We see you Celebrating Women’s Month
From domestic worker to medical doctor …. page 3 Hollywood Foundation – Empowering women … pages 4 & 5 Golden girls’ make a splash … page 6 Lara van Niekerk – teen swimming sensation … page 7 Bronze medals for Team SA … page 8 Desiree Ellis & Banyana Banyana … page 9 Ashleigh Buhai … page 10 MSC Cruises celebrates phenomenal women … page 11 Salute to women in the food and beverage industry pages 12 & 13 Airbnb & women entrepreneurs … page 14 Manoko Nong: making tourism work … page 15 Women-focused SA brands team up … page 16 Meet Sikelelwa Sifingo – SAPS motor mechanic … page 17 SANDF celebrates Engineer Squadron women … page 18 Women in road construction … page 19 Nompilo Gumede – author activist … page 20 Inspiring Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp … page 21 Entrepreneur empowers students through science … page 22 Christill Cave – breaking uncommon ground … page 23 Women’s Month gives us one more reason to celebrate the women in our life. This year’s theme is We See You. We see your incredible achievements, we see your selflessness, we see your sacrifices. You raise awareness, nurture, mentor and encourage others to advocate for gender equality and respect for women and girls. This Women’s Month also provides an opportunity to inspire women on the path of growth and shared prosperity. Let us focus on the positive changes all of us can make to bring about equality and equal opportunity for all. As a woman, I see how we are always able to find the silver lining in a difficult situation. Women – we are dreamers, believers, doers, achievers and so much more. During this Women’s Month, we see and celebrate every woman for making our world a better place. Tamara Mafilika LeadBRANDSTORIESCo-ordination: Tamara Mafilika Words: Michelle Lorber, Thembelihle Mkhonza, Gugulethu Shinga Design: Robyn Toni Fynn & Stuart Senar Editor: Linda Zakas | linda.zakas@inl.co.za Contents
From domestic worker to medical doctor
“I spent my entire life in Phoenix and went to what was previously known as ‘Indian schools’ and always considered myself a part of the community… but the looting, violence and acts of racism were very disappointing.” After completing her medical degree, Mahlangu opted to do her internship at the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg. That decision was motivated by her then-boyfriend and now husband, Nqobile, being based there. The couple have two young children aged 22 and nine months and live in randburg, about 45 km away from Tembisa. She said it was very difficult getting to work this week, amid all the protest action in the area. Mahlangu said she was naturally a calm person, and with time and experience she has learnt how to approach each patient and think on her “Itfeet.also helps that I like to make decisions.” She said her recent HIV qualification was hugely beneficial as many patients she attended to were HIV positive. “It will help me in the future if I decide to specialise in internal medicine, because infectious diseases is a big topic now and a large percentage of our population are HIV Mahlangupositive.”
“The way I portrayed the whole experience of doing domestic work in my storytelling, my friends at varsity found it very interesting and didn’t look down on me. “My stories on what a Christmas dinner looked like… for those of us who didn’t grow up with carol singing, elaborate and lavish dinners and gifts under the tree, my friends were Mahlangufascinated.”said her peers didn’t see her as a domestic worker but as someone who had a taste of what life is like on the other side, similar to the Havingmovies.completed Matric at Greenbury Secondary in 2011, she had the backing of her Campbell’s Town community as she pursued her dream profession.
They knew her to be an “A” student and understood her situation at home and the parttime work she did. Mahlangu said the violence and riots of July 2021 were “disheartening”.
was grateful for the support she received from her family which has enabled her to excel at her job. She appreciated the influence of her mother, who she regards as being a woman of “prayer, strength and resilience”. While Mahlangu is satisfied her children won’t lack materially, she still wants to instil in them a determination to “work for their life’s needs and to be humble and respect people from all walks of life”.
Her hands were not meant for washing dishes or other domestic duties; they were destined to save Pamelalives.Mahlangu’s career as a medical doctor continues to flourish and, at age 29, she has hopes of reaching greater heights in her “dream come true” profession. The Johannesburg-based Dr Mahlangu, who works as a medical officer at Tembisa Hospital, completed a Diploma in HIV Medicine at the College of Medicine South Africa, earlier this Inyear.spite of her successes in the field of medicine, Mahlangu, who hails from Phoenix, Durban, still looks back fondly on the 10 years she worked part-time as a domestic worker to fund her studies and supplement her family’s meagre earnings. Her mother, Thembi Sithole, tried her best to love and provide for Mahlangu and her two older siblings, but being without formal employment presented some challenges for her closely-knit family. During Mahlangu’s school days her siblings were in varsity and also worked to keep the home fires burning. Being the type of person who prefers to get things done for herself, Mahlangu was determined to make her own income. “There was an opportunity given to me by an older lady from my church around Christmas in 2008. She wanted someone to wash dishes during a Christmas eve dinner at her boss’ home on a Mount edgecombe estate.” After that experience, Mahlangu continued doing domestic duties at the estate, mainly for Val Shirley’s family, until she graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s medical school in “I2017.never saw it as something demeaning or lowering my dignity, I saw it as a holiday job that helped me buy uniforms, stationery for school and textbooks for varsity. “It wasn’t earning me much, about r100 a day, which helped me with some of my basic expenses and toiletries.” Mahlangu was satisfied with doing what was necessary to achieve her objectives.
Some of last year’s empowered women:
LESEGO MPSHE Name of business: LeRaw Home & Craft “We specialise in manufacturing and home & craft.”
EMPOWERING WOMEN THIS AUGUST
What were the challenges or needs of your business, prior to receiving the contribution from the #EmpoweringHER campaign? “We were looking for assistance with marketing and professional branding tools.”
What is your message to the Hollywood Foundation? “I would like to say thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for assisting us financially, it has really had a positive e ect on our business.”
The owners of businesses, which ranged from salons and cleaning companies to farming and fast-food outlets, to name a few, were ecstatic to hear the good news that they were receiving much-needed support through the campaign. Both Mbatha and Tshabalala hosted a powerful webinar with the recipients, together with Hollywoodbets Head of Operations – Africa, Sandisiwe Bhengu and Hollywood Foundation Group Transformation Manager, Babongile Mkhize. The webinar a orded the recipients an opportunity to engage with these powerhouses and ask questions that will help them to succeed, both within their businesses and as women who are making their mark in the country.
Hollywoodbets, through the Hollywood Foundation, has been prioritising the empowerment of women and affording them an opportunity to grow within the business sector.
THIS August, the Hollywood Foundation is proud to partner with starlet and philanthropist Nomzamo Mbatha’s Lighthouse Foundation, for the #EmpoweringHER campaign. This year, the selected businesses will be recognised through the Women in Business Awards, as part of the groundbreaking campaign. With the launch of the Hollywood Foundation and the implementation of its Enterprise and Supplier Development team, the campaign aims to touch the lives of even more businesses that are owned by women and break down barriers for them within the corporate space. “We are once again returning during Women’s Month to not only honour, but also to empower women in business. Partnering with the Hollywood Foundation on this is so meaningful, as we had a successful run in 2021 with the #EmpoweringHER campaign. This year we are going bigger and aiming for absolutely nothing short of excellent,” said Mbatha. In August 2021, Hollywoodbets partnered with Nomzamo Mbatha and Carol Tshabalala for the #EmpoweringHER campaign. An investment of R1.5 million was made to shine a spotlight on female-owned small businesses in South Africa. The #EmpoweringHER campaign was able to invest in 21 female-owned businesses, and the finalists were announced in heartwarming webinars hosted by Mbatha and Tshabalala.
What was contributed to the business through the #EmpoweringHER campaign? “We received equipment, such as stock and branding.” Describe the growth of the business since receiving assistance from the #EmpoweringHER campaign. “All of the equipment and tools helped prepare for the Intra-Africa Trade Fair and Kenya Exhibition. It also helped with day-to-day business needs, and I stopped struggling with internet access. I have seen benefits, as now, when there is a large sum of orders, production is quick. We now ‘qualify’ to mass produce and be small enterprise suppliers to Clicks, Shoprite and Mr Price. We can now have five to seven students in each class, as opposed to three to five.”
What is your message to other female entrepreneurs who may be experiencing the same challenges? “Do what you can with what you have until you have the capacity to do what is ideal for your business.”
What were the challenges or needs of your business, prior to receiving the contribution from the #EmpoweringHER campaign? “We applied for funds to achieve an improvement of services, particularly the training materials we use, and also for improving our website.”
Describe the growth of the business since receiving assistance from the #EmpoweringHER campaign. “The funding assisted me in scaling my business. Investment in social media marketing also helped to brand the business.”
NANDIPHA MSEBENZI Name of business: Alude Arts “We focus on handmade jewellery.”
What was contributed to the business through the #EmpoweringHER campaign? “The funds were used for jewellery supplies, equipment and branding.”
What is your message to other female entrepreneurs who may be experiencing the same challenges? “Persistence and consistency will get you through the difficult times of running a business.” What is your message to the Hollywood Foundation? “Thank you!”
Click here to learn more about the Hollywood Foundation.
What is your message to the Hollywood Foundation? “Amazing working with the team thus far! You have made the experience beautiful. I would love to see more opportunities for engagement for business support and advice for entrepreneurs.”
What were the challenges or needs of your business, prior to receiving the contribution from the #EmpoweringHER campaign? “We applied for the funding to ensure the growth and success of our business. We were short of the materials that we needed to be able to scale the business to greater heights and make good profit margins.”
TUMELO ZONDI Name of business: Sprout Africa “Sprout Africa is an agribusiness dedicated to promoting, capacitating and supporting rural smallholder farmers to obtain better access to efficient trading markets. We do this by collaborating with agricultural training centres that assist farmers to address produce-related challenges that hinder them from producing quality produce at optimal capacity, but we also run business training to assist farmers to manage their farms sustainably. We have partnered with organisations Seed2Shirt and Africa Women in Agriculture Association to deliver business training to farmers in Burkina Faso and Ghana.”
What was contributed to the business through the #EmpoweringHER campaign? “We were able to improve our current website and move towards improving the training curriculum.”
The 200m world record-holder was in top form edging out jenna Strauch from australia and fellow South african swimmer Kaylene Corbett with the time of 2:21.92 to secure her third Commonwealth Gold medal. The 25-year-old produced a masterclass in the pool following on from her world record-breaking performance at the Tokyo Olympics last year.
“It felt amazing, the crowd was going wild, so I knew it was going to be close. But I was just happy that I could swim the second fastest time I’ve ever done and to win a medal is a bonus so I’m super-happy,” said the beaming 19-year-old Van niekerk. Olympic champion Schoenmaker was thrilled for her teammate to claim the first medal of the Games for the country. “It’s obviously amazing,” said a thrilled Schoenmaker. “Four years ago Kaylene was standing in the crowd and she’s always crying for me so for me it was the happiest moment. I really didn’t care what my result was – I was so happy for her to win her first international medal and then the blessing is to share that “We’repodium.always supporting women, so it’s great to have a woman grab the first one. We can just be so proud of them. Being the senior now in the group it’s nice to see the juniors come up and take the win. “We’re so proud to wear the green and gold but being able to sing that anthem together, we just felt united with our country in that moment,” she added. an equally emotional Corbett said: “We’ve fought for women’s sport since 2016 when none of the South african girls made the Olympic team but we’ll keep fighting until we’re done swimming so this is definitely a step in the right direction having two girls on the podium in comparison to 2018 when she was on the podium and I was crying in the stands so I must say, it’s nice to cry on the podium than next to the pool.”
Schoenmaker went into the games as one of South africa’s top medal prospects and didn’t Thedisappoint.Southafrican squad had, for the first time in history, more women than male representatives and is the most transformed squad in the country’s history at a multi-code Games. Teen swimming sensation Lara van niekerk also powered to gold in Birmingham, claiming the 50m breaststroke title. Schoenmaker finished fourth in 30.41 and Corbett sixth in 31.10.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images South Africa’s Lara van Niekerk (right) celebrates with teammate Tatjana Schoenmaker after winning her heat in the women’s 50m breaststroke swimming event to set a new Commonwealth Record at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, on day one of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, central England, on Friday.Photo: Oli Scarff/AFP
Golden Girls make a splash
TaTjana Schoenmaker, Lara van niekerk and Kaylene Corbett all lit up the swimming pool at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Schoenmaker further solidified her legacy as one of the best swimmers South africa has produced by retaining her 200m breaststroke title at the 2022 Commonwealth games.
Erin Gallagher of South Africa winning Silver medal in the Women’s 50m Butterfly during the swimming event on day 4 of the 2022 Commonwealth Games at Sandwell Aquatics Centre on August 01, 2022 in Birmingham, England.
After a gold performance at the recent Commonwealth Games South African teen swimmer Lara van Niekerk stormed to yet another SA and African record at the SA Short Course Championships in KwaZulu-Natal. t he 19-year-old double Commonwealth Games gold medallist on Saturday claimed victory in the 50m breaststroke in 29.62 seconds, to better the record she set in the morning heats (29.67) and at the same event a year ago (29.85) in the Pietermaritzburg pool.
t he swimmer’s weekend victory saw her secure another A qualification mark for the World Short Course Championships in Melbourne, Australia this December. After the race, Van Niekerk said she thought results could have been slightly better if she had all that energy she had at the Commonwealths, adding that she also believed that the future will have better “Itimes.definitely think I can go faster – especially coming back from such a big competition [like the Commonwealth Games; you are very tired,” she said after the race. “When I go back from the heats sessions, I literally just go and sleep … I’m dead because such a big competition takes so much out of you.”
BOOGS
Swimming star Lara sets new record – again
Meanwhile, several other swimmers in Pietermaritzburg achieved B qualifying times, which will still put them in contention for selection for the World Short Course Championships later in the year. t hese swimmers include Caitlin de Lange and rebecca Meder.
Lara van Niekerk during the Swimming South African Short Course Championships, held at Seals swimming pool in Pietermaritzburg.Picture:Andrew Mc fadden Photography
IT was celebration time again for Team South Africa when they secured two more bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games in CandiceBirmingham.Lillfinished third in the women’s mountain bike cross-country event, while the lawn bowls para women’s pairs B6-B8 duo of Victoria van der Merwe and Desiree Levin also reached the podium to take SA’s medal haul to 18 (six gold, five silver and seven bronze). Lill competed in the London Olympics, and 10 years later at the Cannock Chase Forest in Staffordshire, she tasted glory in the gruelling 34km race. The 30-year-old from Port Shepstone was in fourth position after the opening 10km, but moved up to second at the 22km mark. Lill, though, was passed by Australian Zoe Cuthbert with about 4km to go, and settled for third and bronze in a time of 1hr 36min 12sec. England’s Evie Richards charged to the gold medal in 1:34:59, with Cuthbert taking the silver with 1:35:46. Later in the afternoon, Van der Merwe and Levin beat England’s Michelle White and Gillian Platt 16-7 in the lawn bowls para women’s pairs B6B8 bronze-medal match at Victoria Park. The SA pair were 7-2 up after End 4, and moved ahead to a 12-3 advantage following End 9.
Bronze medals for Team SA mountain biking, lawn bowls give country more reasons to celebrate
Candice Lill finished third in the women’s mountain bike cross-country event, Lawn bowls para women’s duo, Victoria van der Merwe and Desiree Levin
In all aspects of society, there are phenomenal women who are making a difference in the lives of those around them while also striving to new Southheights.Africans have to look no further than our very own Desiree Ellis who has taken 2022 by nstorm.otonly did she walk away with the Women’s Coach of the Year for a third successive time at the 2022 Confederation of African Football Awards in Rabat, Morocco recently, but the 59-year-old also guided Banyana Banyana to their first Women’s African Cup of nations trophy in their Banyanahistory.Banyana led by Coach Desiree, carved their name in the history books by winning the WAFCOn in July in Morocco against the host nation, creating yet another memorable sporting moment for the country. The last and only time the country had been treated to such a feat was when the men’s team conquered the continent back in 1996. As Captain 22 years ago, Ellis along with her team had suffered a devastating 2-0 defeat to nigeria, but this momentous victory offered an opportunity to more than make up for what will now surely only be but a blip in the hearts and minds of a loyal following of football fans. South Africa, alongside nigeria, are the only two countries on the continent to have conquered the sports with both the male and female teams. Ellis, who grew up in Salt River, in the Western Cape, has steered the ship carrying the hopes of South African women’s soccer significantly closer to being recognised and appreciated locally, as well as on the world stage. During her playdays, she represented the likes of Spur Ladies as a midfielder, along with being a founding and the second captain of Banyana Banyana. But painting her with just one brush does an unmissable injustice to a lady who has continuously and tirelessly worked to improve and gather support for the female version of the game. She has held the position of vice-president of the Western’s Football Association from 1994 to 1995, later becoming the PRO of the association from 1996 – 1997.
SAFA Special Recognition Gold Award: Presidential2000 Sports Silver Award :2001 Mandisa Shiceka Role Model Award by AnC Youth League: 2001 as a manager: South COSAFAAfrica-Women’s Championship 2018, 2019, Women’s2020African Cup of nations : 2022, runners-up 2018 Aisha Buhari Cup: 2021
Coach Desiree Ellis has put South African football back on the map
COSAFA Women’s Championship: 2002 Women’s African Cup of nations runnersup: 2000 IndIvIdual: Mobil Achievement Award by WP Sportswriters: 1980 SAFA Women’s Inter-provincials: 1986, 1989, Foschini1992Cape Woman Football Player of the Year: 1989, 1993 WP Player of the Year: 1983, 1993 Sanlam Sports Star of the Month (november): 2000
Political party ActionSA said Buhai’s win should be celebrated. “ActionSA contends that this is yet another wake-up moment in South African sports to drive greater parity between men’s and women’s sporting codes. this means improving the level of investment and national interest behind women’s sports in South Africa and acknowledging our sportswomen who are, in many sporting codes, flying the South African flag highest,” said ActionSA president herman “AfterMashaba.her fantastic victory at the AIG Women’s open, Ashleigh’s ranking is sure to climb,” said Mashaba.
Ashleigh Buhai’s historic golf championship win celebrated
South African golfer Ashleigh Buhai made history by becoming the third South African woman to win a major golf championship, the AIG Women’s open at Muirfield in Scotland, on the eve of Women’s Day. the last South African woman to achieve this accolade was Sally Little in Buhai’s1988.win comes just after Banyana Banyana were victorious at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Buhai had a very successful amateur career and turned professional the day after her 18th birthday. In 2007, she won the Catalonia Ladies Masters, which was only her third tournament after turning professional. She also became the youngest professional player to win the Ladies’ European tour.
Brieflyexample.detailing some of the hurdles she faces in her career, Kilpin said the cheffing industry is dominated by men, and managing two res taurants as a woman and a mom is a challenge every day. Nevertheless, her work ethic will pay off, and she has a never-give-up attitude. She said although the food and beverage in dustry are still male-dominated, more and more women are taking on senior positions in the kitchen and that it is just a lot more challenging having a family and running two restaurants. Kilpin advises any woman who is considering a career in the industry to make sure first that this is the right career for them. “although the work is hard, has long hours and is physically demanding, it can be a rewarding industry if you are passionate about food and beverage,” she said.
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Mala Bryan – model, restaurateur, and self-taught chef
What was once, and to an extent, is still considered a male-dominated industry of food and drink is being challenged every day, empowered, and inspired by a growing line-up of talented, motivated women. In celebration of Women’s Month, we want to salute these ladies who have taken over the industry with great flair. these women are blowing us away with their talent, innovation, and all-around creativity.
Salute to women in the food and beverage industry
Mala Bryan – model, restaurateur, and selftaught chef Born on the Caribbean Island of St Lucia, Bryan is currently a new mom, but she still helps run the Carne restaurants, which she owns. She is also a model and the creator of Malaville dolls.
Kerry Kilpin – Executive Chef at Steenberg Raised on a pineapple farm in the Eastern Cape just outside of Bathurst, Kilpin is the executive chef at Steenberg Wine Farm and oversees two restaurants on the estate – the Bistro Sixteen82 and tryn Restaurant. Food has been a passion of hers since she was a “Backchild.then, I baked cakes on the farm for the staff children and later for my friends at board ing school. My love of food was sparked by my passion for experimenting in the kitchen. My culinary skills were honed at the Silwood School of Cookery in Cape town, shortly after I gradu ated from Grahamstown high School in 2000. In 2003, I worked as an intern at La Colombe under seasoned chef and mentor Franck Dan gereux, who immediately promoted me to sous chef in 2004. “after leaving La Colombe in 2006, I became head chef at Franck’s Foodbarn in Noordhoek, where we worked together until 2014. My career path finally led me to Steenberg in No vember 2014, when I became the executive chef at Bistro Sixteen82. My role as Steenberg ex ecutive chef evolved into managing both Bistro 1682 and tryn restaurants in 2018. happy chefs make happy food, which makes happy people. I love to make people happy,” said Kilpin. asked about the one thing she absolutely hates cooking, despite its popularity, she said it must be baby food. Kilpin said even though she has a four-year-old and an eight-month-old, she is not a fan of making baby food. She finds it to be one of those life hacks.
Bryan got into the hospitality industry while still in her teenage years and got herself professional experience working at a hotel for a few years. When she came to South africa, her partner, being the owner of the 95 Keerom and Carne restaurants, reignited her love for the industry. Over the past few years, she assisted chef Giorgio Nava around the world, gaining experience and working alongside some of the top chefs in the world at times. Detailing how the restaurant business came about, Bryan said they had a space available, and she just thought it was because Cape town was lacking an authentic Caribbean restaurant at the time, and she thought it would have been a good idea to use the space for that and it was something she had always wanted to do at some point in her life, so she took the opportunity when it came along.
In the industry, Kilpin currently admires chef Jackie Cameron because of the way she ap proaches food, students, and the industry. She said cheffing is so much more than what you see on television, and Cameron is the perfect
“You have endless combinations and pairing with food, but once you find that perfect marriage, it literally is like music to your ears, or should I say, taste buds. At the end of the day, everyone will have an opinion, but to find the perfect match is key,” she said. Du Toit said, to a certain extent, the industry is still quite male-dominated. “Slowly but surely, you see more and more women head chefs coming to the fore under the guidance of a male restaurateur or chef-owner. I think as women, we are made out to be delicate and fragile, but you can have a soft nature and still be a strong force to be reckoned with.
Du Toit studied at The Culinary Academy, known as The Hurst Campus. She did her training in hospitality management trading at The Victoria & Alfred Hotel Waterfront and her culinary training at Erinvale Hotel in Somerset West. She moved on to working with Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss at The Greenhouse, then moved on with the team to FYN restaurant and Beyond. Du Toit said what she loves most about her job is the fact that you can be creative in so many ways.
Julia du Toit – Head Chef at Beyond Born in Walvis Bay in Namibia and later relocated to Gordon’s Bay in Cape Town, where she grew up, Du Toit is currently the head chef at Beyond Restaurant. She has always had a passion for food. Ever since she was little, she was in the kitchen helping her mom cook, watching cooking shows on television, and reading cookbooks.
Asked about some hurdles that she has experi enced in her career and what she loves about what she does, Harding said the hurdles never end, and most are self-inflicted. “When I don’t listen properly or make assump tions. There are always hurdles. If we are suc cessful, we learn to learn from them. What I love about what I do is creating opportunities, taking ownership of evolution, driving a meaningful cul ture, and meeting so many diverse people from all over SA and the world. I never stop learning. That is what I am addicted to,” she said.
In the industry, she admires fellow countrywom an, chef Nina Compton, based in New Orleans in the United States, because she feels like they speak the same language at times without her knowing it and that her infusion of Caribbean cuisine with other foods is incredible. Asked about hurdles she has experienced, Bryan said there are many, but for her, it was being able to train people to cook Caribbean food the right way. “Some of our cooking methods are a bit differ ent. You don’t realise it when it is something you do all the time. Also, lots of substituting of in gredients because not everything can be found here, so that took a lot to get the flavours close enough to home. Most importantly, get the right people to help you run your business because we tend to need people who love and care for it like it’s their own. I love making people happy, and helping people create beautiful food experi ences makes me happy,” she said. Bryan concludes that the industry is not a space for the weak. She said you need to have very tough skin because the industry, in general, is already tough and intense, no matter what role you are playing.
Harding said the industry is a tough industry for women, especially working in a restaurant. She said the hours are long, and in SA, it is not easy for women to travel home from work late at night, and she thinks that men have naturally been attracted to the industry, but this is chang ing. Harding advises any woman who wants to join the industry to do it. “It is an industry with so much opportunity, and we need more women in an industry which is all about care, warmth, and serving. It is a way of life,” she said.
Grace Harding – CEO of Ocean Basket Born in Berea in Gauteng, Harding was raised by a Greek Italian, Egyptian woman, and Greek grandmother. At her house, it was all about food. She joined Ocean Basket in 2012 to work with the founder in transitioning the brand and gearing it for growth. Ten years later, they con tinue to evolve, expand, and create opportuni ties. In the industry, Harding admires Natasha Sideris, who is the founder of Tashas. “She is a dynamo, passionate, relentless, and a go-getter of note. Every restaurant is meticu lously and carefully thought through,” she notes.
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“This career is not very forgiving in the sense that you work long hours, and most of the time, you are working when the rest of the world is not. Don’t give up on your dreams, but also try to find the balance. Finding a partner that is understanding helps, as well as having the sup port of family and friends. Finding time for your support network is also important as it reminds you that you are human,” she said.
Grace Harding – CEO of Ocean Basket
Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/ANA Pics
Closer to home, Airbnb announced that it was continuing to invest in empowering women to become tourism entrepreneurs with a new three-year commitment to address barriers to entry in the industry, and to help rebuild a more inclusive and resilient domestic tourism Theeconomy.commitment, focused on infrastructure, training and investment, will see Airbnb expand its Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy to more places, and work together with partners to provide at least 100 Airbnb Academy hosts and their communities with free wi-fi.
Each of these 100 hosts, the vast majority of whom are women, will become a wi-fi hot spot within their community, giving hundreds of others access, resulting in a powerful network Velmaeffect.
Airbnb opening the door to women becoming tourism entrepreneurs
Mhinti Pato, Experiences Host on Airbnb and an Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy graduate, said she loved hosting on Airbnb because she got to meet people from different countries, different backgrounds, and to share her story of growing up in a township in south Africa.
Corcoran, Airbnb regional lead, Middle East Africa, said that with the rising cost of living the economic benefits of hosting are proving more important than ever and they are committed to unlocking economic opportunities for women across south Africa, particularly in rural and township communities.
Elizabeth Tellmann and Fadziso Choto are Airbnb hosts in the southern suburbs.
“The Academy taught us how to be comfortable using the Airbnb platform and how to become good Hosts, to be proud of where we are coming from and be able to present it to the world,” said Pato.
Airbnb also revealed that women are embracing hosting at a higher rate than men, with 21% more women joining the platform than men in “New2021. women hosts earned approximately $1.1 billion on the platform in 2021, including approximately R62 million in south Africa. In fact, between 1 January 2010 and 31 January 2022 women hosts in south Africa have earned approximately R6bn collectively,” said Airbnb.
The popular online bed and breakfast platform, with global earnings of more than $12bn in 2021, revealed that women are not only homesharing pioneers but also masters of hospitality, with responsive and clear communication, an emphasis on cleanliness and incredible overall experiences. In fact, in 2021, women hosts received a higher share of 5-star reviews (91%) than their male counterparts (89%).
As we celebrate National Women’s Month, it has never been more important to recognise the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the globe. Data from Airbnb highlights how women especially have turned to hosting on the platform to become tourism entrepreneurs. According to the data, women hosts now make up 56% of Airbnb’s global Host community, an even higher proportion in south Africa at 65%.
Manoko Nong, The Maslow’s maintenance co-ordinator
Meet Manoko Nong, The Maslow’s maintenance coordinator who’s making tourism work
Keeping her own house in order is a task that Manoko nong enjoys, so it comes as no surprise that she enjoys her job keeping The Maslow Sandton shipshape as maintenance nco-ordinator.ongjoined the four-star luxury business and leisure hotel in Sandton in 2012 in the house keeping department as a room attendant and was moved to the maintenance department in She2018.described the promotion as “life-changing” and revealed that her mentor at the hotel was the maintenance manager, Wilson Bantwini. Bantwini trained her in all the duties and responsibilities of a maintenance co-ordinator. “i admired his leadership style and gathered the courage to tell him i would like to learn from him,” said nong. She revealed that when a maintenance co-ordinator position became available, she applied and got the job. “Wilson pushed me and that gave me the en couragement to strive for excellence even when i did not have the confidence, and i am very grateful for the step i took,’’ said nong. nong’s daily tasks at The Maslow Sandton include capturing of Kronos, sending reports to different service providers, ensuring that all the services monthly, biannually and annually are scheduled and completed. “i am also fulfilling the functions of a safety, health and environmental (SHe) co-ordinator – looking after health and safety data – and would like to progress to a SHe officer in due ncourse.”ongsaid that the maintenance department appealed to her because the work produces visible results. “if someone reports a dead light bulb, my team is responsible to replace it, and once the job is done there is evidence,” she Assaid.a woman in the industry, her leadership style is in tune with her femininity. “My approach with the team is not abrupt, i treat people with respect and it makes my job easy. in our team we are a family, we are able to talk freely and are relatable.”
The Maslow has outlined its goal to reduce its environmental impact. nong helps to monitor monthly emissions as well as petrol, diesel, electricity and water usage. “We aim to reduce our carbon footprint and reduce electricity and water use. We are on track to meet Sun international’s group objective of zero waste to landfill by 2025.” Although she describes herself as a shy person, nong is a straight talker who is considerate of others. “My 4-year-old daughter is the love of my life, i named her after my late sister, and i see her love shine through her every day and that gives me joy,” she said. in her spare time, she enjoys binge watching investigation Discovery and staying on top of tasks like ironing and laundry around the Herhouse.advice to other women this Women’s Month is: “Always have faith in yourself, because the harder it gets only means you are getting closer to your goals. Lastly, don’t get too comfortable, because nothing good comes out of that.”
Out of the 618 submissions submitted, Latitude’s co-founder Roberta Coci says they “proved beyond doubt that there is a wealth of talent waiting to be unlocked in this country.”
Motlhoki nono, one of the top 12 finalists for the #annaaward2022.
The winner will be announced on august 10. The top 12 finalists are: Hemali Khoosal, Sinal ngcaba, Solina Tewolde, nadine Mthenjwa, Lerato nkosi, Charlae Baragwanath-Barter, Fiona davhana, Farhana Jacobs, Mbali Tsha balala, gugulethu Mnguni, Mthloki nono and Thembi Mthembu.
Their winning artwork will be included in the anna awards Collection. What’s more, 12 final ists will be presented to the Latitudes audience, who will vote for an audience award winner.
Women-focused SA brands team up to launch intriguing art award
Leading the charge in developing ecologically friendly sanitary care is anna, South africa’s first locally manufactured, eco-friendly, and organic menstrual product line. Latitudes is an online gallery where you explore and purchase modern african art. The website combines works of art displayed by galleries, curators, studios, non-profit organisa tions, and independent artists with a constantly changing, well curated selection of art from the continent and the diaspora. Latitudes, the first platform of its kind devoted to african art, was created with the goal of as sisting collectors in discovering creativity from the continent in a welcoming and accessible way. With more than 1 000 artists represented, Latitudes is rapidly becoming the most popular online gallery for african art. Latitudes is passionate about identifying and nurturing new talent. it launched an education programme last year, which has mentored and benefited over 80 South african creatives. Juanita Kotzé, creative director of anna – Pure Organic Pads and Liners South africa, believes the launch of this award is the next step in anna’s mission to embolden and empower women. “anna is about liberation, belonging, sustainability and truth, and i can’t think of a better way to share and express this ethos than through the creation and celebration of art.”
Picture: @latitudes.online/instagram
The winner will receive a R100 000 cash prize from anna, a month residency at PLaaS #inp laasvan inFranschhoek, South africa, a profile on Latitudes Online, and a year’s supply of anna products.
Simply going through the 12 final artists sent my nerves into overdrive, i can only imagine the se lection process up to this point. Hemali Khoosal, one of the anna award finalists, spoke with iOL about her ambitions and what the platform means to her. “For me, the anna award is synonymous with possibilities. On a personal level, being selected as a finalist has added to the focus, self-assur ance, and optimism i am cultivating in myself and my approach to making art. Cultivating this is an ongoing journey which will empower me to empower others. “Many women of colour do not have the support to pursue art professionally. i have a soft spot for this since it took me a while to find my place in this industry, so i genuinely hope i can change that for others. Being a finalist for the award represents an opportunity to help me do this. “if i were to win the anna award, i would be able to devote more time and resources to meaningful and uplifting work, as well as relent less experimentation.”
Meet SAPS motor mechanic Sikelelwa Sifingo – making her mark in a male-dominated industry
Despite working in a male-dominated industry, Constable sikelelwa sifingo says it was “heartwarming” to find that she was always treated with respect. the 29-year-old works as a motor mechanic for the south African police services and is being honoured as part of Women’s Month. sifingo said watching her dad service his own vehicle and being sent on errands to buy motor spares is what sparked her interest in motor mechanics. she went on to study motor mechanics at False Bay College in Cape town. “After completing her studies, she further honed her motor mechanic skills during a four-year stint at the Barloworld Academy on an apprenticeship,” said police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe. it was sifingo’s curiosity to work on different vehicle brands that made her apply for a position in the sAps. According to Colonel Mathe, the sAps vehicle fleet is massive and comprises an array of brands. Although the sAps environment is still new to her, sifingo finds the male artisans at the Maitland garage welcoming to her. “From the commanders to my colleagues, i am treated with so much respect. it is heart-warming.” she looks forward to growing in the organisation and making a difference within the environment. “Without a reliable vehicle fleet, sAps crime-fighting efforts cannot deliver safety in communities,” said sifingo.
Sikelelwa Sifingo is a motor mechanic for the SAPS. She is based at the Maitland garage. Picture: SAPS
Sapper Makoto Charity Nkoana, water purification bottling plant, has a National Diploma in Civil e ngineering, together with Sapper Sehaneleng Baloyi, with an N3 in Chemical Plant Operation.
Gwai said women driving heavy construction machines and building bridges are not a norm in our society, so these capabilities often shock local communities. The women artisans, such as electricians, boiler makers, welders and locksmiths, continue to render their expert services in the mission. Photography also plays a vital role in capturing the moments and storytelling of the work done by their fellow soldiers. Photographers from the e ngineer Terrain Intelligence Regiment from Pretoria are deployed to capture and archive photographic evidence in the history files of the e ngineers Corp, Gwai said. “Since the deployment of the e ngineer Squadron in mid-April 2022 for disaster relief, women have defied the narrative that ‘women belong to the kitchen’, as generally engineering work is ‘man, equipment and machinery heavy’, thus many people assume that women cannot withstand the pressure that comes with the workload on the ground,” Gwai said. “These women in the military have proved that they can be anything they dream in the military and are not limited to gender stereotypes. They are an epitome of excellence, discipline, hard work and indeed ‘education is the most powerful weapon which can change the world’.”
SANDF celebrates the women of Engineer Squadron under Operation Chariot
Gwai said the engineering capabilities or trades are within the SA Army e ngineer WomenFormation.inuniform are continually empowered through Military e ngineer courses presented at the School of e ngineers in Kroonstad, in the Free State. Some are also sent to school to qualify in trades they are interested in, while others join already qualified with varied tertiary qualifications from academic Institutions, Gwai said. Sapper Mashudu Ramukhithi, boiler maker and field Sapper, at a bridge rehabilitation site at Sea Tide ll Red Seal Trade Certificate
The e ngineer Squadron is also supported by other women from other corps and ensures that the mission goals are achieved.
The SANDF celebrates its e ngineer Squadron women’s role in the mission under Operation Chariot during Women’s Month.
The SANDF’s Captain Tshegofatso Gwai reported that women in the engineering field’s daily job specifications include those working in construction sites and water points, “executing with zeal and with bravery” road and infrastructure repairs, bridge rehabilitation and water purification for communities affected by the mid-April floods in KwaZulu-Natal.
“These include projects crucial for national economic recovery, vital for the development and social transformation of the country and the creation of new jobs, especially for women and the youth. “It will open opportunities for the development and participation of small, medium and microsized enterprises and stimulate the formation of large black-owned enterprises to make their mark in the infrastructure development space.”
Project Liaison Officer in Groot Brak, Deline Malgas has been tasked with reaching out to unemployed people in the area.
essa said Sanral is driving women’s empowerment through the provision of contract participation goals that set targets for contracts to be awarded to women-owned companies.
next challenge is to design roads and bridges. She falls within Sanral’s transformation offering, which has several goals, including increasing the number of civil engineers and womenowned businesses. The agency has awarded bursaries and scholarships to more girls than boys. essa said: “In the 2020/2021 intake, 32% of recipients were male and 68% female.”
The company was determined to play an essential role in the post Covid-19 economic recovery through road infrastructure projects.
Kamogelo Monembe manages two subcontractors who work on the N1 between Riemhoogte and Skietfontein in the Western Cape. The 185km route is patrolled daily to check for areas that need urgent maintenance. She said her work was largely easy, but there were difficult aspects, such as ensuring the team’s work met the highest standards. Monembe said she found that men often looked down on her. “There aren’t many black women civil engineers, but it is time that changes. Young girls need to step up and out and be counted,” she Monembe’ssaid.
The start of Women’s Month was marked by the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) prioritising women in construction in its R400 million Western Region (Western and Northern Cape) slope stabilisation projects. The seven slopes, which include Garies and Piekenierskloof Pass on the N7, Sir Lowry’s Pass, hartenbos hills and Groot Brak on the N2, as well as Riemhoogte on the N1 and Strydenburg on the N12, are undergoing extensive repairs and Womenrehabilitation.alsoleadthe charge on the projects. Deline Malgas, project liaison officer in Groot Brak, is responsible for helping unemployed people in the area apply for the 48 work opportunities on site. On the R26m Piekenierskloof Pass, Mquanlla Van Wyk straps on a harness every morning and hauls thick rope to support abseilers. her dream is to become an abseiler in the industry. Gelcon Civils, a women-owned construction company, is subcontracted to do traffic accommodation on the Piekenierskloof Pass Sanralproject.has made women’s empowerment a priority within its ranks, in the industry and the private sector. head of Transformation, Ismail essa, said Sanral was adhering to the government’s National Development plan on many things, including transformation, gender equality and “Augustempowerment.isWomen’s Month. We must never forget the sacrifices women made so future generations could have equality. This year, the theme, ‘Generation equality: realising women’s rights for an equal future’, speaks directly to what we are working towards,” he said.
Women given a boost in road construction sector
Nompilo Gumede, 21, pens book to warn peers against sugar daddies
Nompilo Gumede, a young woman from pietermaritzburg, has published a book with a stern and empowering message to her peers to “stay away” from blessers and sugar daddies.
The 21-year-old BSc psychology student has packed her warnings about the dangers of dating rich older men into her newly published book: “The Demon’s TheWife”.book tells the story of mahlori mathebula, who goes to Durban to further her studies and then returns home to limpopo to rescue her family from Explainingpoverty. what is the book is about, Gumede said the character discovers the finer things in life that only money can buy. “With newly found friends who have been in the ‘soft life’ game for years, it isn’t long before she too is bedding rich, older men and securing the bag. “She soon becomes a second wife to the wealthy, older muzi Sibiya,” said Gumede. “The ink isn’t even dry on her marriage certificate when she discovers that living in the lap of luxury comes at a price, and that all that glitters isn’t gold. muzi and his current wife, Ntombi, have already pledged her soul to the demon Arazyal, who is the source of muzi’s wealth. mahlori is now trapped by a blood covenant she made with her husband and sister wife, a union that can only be broken by death,” said Gumede. Gumede started writing the book in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 lockdown. She first started writing on Facebook, dabbling in the fantasy and supernatural genre. The author said the book was inspired by seeing her peers dropping out of college and universities in the pursuit of a life of luxury that the “blessers” dangle in front of their eyes. “The Demon’s Wife” is Gumede’s first book in paperback.
AwArd-winning radio and TV host Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp officially launched her new podcast “Boardroom Besties” to inspire women. Co-inciding with women’s Month, “Boardroom Besties” creates a safe space for women by women to share ideas and empower one ianother.narecent interview with iOL Entertainment, the Jacaranda FM presenter said that the podcast was inspired by her daughter. “i told myself what would i want my daughters to experience and who would i want them to meet professionally,” said Afrika-Bredenkamp. “And those are the type of women that i’m interviewing for this podcast.” no stranger to podcasting, Afrika-Bredenkamp has also owned, produced and presented Mzansi’s leading parenting podcast “Parent and Baby Brunch” since 2016. “‘Parent and Baby Brunch’ is all about helping parents. now, in tandem with that, we can also help women at work with ‘Boardroom Besties’. “we never intended for ‘Parent and Baby Brunch’ to do well. we just wanted to help parents. And it became really successful. And hopefully, through this new podcast we will be able to motivate all women. “it’s not about money. with ‘Boardroom Besties’ i want to motivate all women to be recognised and feel Afrika-Bredenkampvaluable.” was awarded the radio Presenter of the Year prize at the PriSM Awards 2022, taking home the bronze trophy in the Presidential Awards group. “in all the work i do, i have always believed i can use my talent to help others. Being recognised in my first love, radio, is a huge honour. i dedicate this award to my entire team, every woman in broadcasting and especially to the women in my leadership team. “i’ve also got an amazing women leadership team and professionally what it means to me is that they are recognised as well.”
Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp to inspire women with ‘Boardroom Besties’ podcast
Afrika-Bredenkamp is celebrated as a TV, film, commercial and stage performer and undoubtedly one of the country’s leading Shebroadcasters.hosts“The workzone” on Jacaranda FM, weekdays between 9am to 12pm.
“Science is the study of matter. if you understand the matter that is around you and you understand how it behaves, you are able to use that knowledge to your advantage.”
These are the words of scientist and entrepreneur Bathabile Soko. Soko is the founder of chemStart, an award-winning educational portable science kit provider that helps learners perform science experiments themselves to better grasp science concepts, so they pass their exams and ultimately become confident scientists.
throughempowersEntrepreneurstudentsscience
Soko was born and raised in nongoma, in KwaZulu-natal, and has always been drawn to “science.istayed in the location and enjoyed a lot of TV while growing up, and i found science shows very interesting, especially biology shows, just learning about what happens in the human body. i always found those things interesting.”
During school holidays, when she was home from boarding school, Soko would use whatever resources she had at her disposal to try and replicate the experiments she saw on the “television.i’vehada love for science since i was young, and i’d say it was inspired by the information that was shared on TV,” she said. Soko realised early on while in high school that she was at a disadvantage because her school did not have a functioning laboratory. So, she could never put the theory she had learned in class into practice. The first time Soko was able to do practical experiments in a laboratory was when she got to university, and she described the experience as “Youtraumatic.gettouniversity, and they expect you to have a certain level of competence from high school, and you don’t.”
“When i was in school, i was actually quite sharp. i understood quite well, but now when i get to university and realise how ill-equipped i am, it dented my spirit and knocked my confidence,” she said. This resulted in Soko not doing well enough to get into medical school. This, however, has not deterred Soko and has instead become the catalyst that has sparked her desire to ensure that other children from disadvantaged communities do not suffer the same fate. Soko has gone on to attain her BSc & Honours in chemistry through the University of KwaZulunatal and an MBA at the University of cape Town. She is a part of a small number of women in her field of work and business. According to Statistics SA: women account for a mere 23% of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STeM) professionals in South Africa. Of those, only 17% are in leadership roles. Through her business chemStart, she has developed a portable science kit that can be used to perform various scientific experiments, which makes practical scientific experimentation for a larger number of pupils in disadvantaged Theareas.kit includes basic glassware and chemicals to perform experiments from various grades.
Entrepreneur Bathabile Soko equips students with chemistry kits.Picture: Luke Daniel/Supplied
Soko is determined to ensure that disadvantaged children are not prejudiced and are able to reach their full potential. “When i was 16 years old, i realised that my future was never going to happen the way that i imagined, and it wasn’t my fault. i was capable but dis-empowered. High school didn’t prepare me for university education. Unfortunately, thousands of learners go through this experience every year, and this is not right!” she concludes.
There are 52 experiments, one experiment for every week. each science concept covered is linked with its application in real life. experiments covered include chemical kinetics, spontaneous reactions, polymers, acid-base reactions, gas properties, density, solubilities, osmosis, chemiluminescence, refraction, and many Althoughmore.she had intended it for schools, she has seen a greater uptake from parents who want to give their children a head start and from those who homeschool their children. Soko would like to see more schools approach her to access her portable science kits, regardless of what their needs are, as she is willing to try to accommodate them wherever Bathabilepossible.
From starting her own business at 15, Christill Cave has become an award-winning community influencer and media specialist. The 29-year-old is the founder of the Uncommon Group, a public relations company and the Uncommon Group Foundation, which was created to empower and uplift women and the youth.
“As a young woman who endured the highs and lows of business, I’m grateful to be part of a small percentage that is bringing transformation through the digital age and working with young people to create a better Africa.
Christill Cave – community influencer uncommonbreakingground
“Uncommon Foundation was originally named Youth in Action Africa, but as I grew and I got to understand where and how I’d like to impact I decided to change the name,” she said.
Cave was born in Port Shepstone on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast and raised by her grandparents and mother. She started her own business at the age of 15 while she was part of a mini enterprise programme by Junior Achievements South “IAfrica.have worked with many organisations through development programmes for disadvantaged students using my skills in the creative space, and through my foundation I have seen young people being transformed.”
She said women should be given more opportunities to take on leadership roles. “I have worked in a corporate environment before, and I have seen how some women are not given the opportunities to climb the ladIn 2010 she won the Esther Women Business Awards: best community influencer and best salesperson award. She added that she had grown and achieved so much due to her faith in God. Christill Cave is an awardwinning specialist.influencercommunityandmedia
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