August I September – Saluting Women

Angela Merkel, Hillary Clinton, Melinda Gates, Janet Yellen, Oprah Winfrey and Anna Wintour are some of the world’s most influential and powerful women. Amongst them are leaders of countries, heads of federal reserves and billionaires. These determined, passionate and driven women, along with many, many more, have fought hard to make their mark in the world and they are included in the growing number of women in powerful positions who are influencing our world in a positive way. And we are in desperate need of positive influences! But we don’t need to look very far to be inspired by women who are charging ahead and transforming the world that we live in. Umhlanga hassome truly inspiring women who are as influential as those listed above. I believe that strong women change the world from the inside out and we don’t need to go far to find them. Bernice Matthee, Margaret Meyer, Lorinda Scott — these are the names of the powerful women in my life. They have had a greater influence on me and all that is important to me than Angela, Hillary or Janet. Bernice, my mom, didn’t do things conventionally, but she showed me how to fight for those that you love and what true personal sacrifice means. You’d struggle to find a truer example of a family woman than Margaret, my mother in law. She had such depth and exuded family values — her love for family was tangible. Lorinda is my soulmate. There is so much that we have done together, so much that she has taught me and so much that she has done to make my world better. It’s her steadfastness that has built FabMags and her generous heart that has taught me about the gift of giving. She is my powerful woman! My point is that, as we celebrate Women’s Month, we understand that it isn’t about the Forbes list of the world’s most powerful women. It’s about the women right here in Umhlanga and on the North Coast who make a difference in our lives. The most powerful women are the women around us that mould our lives. So, all that said, we have some stunning features dedicated to our local women: stories of inspiration from Shauna Neill, Samantha Dos Santos and Natalie Caradas Latham – all of whom are successful businesswomen. We tell the story of Venessa Smith, the quirky pastry chef from Old Town Italy and give you a glimpse into the glamourous life of blogger extraordinaire Brett Robson. Miss Earth SA regional finalist Nombuso Mnikathi also shares her powerful journey.