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Then one of my dearest friends, Pastor Jess Basson writes for us! I have been waiting for the right moment to invite her to write for our family. It makes me very happy and proud to share her with you. I especially love that she’s always unapologetically authentic and you’ll be blessed by her article on page 15 the same way I am blessed by our friendship. As if Jess and Tikva were not exceptional enough!! We also bring you Boni Mchunu - General Manager of East Coast Radio. She simply brings a fresh breeze to the corporate space; it was impossible to resist bringing her to the pages of arise mag. Her journey shows us that anything is possible when armed with education, authenticity, humility and passion. Michelle Obama’s words of wisdom on the next page only solidifies her as our First Lady of all times. And no!! we are not sharing on her new book: Becoming Michelle, but on her faith and sharing good with the world. We have more than you expect in this issue, including some make-up advice and refreshing eats for summer by Bathandwa on pages 22 & 23. Fashion business lessons by Hangwani Nengovhela. Keri who runs a special business that flourishes in all economic environments is changing the way of business. Many may call it magic but we call it God in action!!
Wand friends with you!
hat an honour it is to share this special time for family
How many of us have stopped to think of this as a special blessing and privilege, a gift of Mercy and Grace from God? I felt bad a few days ago when chatting on the phone to someone and in saying good bye she said she hoped I was enjoying my festive season. I replied by saying ‘I’m not in the mood yet’ to which she replied ‘yah...this will be my first with family in 20years…’ (she had spent 20years in prison). I realised at that moment that for many it will also be the first Christmas without their loved ones and that I was wrong to take the season for granted even after my 2018 season worked hard to teach me to appreciate every moment and every minute. The chat was yet another wake up call to the many blessings and privileges we take for granted. This issue though!! It is AMAZING!!! Even if I should say so myself!! It is jam-packed with amazing women. Tikva is on the cover! I first interviewed her in 2016 when I gave blogging a try and to my surprise speaking to her in 2018 still blew my mind away!! She is inspiration on two legs and by far one of the prettiest women I know.
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All that your Soul yearns for is within these covers. You may ask how we know this. Our answer: We know because we pray to be led and directed by the Holy Spirit and for our Daddy to use us to feed you and inspire you to arise. Enjoy the blessing of Christmas and commit to attempt to be a blessing to others just as Amanda Xaba advises on page 8. Merry Christmas and blessings to you and yours!! Through Christ God’s promise of new eternal free life comes alive. God did not want heaven without us and so through Christ He brought Heaven to us to ensure that we are included, that we do not miss out!! That’s how deeply He loves us! Let’s enjoy this issue and Christmas with nothing but Gratitude to our Daddy. Thank you God, my Daddy for yet another opportunity to serve you through arise magazine.
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orldly or Godly Leader or both? Michelle Obama left the White House after eight years as First Lady of the United States but it will be a long time before her inspiration, truth, fashion taste and boldness leave us. She has been an optimistic, positively influential and compassionate servant leader during a season troubled with racism, sexism, cultural and religious intolerance but remained an exemplary beacon of hope through it all. Nicole Massie Martin - author and city mobilizer with the American Bible Society says ‘Obama’s legacy, I believe, has significant implications for the church. As an ambassador for people on the margins, she serves as a witness to the idea that God has positioned certain individuals at certain times to lead in the formation of a new social reality’ It is appreciated by many that Mrs. Obama has done it all in a very inclusive manner for all people’s good, without discriminating against any group, and has done it in a Godly way.
Michelle will inspire even more people through her latest memoir project simply titled ‘Becoming.’ Asked why this title, she simply said “We are becoming and Thank God it never ends.“
Before her book ‘Becoming’ in which she states optimism as a Faith and an antidote to fear - she was already sharing her take on her believes and values for all to learn from: Having Hope…is a necessity. People have to understand hope isn’t just blind optimism. It isn’t passive. It isn’t just sitting there waiting for things to get better. Hope is the vision that you have to have. It’s the inspiration that moves people into action…it is all because of hope that people believe in the possibility of something unseen. Being God’s Children… as a Christian, a person of Faith I believe we’ve all been called to serve our fellow men and women and to honour God’s creation. We teach our girls to know right from wrong, to always tell the truth, to treat people, no matter who they are, with dignity and respect, no matter how different they may seem...because we want our girls to know we are all God’s children and there’s so much more that unites than divides us. Reaching for success… we teach our children and generations to come to know that the only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work. That you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you’re going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don’t know them. Contributing to society… I believe that each of us, no matter what our age or background or walk of life, each of us has something to contribute to life. In my own small way, I’ve tried to give back, that’s why I left a job at a law firm for a career in public service, working to empower young people and also teaching them to volunteer in their communities.
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We are all so busy…bullied by life, work and the unexpected…we checked in with some of our readers to find out
Boitumelo Mathule of Ngwna o salleng Social Work Services and Counselling says ‘Lighting others lives gives me the light I need to win each day, especially after burying my husband a few months ago.’ A Social worker and mother of two says she loves bringing light to her patients or rather clients. ‘They come with feelings of fear, hopelessness, helplessness, no urge to move on, no reason to even try to soldier against this life filled with so much depressive experiences. It fulfils me the most when I give them light and hope, also because I have realised that when I give light, I also receive it. I could be addressing a case of conflict management, communication barriers, parenting skills or other forms of abuse; at the end of the session when I look back I also see how much I have also lit my own world. I am even tempted to also bill myself LOL. This is why I always make it a point to go to work, even when I don’t feel great myself, because I know someone might need my hand to save his or her life.’
God and Family are my essentials!! Charlene Duncan an ordained Pastor, John Maxwell Team Exec Director, Professional Speaker, Coach and trainer from KZN says that Faith and maintaining a positive attitude and outlook on a daily basis is what gets her through each day. ‘Believing and trusting in God’s unconditional Love and promises of Him being my daily anchor is my daily fuel. I also ensure that I am intentional each day in fulfilling my purpose and my calling. Right after God and Faith my husband and family drive my passion to always give off my best in living a full life.’ My website: http://johnmaxwellgroup.com/charleneduncan
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Karin Van Niekerk is all about Making it Happen! ‘As a mom, daughter, boss and friend, it’s a stretch most of the time. My every day is filled with responsibilities as branch and procurement manager in a mining company, a private business-owner, across border Youth Enhancement Programme Partner, studying, an awesome Dad that’s not well due to heart disease and a son that’s traveling the world spreading the Gospel of Jesus. I live by verse 2 Timothy 1:7, which reminds me that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. Good planning which ultimately reverses bad habits, disciplining myself to keep up even when results are not visible and believing that I, yes me, can get to the place I want to be!! My Dream Board, what others call vision board, also pushes me with an intense undying will to live a full life based on good relationships. That is what keeps me going.’
Learning To Lead Like Jesus - Boyd Bailey Have You Ever Met a Great Leader? It’s incredible when someone uses their gifts to make you feel valued and inspire you to greatness. What does it take to develop that kind of heart and influence? How can you become a leader like Jesus? Join Boyd Bailey as he shows you how to mirror Jesus’s heart and make a positive difference in those around you. Explore 11 common traits that mark successful leaders, and learn the keys to growth in wisdom and humility. Through practical teaching, you will find that great leadership begins when you turn your focus to God and model Him in your attitude, conversations, and actions. A faithful life and humble spirit make you a leader worth following. When you lean into the Lord and learn from His example of perfect leadership, you will see lives transformed - beginning with your own!
LEADING FROM YOUR GUT - John Townsend As a leader, your decisions are critical. They have a significant effect on you and everyone around you. But the effective leader needs to have more than just logic, facts, and financials to help make the best choices, they must access their own intuition, that gut feeling inside. Dr. John Townsend knows that a leader’s internal world—the world of intuition, creativity, emotion, and spirituality—is just as important as the external world of data and best practices. Who you are on the inside determines your success as a leader even more than the things you do or the things you know. “You were designed with both an external world and an inner world,” Townsend says, “and they work well together. Accessing both of these areas will take a little knowledge and a little work, but it will help you be the leader you want to be.” In Leading from Your Gut, you’ll learn how leaders excel not just through external competencies and skills but by drawing on their internal world and personal experience. As you apply Townsend’s principles, you will see great results in your leadership and experience the kind of personal transformation that will enable you to lead as a whole person.
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My prayer in this season is that we open our hearts to be used by God to be a gift to the world: • May we bring a smile to a stranger on the streets. • May we show kindness to the neighbour who is lonely. • May we be gracious and show mercy to those who have hurt us. In doing this we reveal God’s heart and the world will testify that we are true ambassadors of the Kingdom of God.
There is no time as special as Christmas, what many call the festive season. It is a time of unity, love and gathering of families. This is the time to be jolly, to celebrate with those we love and also those we do not know. While we are in the festive mood, may we remember the reason for this season: Jesus Christ the Messiah, who became the ultimate sacrifice so that we may be redeemed, brought back to our original position and have eternal life as God’s very own people (John3:16) was born. He is our gift. A gift is perceived as something special, precious and fit for those that are worthy. How wonderful it is to know that God’s never ending and unconditional love chose us to become benefactors of His special gift (Ephesians 24:6) even though we did not qualify to receive it due to our transgression? This gift that is Jesus, is a perfect example of Gods Grace. Grace means that we receive, we are pardoned, we are saved, protected, given the best even though we do not deserve it. It therefore means that not only our loved ones deserve a gift of love from you and I, but also those we do not know.
The Exodus of 2018 and transitioning into the new season of 2019 brings to mind the illustration of the people of Israel leaving Egypt (Exodus). Exodus means coming out. 2018 may have been a good or challenging year; however, I believe that this is the season of Exodus, God taking us to a new place and a new level. This requires total surrender and trust that He will direct and lead us. As they journeyed out of Egypt which they had known for years and were heading to the unknown, I believe they held on to the promise of Jeremiah 29:11: for I know the plans I have for you. Sometimes God will move us from our comfortable surroundings, from what we know and lead us to the unknown, where He wants us. You might not know what the new season has in store for you. You may fear failure and may be anxious due to past mistakes but rest assured that failure is a teacher, it gives lessons and every challenge leaves a badge of experience leading us to wisdom and growth.
New beginnings bring new opportunity to review, refocus, and correct. Remember that God holds the master plan for our lives and He intends to fulfil every promise to us. He did this when He said He will bring us a Saviour, He did it when He promised Abraham a child and in old age Abraham received a child. He also did it when He said He will bring them back from a place in which they were exiled. He has already prepared the promise land for us too and Christmas is the beginning of that promise. The journey may have ups and downs, it may have snakes and giants but if we completely put our trust on the one who leads us He will give us victory (Proverbs 3:5). May this season be a season of experiencing the power in trusting in the Lord, may we find peace in the knowledge that His thoughts and ways are much higher than ours. He reminds us not to fear for He is with us. We know that the people who did the greatest things - Moses, Joshua, David, Esther, Mary - are those who trusted in the Lord. May this season be a season where we will grow in every area of life, may we be among those who do greater exploits because we know and trust in God (Daniel 11:32).
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ikva Magadzi is by far one of the most beautiful women I know. Born in Giyani, Limpopo, She lived in Tzaneen and Pretoria with her family. she is committed to living up to her name: giving hope to the hopeless. As a child she dreamt of becoming a famous musician, “My role model was Brenda Fasie so I was always the centre of attention at family functions and school. I also thought of becoming an IT Specialist.” The fact that they are still alive is evidence that there’s hope for them. I refuse to go with the crowd and reject them. I want to be in the minority and make a difference while winning their souls over to Christ.
What do you miss most about your childhood? My innocence and freedom to express myself without fear of men… What do you mean ‘my innocence’? I was raped by a family friend at age 5 and lost the real me from that moment. Having lost my innocence I became very self-conscious which instilled fear of men. I felt unworthy and silently withdrew from the world into my shell. It has been a while since we’ve been in touch, how do you spend your days currently? I have founded Prolific Enterprises – a manufacturing and branding company specialising in uniforms, branding and promotional material. And I’ve continued with the Tikva Hope Foundation which focusses on instilling hope especially to youth struggling with drug addiction and exoffenders struggling to get employment. Why ex-offenders? I know how it feels to be rejected without any hope for the future and written-off by society. After doing prison ministry I realized that it could’ve been me in prison but God knew what I could handle. What lands those people in prison is more spiritual than anything. Some of them were at the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people. I want to be a reflection of God’s love to them.
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Do you come from a ‘well-to-do’ family or were there days you worried about food, school fees etc.? My mother was a nurse and my father a teacher. They sacrificed to put me in the best schools and there were times I’d be embarrassed when called out in class because my fees were outstanding. I always wanted to match up with my peers, to a point of lying. This put my parents under a lot of strain because I wanted the expensive jeans just to be like my friends. That is selfless of you. The world needs more of you. I know what you are talking about. I have for years been committed to assisting, inspiring, supporting and uplifting those that are marginalised by the general community, I know it is not easy so I take my hat off to you. May you be blessed more for the gift you are to the world. Growing up, what was your biggest worry or fear? I was ashamed and worried about being laughed at by my friends because my parents couldn’t afford certain things. I also had a fear of being discovered and be rejected because of pretending to be someone I wasn’t. To date, what has been the most difficult experience that you’ve had to personally overcome? Drug addiction. I experimented with cocaine, ecstasy, Thai-white, weed, nicotine. It was also a great challenge to accept that a friend, a very close friend, was a satanist assigned to kill me.
These two were part of the reason for me being mentally disoriented for 2 yrs. What do you mean you were mentally disoriented? Please share an example? I was crazy, cagey, withdrawn and constantly paranoid. I had constant unreal fear for my life and it was obvious to those around me. I believed that almost everyone was out to get me just as “my chomie” had been out to kill me. From being an ‘A student’ I became imprudent. I could not have a constructive conversation without anyone noticing that I was unwell. I was literally ‘dead-man- walking.” I had severe depression as a result of what I had seen and experienced – and yes – obviously the withdrawal from the drugs played part. My parents even took me to a psychologist for help but I couldn’t be helped… But look at you know... How did you overcome or are you still overcoming? With GOD. I had to make a choice to change and turn MY MESS INTO A MESSAGE. I also had a name change from Nkateko (Blessing in Tsonga) to Tikva (Hope in Hebrew) 6yrs ago. I am living up to my name – giving hope to the hopeless. Nothing wrong with the old name, but change of name = change of destiny. The names I was given were inherited from my great-grandmother and people said I was just like her so felt I needed to have my own identity in Christ. What was/is your main lesson from this experience: It doesn’t matter who you are or your age or where you come from; you cannot make it in this world without Jesus and: 1 - It’s important to know who you are and what you want to accomplish in life, it makes you focussed and not easily shaken. 2 - Don’t follow the crowd or fight so hard to be accepted that you end up losing yourself. 3 - Choose your friends with care, some of them are on assignment to dim the light in you but smile with you daily. 4 - Life is about choices. We are presented with choices daily – the choices made today will affect not only us but also the people that love us (family), so choose wisely. This sounds like a lot to happen to one person at such a young age. Can we unpack it a bit? LOL – I KNOW!!! It served a great purpose though. Yeah, I know. It is after experiencing what we think is our worst that we arise and shine with strength and courage incomparable to pre- transformation. How did you get introduced to drug, at what age and for how long? Got introduced to drugs at age 17 and used for 2 years. I had a celebrity boyfriend and wanted to fit in and be accepted by him. I was not forced into it…I had a choice in the matter. I’m naturally very curious and daring so I was going to go down that route somehow.
How did you get clean? God. I got prayed for and stayed and worked at a church for 13yrs. Daily life was prayer and the Word. The Word of God brought about the inner healing I needed. I also realised that I was trying to fill a void with drugs and partying, little did I know that only God can fill it. I was unfortunately forced to leave the church because of issues of sexual abuse which tested my Faith. It became imperative for me to remember that my salvation was an encounter with God and not man so I shouldn’t base my Faith on man or allow disappointment by man to cause me to lose my Faith. Our faith and trust should always be in God who created man. I was almost depressed because my life was about that church. My faith in God has since deepened. God used my lack (unemployment) to stir up a business idea that will also fund my NGO. He’s Able! With God nothing will be impossible - we can all rise from the ashes of defeat. Once again you leave me astounded… Are you living your dream right now? I’m almost living my dream. You are truly inspirational and give so much courage. You are proof that we need not give up because God takes care of us when we turn to him for help. Well done Tikva. Our experiences and our growth from the experiences is sometimes a reminder of who God is and what He wants us to be…I am happy for the space that you are in right now and have no doubt that your story and journey will help parents, young people and adults. Thank you for your time and honesty. I simply love, respect and honour women like you who understand the value of authenticity and how it impacts the world. Thank you very much for being you and please do not lose this… Final question, what is your favourite religious or spiritual song or any song that touches your spirit and lifts you? Thank you Kea and congratulations on this project. May the Lord cause this assignment to grow far and wide, may it reach people that seemed impossible to reach, may it turn hearts to Christ and serve its purpose in the Name of Jesus. Amen. You bring tears to my eyes. My songs are: I give myself away - withholding nothing by William McDowell and Deeper by Marvin Sapp
What was the worst thing about being an addict? Losing a lot of things, mostly my self-worth and my parents’ trust. I was a chronic liar and a thief – just to get the next fix.
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t the beginning of a New Year when everyone is aiming to achieve great things, I sometimes feel like I have a case of Not Good Enough Syndrome. There are so many stories of incredible overachievers defying the odds, and it makes me feel quite like I have flu - tired, achy with a mild headache! While one amazing person started a non-profit that educates underprivileged girls, and another wrote a best-selling recipe book, I was just an ordinary mom. Today I made snacks for my little kids, tidied up, and tried to get some stains out of my husband’s shirt. There seems to be this impossible standard of womanhood that constantly leaves us feeling sick with Not Good Enough. From career to kids, from your relationship status to your bra size, we are being bombarded with advice from all directions on how to improve ourselves. Do more. Try harder. Be better. How do we even follow all the advice we get? Advice like... Work more so you can further your career. Work less so you can spend time with your family. Try harder to get fit this summer so you can look good in a bikini. Try harder to care less about how good you look in a bikini. Make sure you have time on your own. Make sure you have time with your friends. Do something new everyday. Simplify your life. Be gentle with your children. Be strict with your children. Don’t go on a diet. Don’t eat carbs. I heard of a mom who had a chalkboard in her kitchen where she would leave herself notes and lists. After one overwhelming day she just wrote across the whole board, “Be Better At Everything!” No wonder we catch Not Good Enough Syndrome - it’s contagious. No wonder one gets sucked into a comparison game with other women that leaves you resentful, or depressed, or momentarily smug as you watch another mom negotiating with a screaming toddler until five minutes later when it’s your child having a colossal tantrum in the shopping aisle. Is there any other way to do this potentially powerful but often intimidating identity called womanhood? I think there is. It’s called Grace.
I don’t mean grace like someone who is elegant and sophisticated. I don’t mean Grace like the popular middle name for girls. I mean Grace like love that hasn’t been earned. Grace that is acceptance just as you are. Grace that is an endless supply of forgiveness no matter how many mistakes are made. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God - Ephesians 3:28. There is something about Grace that heals us from Not Good Enough Syndrome. Grace isn’t denying that there is a standard. Grace is what makes up the difference for our shortcomings. It’s love that fills the gap when we feel Not Good Enough. But here’s the secret… Discovering true contentment in your role as a woman doesn’t start with giving grace. It starts with receiving grace. It’s hard to accept love when we feel like we don’t deserve it. It’s hard to accept forgiveness when we know we’ve let someone down. We even struggle to receive a compliment without saying something negative about ourselves! What do you do when someone pays you a compliment? “Oh, this shirt? I’m so overweight it’s the only thing that fits me.” “Thanks, I think it did go well - but I really could have finished the project sooner.” “Ah you’re sweet, but my hair is so frizzy. I wish I had straight hair like you.” Many of the women I know have high expectations and can be hard on themselves when they don’t measure up. So receiving grace feels very counterintuitive. We are so used to working hard for everything that it’s tough to accept value that isn’t related to our performance. But grace is being loved, appreciated and worthy because of who we are, not because of what we do. We are loved because of who we are, not because of what we do. We are loved because we are created in the image of God, not because we create perfect lives for ourselves. That’s how grace saves us from the tyranny of Not Good Enough. There aren’t a lot of relationships, religions or ways of life that offer grace, but as women we need it. Grace brings freedom. Grace brings goodness. Grace brings rightness. And all through Jesus, not through our performance as women. In 2019, perhaps it’s time to push aside all the fanfare on what’s so amazing about women, and go on an intentional journey to find out what’s so amazing about grace.
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The CEO of MSLONDON responds with a smile saying “The myth is that mineral makeup itself is a myth! Because it almost seems too good to be true!” Sounds like a perfect answer to every woman’s Natural, Green and Organic are words changing skin but there could be some unexpected the way we shop and consume products and reactions…. could be the main reason to the rise in the use of mineral make-up. Many users agree that mineral Don’t delay proper treatment. Sometimes, make-up is changing the face of beauty, and it’s no matter how careful you are, a reaction will not just a phase. Some industry experts also say occur. If that happens, stop using the product that mineral foundation is the best foundation to immediately and give the skin time to breathe and heal. Using something like a soothing aloe combat a slew of skin problems. vera gel can speed up healing. If after a day or So why Mineral Make-up? For starters it is said to two, no changes have occurred, it may be time be kinder to sensitive skin, it doesn’t clog pores to visit a professional. Talk to a dermatologist and it absorbs excess oil. Ego, the ambassador about the necessary treatment options for your of the world’s purest mineral makeup brand specific reaction. supports this by saying that ‘the amount of exposure to pollution and chemicals in today’s Many people think mineral make-up only includes world increases skin sensitivities and the less only powders. This is not true. If you have dry chemicals we use the better for us. Authentic, skin, but still want the goodness of a mineral high-grade mineral makeup contains no fillers, foundation, there’s the liquid option which will preservatives, synthetic dyes or parabens. This make your skin feel hydrated and dewy. means that you get the pure mineral pigments that are needed to create light-in-appearance coverage without the unnecessary chemicals which often create that over-made-up look. Mineral makeup when applied correctly, makes your skin look airbrushed and acts as a real life ‘filter’ creating a natural glowing appearance to skin!’
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Boni’s beginnings paint a lie of a future for a black girl born in a township of Pietermaritzburg who lost her Mom at a very young age. How will she become the queen and a sparkling diamond without a mother’s nurturing and protection? But she’ll proudly tell you that it is her dad’s commitment and love that has resulted in them flourishing. Her detailed and colourful career journey is somewhat also deceiving…it might get you thinking that she is in her 50s or older - of course until you meet her face to face and her genuine, friendly, fresh and welcoming face demystifies the narrative assumed from the details of her journey. In person, Ms Mchunu comes across as vibey, young, ready and interested in engaging. Her soft eyes seem to unintentionally but with precision pierce into your Soul compelling you to be only genuine, clear and up to the point in your conversation with her. I conclude this is one of the main reasons for her success. I meet her at the end of a women in business breakfast where she was a guest speaker and her easy timeous mentions of GOD and the amazing details of her journey, her unique authenticity convinced me that she must be shared with arise-mag-women!! Her attitude is not of one that is ashamed to say – explicitly yet without overbearing: God has especially selected and placed me at the chosen places at different appointed times in my life to be where I am today, and we agree because her journey is exceptional…but we believe and take inspiration from it because we know whose child she is. Boni’s Pearls of Wisdom:
Never think you are too good for an opportunity. She began her working career as a fresh graduate with a degree by walking the streets of Pietermaritzburg with Christmas trees on her back knocking door to door to convince whoever would open to buy a tree. She had invited her varsity friends to come along to the job interview but they were not so interested in a job that did not require higher learning academic qualifications. She had not sold a single tree when she knocked at ABSA and was directed to the procurement manager. At that age, she confesses with a giggle that she did not know what a procurement manager was but was not too intimidated to take the opportunity to sell the tree to him. Instead the manager was more concerned about the petit young girl walking the streets with trees on her back in the scorching heat of Pietermaritzburg’s December’s afternoon. His concern started a conversation that ended with Boni submitting her CV and shortly thereafter becoming an employee of ABSA. She says that this experience taught her that “sometimes opportunity comes dressed in overalls.” Today she head’s KZN’s largest commercial radio station yet nothing in her journey calculates to this current unfamiliar environment in which she leads and excels.
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A job that was probably categorised as too low by her peers, society and community has resulted in the colourful, inspiring career journey that is worth hearing about. It is similar to Joseph’s story of waking up in prison and going to bed in a mention on the very same day. We never know what good can happen when we authentically live who we are, we are humble and allow the God in us to come alive. Never doubt your dream to be too big for you. Boni also mentions that from her young days, especially after university, she made a list of the things she wanted to accomplish. This was before the days of the emerging popularity of vision boards. Amongst her goals was working for big organisaitons such as Unilever and Robertsons as well as traveling the world. Before she knew it she was interviewed and employed by Unilever which acquired Robertsons just as she started working there. Her good work ethic got her on the list of high performers within the company to a point of being seconded to London Unilever. Her Love for Africa prompted her to opt for Ghana, an experience that validated South Africa as the New York of Africa. She has since travelled 6 continents and 72 countries and was also part of leadership at KZN Tourism before heading to East Coast Radio. Love is a foundation for unimaginable greatness. She proudly tells everyone that she loves her Dad, she is daddy’s girl and believes that she is what she is because of the deep love her father gave her. A love that taught her discipline and a willingness to stand alone - especially through growing up in a household without a mom. “I learnt to speak positively to myself which I believe leads to mastery. I believe that I am a daughter of the most high God. I am valuable, I am enough and phenomenal. I am a leader, anointed by the most high, I am worthy and I think Richard Hlela, my dad rocks! I believe in education, especially for a black child in SA, it gives pride and sense of value.”
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What challenges did you experience when you started the business? The accessibility of fabrics and lack of financial institutions’ will towards ‘start-up’ funding. I had to sell an asset to fund the business since banks did not want to assist.
Through her qualification in Textile and Clothing Techniques from the Minijiang University in China and competence in business acquired through family history and B.Com Marketing Management qualification, she contributes her knowledge and skills to South Africa‘s fashion and textile industry.
The Fashion Business looks tough… What would you say are the top 5 must-do for fashion business to thrive? Stay in your own lane, remain true to your design aesthetic, plan, focus and never stop applying intuition and knowledge.
It takes weeks to pin her down for an interview and when we do – we have to be quick…so this is how it went: In less than 5words – describe your designs: Timeless. Elegant. Art-form. Nostalgic with a modern flair.
What is your relationship with God and your creativity? I am thankful for the Spirit of discernment which enables the creation of designs inspired by the Spirit of Light.
In less than 5 words – describe the woman you have in mind when you design: Graceful. Poised. Confident. Sophisticatedly. Elegant. How long have you been in the fashion business? It’s been more than 16 years; however it feels like forever because I grew up helping my mother with her design and sowing business. What has inspired you to commit to fashion as a business? It was imbedded in me at an early age and my mother has played a huge role in me taking this decision.
“I’ve had so many trials in business and I count each victory as a blessing to a point that I now get optimistic of God’s pen ding blessings whenever I face adversities.” - Hangwani Nengovhela
The celebrated founder of the Rubicon brand and winner of the Mbokodo Award for fashion design and innovation.
What does fashion look like in 2019 and what are the 5 must have items for 2019? Fashion looks like Rubicon fashion and each woman must have every design from the Rubicon Autumn Winter 2019 collection, I am serious. Where do we shop your designs? Online at www.rubiconclothing. co.za and Zando online as well as at our boutiques situated in Polokwane, East London and Johannesburg.
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Cut avocadoes in half, remove the pip and scoop out avocado with a spoon and leave it hollow. Wipe the shell clean and place in the fridge. Combine avocadoes and condensed milk in a blender and blend until smooth and place in a large bowl. In a large bowl add 1 cup cream and beat mixture until thick for 10 minutes. Add another cup cream and fold and slowly add the rest of the cream until well combined, ensuring that our fold the mixture slowly. Do NOT over beat the mixture. Pour mixture into a loaf pan or container and firmly press down plastic wrap or baking paper to prevent crystals forming.
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Freeze overnight or up to 6 hours and when ready scoop into hollow avocado shells, grate dark chocolate on top and garnish with mint.
Dressing: Combine blackberries, 5 springs of mint and orange juice into a blender until pureed. Pour through a sieve then combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir until well combined. Taste and add salt and pepper according to your taste. Preheat the grill on medium high heat, add a little oil and put the peaches on the grill and grill for 5 minutes each side. Slice your cucumber lengthways with a vegetable peeler and arrange around a platter or salad bowl, coiling some into circles if desired. Put your grilled peaches on top and sprinkle cashews, your beetroot leaves or rocket, a little mint and some leftover blackberries.
• 8-10 ripe peaches, pitted and cut into 4 equal parts • 1 whole cucumber • 1 handful cashew nuts • 1 packet of fresh mint • 1 handful blackberries • 1 packet rocket or beetroot leaves For the dressing • ½ a lemon or 3 spoons lemon juice • 3 spoons olive oil • ½ an orange or 3 spoons orange juice • 2 spoons honey or golden syrup • 2 spoons whole grain mustard or Dijon mustard
Drizzle your dressing on top and serve
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any a business has fallen by the wayside due to lack of resources needed at critical phases of the business. The learning from Office Executives, founded by Keri is that we truly cannot be masters of everything we need for our businesses. Being a great medical or accounts professional does not mean you have all you need to run a great medical or accounting business.
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his is where women like Keri come in. Through Office Executives, a business she started almost a decade ago, she runs a specialised outsourced office support service for a vast range of small to medium enterprises and Non-Profit Organisations in the South African marketplace. The business also owns international experience within advisory field in the areas of Risk, Treasury, Compliance, Trading, Finance and Administration. “We understand that not every business requires, nor can afford, a permanent and dedicated specialist in all areas of business. At Office Executives, we provide an affordable and personalised office support service that is tailor made to suit your business needs. By delegating your company’s office needs we create a simple solution to relieve you from both time and financial resources.” The company strategically connects all the elements needed to ensure successful and sustainable business for our clients. Office Executives essentially bridges the gap between departments to ensure that a business’s objectives run successfully!
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What inspired you to go into this industry? Having worked for highly intelligent professionals over time revealed to me that professionals are not necessarily cut out to be businesspeople without some additional assistance and support. It was also a very important personal solution to raising my family outside of a “normal” corporate job.
Describe the person you have in mind when you started Office Executives: My client profile would definitely have been my previous employers. Smart, successful but drowning in compliance and more often than not distracted by admin and statutory obligations which would distract them from where their attention should be.
What would you say are the genuine and most difficult challenges you face in this era? The unfortunate fact that small to medium businesses have the same statutory obligations as a large enterprises but do not have the staff with required knowledge to meet those obligations.
What is the one thing you think has kept you in business for the length of time you have been in business? We have been incredibly recession proof in that when businesses expand quickly they need interim assistance in the various sectors we provide support, and when the economy is in a downturn, we are able to fill the gaps left by staff our clients can no longer employ. We are necessary in both up and down economic environments. We have also found that we are able to step into a business at any stage and grow with them no matter their position of their business’ life cycle.
When you started, were the challenges the same? If not…what are the differences? When my business started a decade ago, the statutory obligations were in fact fewer than what they are today. I see more small to medium businesses battling with statutory obligations, sustainability and growth strategies. This has widened my market for my business and even though the economy is in a downward spiral, my business has survived, and at time thrived in the challenging economic climate. In less than 5words – describe your goals (for your clients). Sustainability Responsibility Compliance Profitability Transparency
What successes or breakthroughs have you achieved that you only attribute to God? Most businesses fail in the first year and given that I was in the process of starting a family I am incredibly grateful that I surpassed that challenge through God’s Grace and also continued for a further decade. What joyful projects have you worked on in your career? I am particularly excited by our work with non-profit organisations, the most recent is an advisory board position for Cornerstone Woman. A faith based NPO which supports women and families post destructive and abusive relationships, empowering them with the tools to leave and recover their relationships. As well as supporting the growth and establishment phases of the Rare Diseases South Africa and Genetic Alliance South Africa.
We know that God is the one important fuel that keeps us going what else makes the crazy days feel better? There is absolutely nothing better than coming home from a challenging day and knowing that my children are waiting for me. Children are incredibly rewarding. Their trust and pure love reminds me that there is good in this world. Are you successful? Why? I consider myself successful. My business has survived more economic changes than most, and my main aim in going into business has been achieved. I give back to the community through my NPO work, I see other small businesses grow and I know that I have achieved more balance (with my home, children and work), and I am grateful on a daily basis for this. How does what you do connect to your life’s purpose? I believe my purpose is to give back. I was put on this earth to support others in achieving their dreams and I truly hope that I am with each day getting closer to that goal, helping as many as possible. What does sustainability mean in 2019? To survive the constantly changing economic climate in South Africa one has to properly assess the market and understand where you fit in. The main issue businesses experience is not being able to adjust to these changes but waiting too long to adjust. With the services we offer we are able to constantly assess where a business stands, know almost immediately when there have been market changes, and properly advise on adjustments needed to continue to thrive despite the challenges.
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I have yet to meet an investor who hands over their hard-earned money and says, “invest it in a high risk investment, I love to take chances.” Unless one is talking about cryptocurrencies, but that’s a whole different story. The ultimate “safe” investment is a bank account – you are guaranteed your A cornerstone of investment planning is capital back at the end of the term and that of investment risk, and the financial your interest is specified upfront, so you services industry goes to great pains know what growth you will get. On the to get clients to understand these other end of the scale, an equity based concepts, particularly the fact that the investment such as investing directly greater the risk, the greater the potential on the stock market, or via unit trusts, is return. high risk and you have no guarantees. To protect clients and ensure some level of understanding, one of the tools used in the investment process is that is a risk assessment. The client answers some questions, and, based on this, is deemed to have a certain risk profile. This will then logically lead to where this client’s money is invested – in a fund or funds according to their risk profile. So that, quite frankly, if the client turned around in future and was not happy with where money was invested, there is some paper evidence that the decision was made on information supplied by the client. What this risk assessment processes misses by a mile is that many clients don’t understand the questions fully and most would answer in a rather conservative way. Any adviser worth his or her salt would know that if a client has a long term investment horizon, a very low risk investment may not be in their best interest, despite what a few questions on a piece of paper indicate. 26
You won’t get rich putting your money in a bank account. Research has shown that doubling your money will take nine years if you invested in equities, and 92 years if you invested in cash! So where does that leave investors? Well, you need to take a little risk to get come reward. If your goal is short term and you need might need ready access to cash, put some money into a bank account or money market account. If your goal is longer term to grow your wealth, then take a bit more risk, irrespective of your own fears around losing money. Remember, there are no guarantees in life, and the same is true for investing. No-one can promise you a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but getting good advice from a professional and regularly reviewing your investment progress, will go a very long way to ensuring success. Millions of people have walked this path and been successful. Are you one of them?
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Durban Edward
Protea Hotel by MarriottÂŽ Durban Edward 149 O.R. Tambo Parade, Durban, 4001
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