Past Events

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BWA Lighting the house - Charity Christmas Party

Empangeni: 10 December 2010
Venue: Ikhaya LikaBaba

Lighting the house and the faces of the little angels at Ikhaya LikaBaba was the BWA. Gifts were collected from our members, and a little Christmas party put on by the branch. The fascination on these little ones faces, with their very own Christmas tree, was heart breaking – every child should have the pleasure of little things like this in life. The children merrily tucked into the feast of food before them, cracked open the crackers and ripped the paper off their gifts to see just what Santa had brought them. The happiness of the children reminded us all of what Christmas is really all about.

When we left the children were dressed in their new clothes, playing with their toys, their tummies full! The rest of the presents and food were put away for Christmas day.

Mentorship Program: Business Plan

7 December 2010
Esikhaleni Library
Review by: Sherry Bevan

TEACHING WOMEN BUSINESS SKILLS

Sponsors: ESS, Business Partners, ZKZ Catering

Where does one even start with a business plan? The 15 ladies, currently been mentored by the BWA were fortunate to have the honour of having a course on creating a business plan sponsored for them. This full day workshop, will ensure that the ladies have a sound business plan in place. The BWA would like to thank the sponsors who made this opportunity, for the less fortunate members of our community possible. With the help of fellow business people, we can share our skills and uplift our impoverished community.

Cash Flow Management Workshop

1 December 2010
Bayshore Inn
Review by: Sherry Bevan

Sponsors:
Bayshore Inn
C&H Accounting

Cash Flow, accounting terminology and the thought of SARS are often overwhelming topics, but BWA Zululand Treasurer, and Partner of C&H Accounting, Shirley Stanley, made these topics a walk in the park for BWA members and guests.

Stanley identified key business processes and management controls which will help guests to align their businesses in order to ensure a profitable future. By simply maximising profits and minimizing costs one can ensure a profit, but knowing all the trade secrets that catch business owners out, will help these ladies to ensure that they don’t fall into the same traps. Actual templates and information guidelines will be sure to set these ladies ahead of their competitors.

The ladies were also presented with a presentation by Pamela Govender of the Reaching Out Organisation on the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Child Abuse. Guests pledged donations and support to stopping this awful act on humanity and our community.

Supper Club and Year End Celebration

25 November 2010
Wyett's Meat and Deli

The guests of the BWA were witness to the launch of the Regional Achiever Awards 2011 at this event. Other highlights of the event included draws from various competitions being run within the branch, and a delicious demonstration on how to make a killer liver pate for guests this Christmas season.

BWA Zululand thanked it's members, guests and sponsors for making 2010 such a memorable year.

Launch Of Mentorship Program: Farming

19 October 2010
Esikhaleni and Zikhulise - Empangeni
Review by: Sherry Bevan

Review: Ronelle Ramsamy (Zululand Observer, 25 October 2010 pg14)

TEACHING WOMEN FARMING SKILLS

Rural women wanting to get into business are now being given professional guidance. The Businesswomen's Association (BWA) unveiled its Farming Mentorship Campaign last week with the first group of 15 women being taught business skills.

Following a sod turning ceremony on a piece of land in the Kwadube area just outside eSikhaleni, women were taught basic farming skills by BWA member Lovey Zungu, who has a diploma in agriculture. Julie Johnson of Zikulise also elaborated on composting and the use of rubbish as fertilisers.

The land earmarked for the farming project, was generously made available by local Induna Alfred Dube. Aimed at benefiting the community, interested women can apply to enter the BWA business learnership programme for 2011. Contact Sherry Bevan on 035 772 5518.

Cuppa For Cansa

8 October 2010
Pentlands Guest House
Review by: Laurie Kemp, Zululand Observer

CRY IF YOU NEED TO CRY

'I hung onto the ten strands of hair I had left - because I could hide the fact I had lost my breast, but I could not hide the fact that I was having chemotherapy.'

Breast cancer survivor and author, Debby Botes, addressed members of the Businesswomen's Association at their meeting hosted by Pentlands Guest House last week.

'It took a whole year to grow back. It's greyer than before, but I think I am wiser,' quipped Debby, whose sense of humour cannot be ignored while she speaks of the agony of her diagnosis, treatment and the spiritual walk that saw her through it all. 'You need a sense of humour, but you also need to cry when you want to cry and release the anger you are holding inside you, so that you can move on,' She said.

Debby and her husband Andy were living in Maputo when Debby was diagnosed with breast cancer. 'Because there is no oncology treatment available in Mozambique, I had to travel to Nelspruit through a border post and back - straight after each chemotherapy treatment.
'This happened every three weeks involving at least six hours driving.'

Botes has written a book which will be published next year. 'It is based on my walk of faith with God during this time, my very lonely times in Maputo without anyone who has been through what I was experiencing to hold my hand when I felt I could die.' 'It has very funny moments and very deep thoughts and emotions. Many Richards Bay and Empangeni members of my support group are mentioned by name in the book. 'I also describe the heartache of my daughters - Angela the youngest one who had to nurse me because Andy had to return to work in Mozambique five days after my masectomy and Vicky Lee, who was unable to be with us because she was renewing her UK visa.'

Advice
Botes' advice on how to assist a friend or family member dealing with cancer?
'You have to acknowledge the support group. My husband was my pillar of strength, but he was virtually ignored as people clamoured to ask how I was. Nobody asked him how he was.' She says cancer is a long, slow battle and the treatment can take months. 'After the rush of concern is over, remember to pop in with a meal, take a moment to stop for coffee and see if you can offer any help. Don't forget their battle while you go on with your life.'

Botes is more than willing to offer personal advice and support to anyone wanting to email her on debby@intra.co.mz.

MENTORSHIP FOR MEMBERS: MONEY MATTERS

28 May 2010
First National Bank, Empangeni

‘Who you are determine’s what you do with you money’ said guest speaker Max Moyo, head advisor for Allan Gray. Moyo stressed the importance of knowing ones identity in order to have two key factors in line: position and possession. Some scary truths were revealed and many of the guests shocked at what could have been if they had just been wise!�

Merely knowing where every cent has gone, can help to save money. When we draw money and can’t explain what has happened to it, we are not been wise. We would never disregard R500 within or businesses yet, when we draw if from our personal bank accounts we often cannot account for it. Often what we budget for items such as food, duplicates by our many trips to the shop to ‘just buy bread’. Moyo suggested everyone carry a notepad around with them in their car, and every cent including the car guard, one should note. By watching our penny’s we will soon learn to be responsible and wise. Moyo also mentioned something quite obvious yet never really noticed you cannot buy what is popular and do well – remember this when investing your money!

The Businesswomen’s Association proudly empowers their members and guests with mentorship functions that enrich and educate them. It is important to share knowledge and to learn from each other.�

Pictured: Yvette Roux, Zethu Dlamini, Carol Smit, Max Moyo and Leon Van Jaarsveld, Barbara Lindsay, Mildred Mnisi, Sibongile Ncongwane, Sonia Baumann, Zanele Hlatshwayo and Jo Smith

Eshowe Buzz Hour - 22 July 2010

Venue: Fleurdale B&B
Time: 9:00am

Luscious beautiful gardens, delectable snacks and phenomenal business women set the tone for the Eshowe Buzz Hour. Members and guests of the BWA shared success stories, triumphs, prospective business opportunities and growing business in Eshowe. The ladies of Eshowe are no walk over, from business growth to new business endeavours it just seems that there is no holding these ladies back.�

The ladies spent the morning focusing on marketing. Guest speaker, Nqobile Xulu of GX Marketing shared some tips with the ladies on how to market effectively and efficiently. Know your target market, don’t go for the most expensive form of marketing and always have a sales kit – these were the focus points. By knowing one’s target market, one is able to easily identify through what means one can reach their target market thereby ensuring it is cost effective. There is little point making advertising in a local media your focus point if your clientele is not based locally. Spend where your target market is. If your target market is youngsters – make use of tools such as Facebook which are free! With your sales kit, make sure your branding is visible. Ensure you have banners to put up when necessary, have flyers for when you are out and about and can hand them out. Have professional cards for approaching corporate and something more fun if you are approaching youngsters. The best form of PR is through sponsorships – you get your name seen and for a good reason. Try not to sit next to people you know when you go out networking – this will ensure you meet new people and make the networking worthwhile.

Take a coffee break away from your desk...Get some fresh air, excellent companionship, and an exceptional networking opportunity.

Picture1: Nqobile Xulu, Qhamu Mbatha, Yvette Mellis and Sally Schoeman
Picture 2: Shirley Stanley, Renette de Waal, Lovey Zungu and Lilian Volschenk

EMPANGENI BUZZ HOUR - 14 July 2010

Venue: Protea Hotel Empangeni
Time: 9:00am

Find your approach to marketing is often rushed and not clearly thought out? Do you make use of the many free advertising opportunities available to you? Does your marketing strategy evoke an emotion within your target market?

This morning’s buzz hour was an informative and eye-opening look at the world of marketing. Marketing guru Nqobile Xulu, from the BWA membership shared with the other guests and members, some tips and advice for marketing themselves better. Marketing essentially makes the process of selling easier.

Nqobile Xulu of GX Marketing talked the ladies through different stages and approaches to marketing within Zululand. It is important that one focuses on their target market, and therefore is able to meet their needs by knowing exactly what it is that they desire. ‘It’s the little things that count’ said Xulu! Remember that your client needs to know why they ‘need’ your product, and why they couldn’t possibly live without it. Have a core target market and centre your marketing strategy around them. Find out what they like, what their needs are, how the function – what makes them them! Have practical tactics that are innovative and remember that marketing does not need to cost you a fortune. The worst thing to do during hard times, is to keep quiet. Never stop marketing no matter how bad the recession is.�

Success stories of growing into something bigger and better were shared and ladies learnt the importance of thinking out the box. The guests all enjoyed the time networking and getting to know each other over coffee and some delicious eats. Take a coffee break away from your desk...Get some fresh air, excellent companionship, and an exceptional networking opportunity.

Pictured 1: Jeanette van der Wath, Sonia Baumann and Dhana Goodenough
Pictured 2: Valerie Jacobs, Shirleen Dhaver, Nqobile Xulu, Roline Botha, Linda Povall and Lilian Volschenk

RICHARDS BAY BUZZ HOUR - 6 July 2010

Venue: Mugg and Bean, Inkwazi Boardwalk
Time: 9:00am

This morning’s buzz hour was an informative and eye-opening look at the world of marketing. Marketing gurus from the BWA membership shared with the other guests and members, some tips and advice for marketing themselves better. Marketing essentially makes the process of selling easier.

Denise Howard of hoonoze.com encouraged people to make use of being a member of BWA and marketing at every given opportunity. Once your membership is paid, just talking to guests and members is a free way of marketing! Howard also stressed the importance of making sure your target market remembers you by use of slogans which create emotions and are therefore easily remembered.

Nqobile Xulu of GX Marketing talked the ladies through different stages and approaches to marketing within Zululand. It is important that one focuses on their target market, and therefore is able to meet their needs by knowing exactly what it is that they desire. ‘Marketing is the spine of your business’ said Xulu, ‘therefore it is essential that you have a clear, definite and precise plan.’ Xulu explained how important it is to define one’s business to themselves and know the features and more importantly the benefits of one’s own product or service. Know what is unique about your business and ensure your target market know it too. Ensure that your slogan or elevator speech is clearly visible in every form of correspondence you have. And most importantly remember to meet your clients face to face.

Pictured 1: Guests at the BWA Buzz Hour
Pictured 2: Anita Van Tonder, Shelley Geel, Elsa Lithgow and Caroll Heyns
Pictured 3: Lilian Volschenk, Brenda Delport, Lovey Zungu, Mala Govender, Nqobile Xulu and Deirdre Bevan.

Esikhaleni Buzz Hour - 15 June 2010

Venue: Nembula’s Place, Esikhaleni
Time: 9:00am

A buzz of excitement, enthusiasm and utter admiration. The ladies at the Esikhaleni Buzz Hour put out no stops on impressing their fellow business women. No matter what obstacles of been in these ladies way – they have made it, they are successful and they are truly phenomenal! Three of our Regional Achiever Awards nominees took the opportunity to discuss their ‘road to glory’ and how being a part of BWA has truly been a blessing and a great help. Whether it be from the self-reflection one does when writing their citation for the awards or to the opportunity of being treated like a princess, or the chance of being invited to attend major events and promote their business, or merely the humbling recognition for their hard work and achievements. BWA is their home – join us and make it your home too.

Emerging entrepreneur 2010 finalist – Nqobile Xulu encouraged the ladies to make sure they know their unique selling point, and to make sure their target market know it too. Xulu felt that it is important for everyone to help each other and share information. Zululand is a great place to be in business as there are so many opportunities not yet tapped into.

Entrepreneur 2009 finalist – Makhosi Mthiyane stressed the importance of keeping ones staff happy as without them we have nothing. Mthiyane also mentioned the importance of being involved n everything within the business, make sure you are managing wisely and on top of everything in the business – take nothing for granted. Makhosi shared her special moments of being a finalist and how exciting the journey has been and still continues to be.

Professional winner 2010 – Nana Mthembu explained how she is using her skills to change and improve her life. Nana was excited and proud of herself as she reflected on her achievements and new there was something more she could be doing. Mthembu also asked the ladies to consider encouraging our youth to get involved with BWA and business and guiding them on the right path, as well as how important it is not to forget the elderly who are so wise and full of skills that we could tap into.

The guests all had an opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses, and enjoyed the time networking and getting to know each other.
Take a coffee break away from your desk...Get some fresh air, excellent companionship, and an exceptional networking opportunity.

Picture1: Monica Naidoo, Ntombi Buthelezi and Nana Mthembu
Picture 2: Lilian Volschenk, Nqobile Xulu and Lovey Zungu
Picture 3: Gugu Sethebe, Thandeka Makutshwa, Nokuthula Makhunga, Makhosi Mthiyane and Bongi Buthelezi

EMPANGENI BUZZ HOUR - 9 June 2010

Venue: Protea Hotel Empangeni
Time: 9:00am

This morning’s buzz hour was a delightful time for ladies with new business to share their experiences, concerns and learn from those around them. It is only through sharing knowledge and helping one another that we can have a truly successful Zululand.�

The guests all enjoyed the time networking and getting to know each other over coffee and some delicious eats.

Picture1: Lilian Volschenk, Lovey Zungu, Valerie Jacobs
Picture 2: Makhosi Mthiyane, Tania Evert, Zanele Hlatshwayo

RICHARDS BAY BUZZ HOUR - 1 June 2010

Venue: Cafe Afrique, Inkwazi Boardwalk
Time: 9:00am

Success stories always leave one feeling inspired and raring to go. The guests at the BWA buzz hour were fascinated at the journey our finalists and winners have travelled on. The ladies of Zululand have so much to offer each other, and felt it important to keep business local and support each other.

Nqobile Xulu of GX Marketing, finalist in the Emerging Entrepreneur Category of the BWA Regional Business Achiever Awards earlier this year, explained to the guests the importance of marketing plans and projects. One just needs to relook at ones marketing strategy – you may just be spending money where it is not necessary. Xulu also mentioned how we need to branch out into rural areas and uplift the many successful women tucked away.

The guests all enjoyed the time networking and getting to know each other over coffee and some delicious eats.

Pictured: Valerie Jacobs, Sonia Baumann, Antha Serfontein, Ntsoaki Phali and Nqobile Xulu