
Bevy’s Day Care students and teachers pictured with Juanita Woodhouse and Dumi Kunene. Bevy’s Day Care was one of the charities been show cased on the day.
Dumi Kunene and Ken Wade winner of one of the lucky draws
Ryan Vermaak and Leon Van Jaarsveld played two rounds in support of local charities pictured with Dumi Kunene
CCW and Business Partners partnered their way into 3rd place for the day, pictured with Dumi Kunene
Trappers came second on the day, pictured with Dumi Kunene
Winners of the day pictured with Dumi Kunene
April 2009
BWA SA Women in Leadership Census
Date: 24 April 2009
Venue: La Cuisine
The Zululand Branch of the BWA held its first local presentation of the SA Women in Leadership Census. Whilst Chairperson, Dezray Naidoo, led the presentation and informed the guests on the figures, guests were also given an interesting debate by panellists. Our panellists for the presentation where Mimmy Zuma (Foskor), Nellenie Naidoo (DNK Engineering), Pinky Thabede (Bees Ink) and Janine Van Loggerenberg (Dezray Naidoo and Associates). Zuma’s feeling was that woman are ‘pushed down’ and not allowed to take control, which brought on an interesting discussion over whether or not woman just think that, or if it actually is happening. Thabede felt that as young corporate woman straight out of school, one should find a mentor and be led and encouraged. Thabede felt that although one has all the textbook information, the practical side and experience needs to be taught by the more experienced women in business.
The guests took the opportunity to voice their opinions and comment on statements from the panel whilst networking and enjoying a light snack.
Nellenie Naidoo and Elaine Palmer
Pinky Thabede, Mimmy Zuma and Dezray Naidoo
Vee Moodley, Sonia Baumann, Juanita Woodhouse and Ingrid Osborne
Nellenie Naidoo comments whilst guests look on
March 2009
Supper Club
Venue: African Essence Spa, Nkwaleni
Learning to role fillets, wowing guests with fancy dessert tricks and merely relaxing and having a good time over dinner was the order of the night. Thursday, 26 March 2009 saw guests of the BWA Supper club enjoying a night under African skies out at African Essence Spa in Nkwaleni.
Chef, Cecile Corbett of Function Foods, shared tips and tricks with the guests. Cecile showed the guests how to prepare both simple and complex meals.
The aim of the BWA supper club is to provide members with access to a fun relaxed environment, for networking purposes. This concept is combined with women’s love of chatting and nurturing relationships. It is our version of a day on the golf course! Which is why we decided to invite the men in our lives as well.
The BWA supper club will host it’s meetings every second month at the home of the selected member. Membership to the BWA supper club is exclusively to BWA members. Fees are payable upfront, on the night of the meeting. If a member is unable to attend they need to ensure that their fee is received before the dinner.
Alice Meintjies and Livia Isabelle
McCarthy Inyanga representatives Bongani and Lana
Cecile Corbett explains how to prepare the food
Cheryl Craig and Dee Bevan
Clinton St.Clair-Mulley and Sherry Bevan
The Fernandes
The guests of the supper club
The hosts for the evening - Sean and Chantal McNally
Karen and Oliver Sclanders
The Naidoos
The Reeds
Membership Recognition Awards
Venue: Dulce Cafe
Date: Friday, 13 March 2009
Despite it being Friday the 13th, the BWA members and guests were not about to let any bad luck keep them from having a good time! Guests at our Friday morning breakfast, were all given the chance to introduce themselves and share a bit about their businesses. This opportunity turned into a platform for the ladies to share the experiences of being part of this fantastic support team. From support through illnesses, to encouraging people to take big steps and given inspiration to carry on through tough times – the BWA Zululand team is a family you definitely can't not be a part of.
Ashika Singh, Livia Isabelle, Chantal McNally, Jeanette Small, Michelle Raper, Dumo Shandu and Karen Sclanders
Vassie Moodley, Annusha Govender, Venilla Govender, Nellenie Naidoo and Natasha Singh
Rekha Naidoo and Cheryl Reddy
Tania Holgate, Pamela Govender and Portia Nodangala
Deirdre Bevan, Tanya Reddy, Welma Naude, Juanita Woodhouse and Lana Potter
Dedicated Committee
Date: 20 February 2009
Venue: Woodpecker Inn, Richards Bay
Review by: Connie Williamson
The Zululand Businesswomen’s Association is gaining momentum in the area and boasted a good year according to their 2008 Annual General Meeting report. Chairperson Dezray Naidoo said the past year showed a steady growth in membership and finances were in a healthy state. Well over 14 successful events offered expert advice and informal and networking opportunities. A number of buzz hour branches have been established in different communities, as well as the formation of a few monthly clubs. In addition, members received an informed and inspired message from the BWA Businesswomen 2008 Award winner, Chichi Maponya, who offered a presentation on her journey to success.
Book Club
Date: 18 February 2009
Venue: Exclusive Books
Review by: Sherry Bevan
The members of the book club came together to review "The Monk who sold his Ferrari" by Author, Robin Sharma. Reviewer for the day, Welma Naude of Old Mutual said that this was a book that definitely has a place on every bed side table. For the review in full, please check our website www.bwasa.co.za.
The ladies shared stories of their health and wealth over coffee. This fun time was an easy and relaxing way for them to network and discuss their businesses on a light note.
The next Book Club Meeting will be held at Exclusive Books on Wednesday 22 April 2009, for more information contact, Zululand BWA coordinator, Sherry Bevan on 035 772 5518, 084 468 8252 or zululand@bwasa.co.za.
Budget Talk Presentation
Date: 17 February 2009
Venue: Uthungulu District Municipality
Review by: Ronelle Ramsamy
Uphill road to econmic recovery
Demand for commodities will continue to fall 10-15% on average every year in South Africa, signally very tough times ahead for the mining and manufacturing industry. The gloomy forecast also points to an inevitable number of job losses for the South African labour market. Richards Bay unfortunately will also fall prey to the global economic scourge. That’s according to Nedbank Senior economist Nicky Weimar during the BusinessWomen’s Associations analysis of the 2009 national budget on Tuesday. And light at the end of tunnel will not come anytime this year. ‘It all depends on the US economy and their rate of de-leveraging, which is how soon they can get out of debt.’ ‘The earliest recovery could be late 2010.’
Root
Pinning the root of the problem, Weimar said the global recession was as a result of a period of great prosperity. ‘During the glory years of 2004 - 2007, the US economy grew in an unbalanced fashion with an unprecedented credit-fuelled spending binge.’ South Africa was no exception. ‘The overall debt burden rose fro m49% of disposable income to 79% between 2004 and 2008.’ ‘This was the highest level of indebtedness we’ve ever had in SA. ‘There is now a severe slowdown in consumer spending and cutback on discretionary spending.’
Fine
The good news though, according to Weimar, is that South Africans banks are fine. ‘We have always been an extremely conservative crowd. Our banks are trying to up their capital adequacy ratios for safety measures, but it is not as bad as 97/98.’ Weimar applauded Finance Minister, Trevor Manuel for a ‘good’ budget under very difficult conditions. ‘We are nowhere near insolvent as a nation. We are within the bounds of very good fiscal policy and have been responsible over the years.’
Labeling that sells
Date: January 2009
Venue: Spiced Out
Venue’s may close down and guest speakers stranded as flights are cancelled due to weather, but in Zululand – the show must go on. Despite the many set backs encountered, BWA Zululand – with their never-say-die attitude pulled out the stops to ensure a successful function, and loads of fun was had by all.
Juanita Woodhouse, of McCarthy Inyanga Motors stepped in to delight the guests with her inspiration and motivation. Woodhouse, shared her secrets of successful marketing with the ladies – the very same secrets that make her one of Zululand’s finest women – and, one of the top dealers.
Guests were also enlightened on the many benefits of being a member of this phenomenal organisation by hostess for the day Natasha Singh, Zululand Chairperson Dezray Naidoo, and local BWA co-ordinator Sherry Bevan. The main point stressed by the ladies was the need to support and inspire others, and to put forward nominations for the upcoming Regional Business Achiever’s Awards.
Buzz Hours
For our exciting Buzz reports, please view our Buzz Hour page which is updated regularly!