Celebrating Inspiring South African Women
Women’s Month - Spotlight
As Michelle Obama says, “there is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”
As we conclude Women's Month, join us as we shine the spotlight on inspiring South African women thriving within their roles as entrepreneurs, mothers, creatives, and as part of society in general.
Minki Van Der Westhuizen
She is a wife to former Rugby player, Ernst Joubert, the mother of three beautiful girls, and at the same time hosts a few popular TV shows, including her own talk show. This women's month, we celebrate Minki Van Der Westhuizen for the inspiration she provides to many South African women.
Minki believes that the most inspiring women are: “Ordinary women with incredible stories, the single parent who works 3 jobs to provide for her children! Women who never give up and fight for what they believe in!”
Chef Zola's personality shines through in her cooking, the multi-coloured printed doeks she often wears, and her infectious smile.
On the legacy she’d like to leave the younger generation of South African women, Zola had this to share:
“I’d love women to know that their stories are worth telling, that they deserve to be heard and understood, that they should celebrate their individuality and never apologize for who they are and what they stand for and believe in. Don’t ever let society shrink you down because you’re different or not the “norm”, your uniqueness is your super-power."
Taz Watson
Taz Watson is the brainchild and designer behind the KiiRA brand. She is a fine jewellery designer captivated by gemstones and diamonds and has partnered with Strauss & Co to bring about a wonderful celebration of colour - with jewellery collections inspired by the flame lilies and tropical leaves of the Victoria Falls rain forest, beautifully crafted intaglios and cameos that pay homage to ancient Greek and Roman jewellery, and classic jewellery with a twist.
“My dream is to mentor female jewellery designers and teach them how to run a successful business independently. The legacy I want to leave is one of support, mentorship and example. I want to see more and more female entrepreneurs thriving in this country!” - Taz Watson
Monique Liebisch
Monique is the Co-founder and director of DMN Creative, a thriving digital agency in Cape town. She is essentially a business women, a caring friend, a loving wife and wonderful mom.
We wanted to know what makes her most proud of being a South African Woman.
“I believe we are resilient, and strong. We are always looking at ways to assist others, which also makes us caring. In our homes, communities and work – we do everything with a sense of passion and purpose.”
Lecia Durham
As the founder and creator of Litchi & Titch, Lecia has a long and varied career in the skincare industry and comes from a strong background in range building, product formulation, marketing and sales.
She juggles between being a wife, mom, friend and sister, and leading a successful eco-friendly business. We loved hearing her thoughts on the impact she wants to have as an entrepreneur.
“We have to be part of the generation who stood up to climate change, even in our own small ways - educating people on the natural world and all the benefits it brings to our health and wellness. Giving back through knowledge is such important work and an important legacy to leave.”
Lorinda Voges
Lorinda is the proud owner of Elvee Consultancy, a boutique public relations, influencer marketing, digital marketing and events management agency.
She has always loved media and the fashion, beauty and hospitality industries and often shared her experiences with family and friends. Through her business, Lorinda is able to continue doing what she loves while bringing brand awareness to leading brands such as Chanel, YSL, and our very own Cape Island.
What makes her most proud of being a South African woman is seeing more women stepping into their entrepreneurial journey, breaking barriers that once restricted females from following their dreams.
We look up to these and many other inspiring South African women who choose to positively impact the lives of others through their example and the work that they continue to do.