THE newly elected committee of the Gqeberha Businesswoman’s Association (BWA) is poised to expand on the strides made in the last term, with the committee sharing a collective passion and commitment to making a tangible difference.
Lee-Anne Vasi, re-elected as chairperson of the BWA Gqeberha branch for a second consecutive term, expressed, “I am exceptionally pleased with the diverse skill set in the additions to the committee.
“I firmly believe that the collective skills of the committee will enable efficient, impactful service to our members.”
When reflecting on projects and progress from the previous term, Vasi shared, “Participation in the advocacy and lobbying initiatives vested in the Office of the President of South Africa, has been significant in ensuring that government and companies are held accountable for a minimum of 40% procurement spend to women-owned businesses. BWA has also formed valuable strategic alliances with organisations in the educational and retail sector, for community CSI projects aligned to the mandate of the organisation.
“These partnerships align to the goals of the BWA to include the voice of the young women in the boardroom, to build intellectual capital and enhance the personal development of women in general.
“This allows us to fulfil the philosophy of sowing and reaping. Our partners in turn receive support for their businesses in various forms,” Vasi said.
The BWA also successfully launched the integrated leadership development programme for women- owned businesses and women in corporate South Africa.
“The impact of the programme is already evident from the interim reports from the delegates, indicating positive change within their spheres of work and personally,” said Vasi.
Newly elected committee member, Ncumisa Nodaka, managing director of Ncumisa Chartered Accountants and Auditors, commented, ”I feel like this is my tribe.
“We all share a passion for empowering and developing African women – when I say African women, I mean the women of Africa.”
Jeannine Dickie, founder and owner of Hire Power Recruitment, reflected positively on the previous term and how her involvement in the BWA had impacted on her personally and professionally. “The BWA has provided access to a powerful sisterhood of women, from whom I have learned so much. We continue to take things to the next level with our projects and initiatives.”
The strategic theme for 2023 is “embracing holistic womanhood”.
“Within this context, our engagement activities for the year aim at providing members with opportunities that nurture and empower women, physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually,” she added.
BWA encourages its members and stakeholders, to indicate their interest by joining the portfolio task team that is most suited to their areas of expertise.
Contact pe@bwasa.co.za for more information.
