South African Stars Share the Advice They Wish Every Woman Could Hear This Women’s Day

Hi Guys, 

As South Africa marks Women's Month, some of the country's most recognisable women are encouraging others to celebrate themselves, support one another and embrace the unique strengths that make them who they are.

As South Africa celebrates Women's Month, four remarkable South African women, broadcaster and author Carol Ofori, actress, entrepreneur and Tropika Island Of Treasure contestant Leandie du Randt, Jacaranda FM radio personality Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, and dancer and creative Courtnaé Paul, are sharing the lessons that have shaped their lives.

Their words aren't about having all the answers. They're reminders to slow down, trust yourself, embrace your uniqueness and remember that success looks different for every woman.

Leandie du Randt: Stop Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else

Actress, entrepreneur and Tropika Island of Treasure contestant Leandie du Randt believes one of the greatest gifts a woman can give herself is permission to be exactly who she is. "Always show up as yourself. Don't compare yourself to anyone else because God has made you you for a reason, and there is no one who can bring to this world what you can."

She also hopes Women's Month inspires more women to champion one another instead of competing. "Women need to continue supporting other women. We are multitaskers, empaths, leaders. We can be soft but also incredibly strong, and that's something worth celebrating."

Her message is simple: collaboration will always achieve more than competition. "Let's keep standing together in collaboration over competition."

Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp: You Can't Build Tomorrow If You Don't Love Yourself Today

For Jacaranda FM presenter Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, Women's Month offers more than a celebration. It's an opportunity to pause, reflect and reset. "I always ask myself: What do I still want to achieve this year? But I also take time to appreciate just how far I've come."

Whether balancing a broadcasting career, motherhood or everyday life, she believes women should spend less time criticising themselves and more time acknowledging their own growth. "One can't work on your better future self by not loving the one that you have today."

She believes self-love isn't selfish; it's essential. "No one becomes better in the future if they don't like what they're working with right now. Love yourself now so that you can work on your future self in a loving and beautiful way," the Jacaranda FM presenter continues.

Afrika-Bredenkamp also encourages women to keep giving generously. "We can't give with a closed hand, so open your hand so that you can give to others. From my experience, everything I give always comes back."

Courtnaé Paul: Keep Colouring Outside the Lines

B-Girl, DJ and choreographer Courtnaé Paul believes the women who change the world are rarely the ones who follow the expected path. "Happy Women's Day to the women who colour outside the lines. The ones who challenge expectations, create opportunities where none exist, and remind us that progress has never come from playing it safe," Courtnaé says.

She celebrates women who continue to ask difficult questions, support one another and redefine what leadership looks like. "Today, we celebrate your resilience, your ambition and your willingness to leave the world better than you found it."

Her closing thought feels like the perfect Women's Month mantra: "Keep colouring outside the lines. That's where the magic happens."

Carol Ofori: Give Yourself the Same Grace You So Freely Give Others

For award-winning broadcaster and author Carol Ofori, strength isn't about pretending to have it all together. "Strength isn't only found in surviving hard seasons or going through tough times," she says. "Strength lies in giving yourself grace when you've made a bad decision or a mistake."

She believes women often become experts at forgiving everyone except themselves. "Strength lies in forgiving yourself, laughing, choosing yourself in situations, resting without guilt and choosing peace instead of trying to make everybody else happy."

While accountability remains important, Ofori says women should remember that being imperfect doesn't make them weak. "You deserve the same grace that you give every other person that's hurt you or done wrong to you. You're human, and you're allowed to make mistakes."

Although their journeys are different, the message these four women share is remarkably similar: Be kinder to yourself, stop measuring your success against someone else's, support other women, embrace change, even when it feels uncomfortable and never let your current circumstances convince you that they define your future, because Women's Month isn't only about celebrating the women who inspire us. It's also about reminding every woman that her own story, exactly as it is today, is still being written.

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Top South African Businesswomen Share Tips For Females In Business This Women’s Month

Hi Friends, 

In the dynamic world of business, South African women are not only breaking barriers but are also setting new standards for success. As we near the end of Women’s Month, we look at seven fierce females who broke the glass ceiling and the valuable advice they share with us. With their relentless determination, innovative thinking, and resilience, these trailblazing businesswomen have carved out spaces of influence and leadership. Their insights, drawn from years of experience, offer a roadmap for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of business.

Innovate like a woman!

Women are known to be empathetic, collaborative, and great leaders – but one word underscores all these traits – Innovation. Jacaranda FM’s Managing Director, Deirdre King, explains that historically, women have played very dynamic roles, but not at the boardroom. “Today we see more and more women taking their seats at the big table to use their dynamic skillset to drive innovation,” she says. A well-known example from as early as 1960’s is the contributions of Grace Hopper and Mary Wilkes to the work on the NASA space program. “These women made a big impact in an often male-dominated field with their ability to be dynamic and adopt a new technology. This is especially important as we all brace for daily changes and new technologies that keep us innovating around us,” Deirdre adds. Deirdre continues to explain that Innovation is also about originality and how new ideas can solve problems through a creative lens. “As an example, Jacaranda FM was faced with a problem – ‘How do we make Women’s Month meaningful?’ The answer came from an informal brainstorm with women driving the conversation through insights. The Competition not only made Women’s Month meaningful, but original, meaningful, and innovative,” she says.

Embrace your femininity

Dynamic TV and radio personality and successful entrepreneur Carol Ofori wants women in business to understand that embracing their femininity will lead to more success, countering the outdated notion that it’s a weakness. "What I realise is that we have been told that our femininity is our downfall in the business world. Once we understand our femininity and the strength that it gives us in commanding the workspace, we must lean into it." Carol advocates for women to harness the unique qualities that femininity brings—empathy, emotional intelligence, and humility—and use them as strategic advantages in leadership. By leading with these traits, women can create a more impactful and authentic presence in the business world, demonstrating that true power lies in embracing what makes them different. This approach not only challenges conventional leadership norms but also paves the way for a more inclusive and compassionate business environment.

Don’t let impostor syndrome hold you back

Imposter syndrome is something that so many in the business world struggle with but Mandy Davis, co-Managing Director at brand and communications agency Penquin, explains it’s important to remember not to let these negative voices stop you from reaching your goal. "Don’t be tempted to have imposter syndrome discussions with yourself. You are not defined by your position in the company or your business. You are defined by what you bring to the table," Mandy says. She adds that the importance of recognising your contributions and owning your successes, as well as your mistakes is vital for growth – especially in the business world. Mandy believes that growth comes from learning from every situation, whether positive or negative, and making the necessary changes to improve. For women in business, embracing this mindset can help build resilience and foster continued personal and professional development.

L-R Faziela Saheb, Taryn Duveen, Carol Ofori, Deidre King, Mandy Davis, Deshnie Govender and Manuela Dias de Deus

Embrace flexibility and always remain true to yourself

In the ever-evolving business landscape, particularly in the travel industry, adaptability is crucial. Faziela Saheb, Sales Manager at Air France-KLM Southern Africa, explains that staying flexible and being open to change is vital for any woman navigating the business space. Whether it's navigating economic shifts, adjusting to new customer behaviours, or responding to unforeseen global events, the ability to pivot quickly is essential. "The travel industry has taught me that nothing is ever set in stone. By staying flexible and embracing change, we can turn challenges into opportunities," says Faziela. She believes that flexibility not only helps in overcoming obstacles but also positions professionals to seize new opportunities as they arise. However, she also stresses the importance of authenticity: "In the process of adapting, it's vital to remain authentic and true to who you are. The world is diverse, and we all bring our own distinct perspectives and strengths to the table. Leaning into what makes you unique is not only empowering but also essential in making a lasting impact in your industry. Embracing flexibility while always staying true to yourself is a surefire recipe for success.”

Women have the power to bring people together

Taryn Duveen, Head of Operations at Blok - a property developer in Cape Town, believes that the landscape and unique qualities that women bring to businesses, unlock new ways of working. “We need to focus on bringing women together, uplifting one another and excelling in our careers.” Women have an innate ability to bring people and processes together – this is a superpower in both personal and business worlds, shining light on women at the forefront. “I believe that now more than ever, women are fostering their femininity along with this superpower and bringing this to the workplace. Our role as women in business is key to constructing how businesses function, and ensure we build the foundation for our future generations,” she says.

Give something for free, and watch your business grow in return

Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder and MD of One-eyed Jack and the brainchild behind the DStv Content Creator Awards, offers a unique perspective on building business relationships through generosity. She’s discovered that giving something away for free can lead to valuable returns in the long run. "Whether it’s providing a complimentary consultation, sharing a resource like a whitepaper or a guide, or even sharing a bit of my intellectual property; the act of giving forges connections," Manuela explains. While there’s always a risk that a potential client might take the advice and attempt to implement it independently, Manuela believes that demonstrating a genuine willingness to help—through a free strategy session, a sample project, or hosting a knowledge-sharing event—builds trust. This trust often blossoms into lasting relationships, where the client not only returns with more work but also values the partnership even more. By leading with generosity and authenticity, Manuela has found that what you give often returns in unexpected and rewarding ways and encourages women in business to lean into this approach by identifying ways to offer value that aligns with their strengths and areas of expertise. Manuela explains that this creates a reputation for being both generous and highly capable and can be particularly effective in industries where relationships and trust are paramount.

Social media is a powerful tool to learn from others

While gaining access to traditionally male-dominated spaces is important, it’s equally crucial to reshape these spaces to better serve women. Deshnie Govender, a leader in the South African marketing and culture space, advocates for leveraging social media as a tool for sharing professional journeys, encouraging other women to do the same. By documenting successes and challenges online, female professionals can inspire and empower others who face similar obstacles, creating a ripple effect of support and progress. "As women we can’t just aim to have a seat at the table, we need to have freedom to set it how we want. We work relentlessly to get into rooms that are not built for us but that’s only half the battle,” she says. “This is why it’s key that we consistently work at leaning into social media to share our journey, so it inspires other women in the same situations.”

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Carol Ofori's Top Skin Care Tips for Radiant Winter Skin @CarolOfori

Hi Guys,

As the winter chill sets in, it's essential to adapt your skincare routine to keep your skin looking happy and vivacious. For those unsure of how to look after their skin during winter, TV and radio personality Carol Ofori shares her top tips for maintaining flawless skin during the harsh winter months.

1. Keep Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial for healthy skin, yet it can be challenging to drink enough water during the colder months. Despite the temptation to skip your water intake, remember that hydration is a must for maintaining your skin’s glow. Make a conscious effort to drink water regularly to ensure your skin stays supple and radiant.

2. Get Your Sleep In

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Aim for nine hours of restful sleep to give your skin the extra love it needs during winter. Quality sleep allows your skin to repair and regenerate, helping you wake up with a refreshed and glowing complexion.

3. Get Rid Of Excess Skin

Exfoliating dead skin cells is essential, especially in winter when your skin can appear dull and lifeless. Consider visiting a skincare clinic like Skin Renewal for treatments such as chemical peels and micro-needling. These treatments reinvigorate the skin, giving it the boost it needs to stay vibrant and healthy during the harsh winter months.

4. Don’t Forget The Sunblock

A common mistake many make during winter is neglecting sunblock. Even though it's cold, the sun's UV rays remain potent, and the air is dryer, which can further damage your skin. Sunblock is a year-round necessity to protect your skin from harmful rays and prevent premature ageing.

5. Up The Moisturiser

Winter air is notoriously dry, so it's important to increase your use of moisturiser. If you usually use a dollop, add an extra one during the winter months to give your skin the support it needs. Incorporating serums and oils into your routine can also provide additional hydration, keeping your skin nourished and soft.

6. Wash Your Face Twice A Day

Maintaining clean skin is essential, especially during winter. Wash your face twice a day to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities. In the morning, start with a face wash followed by serum, eye cream, moisturiser, and sunblock. At night, use a face wash, retinol or night serum, and an evening cream to keep your skin supple and happy. Remember, never go to bed with makeup on to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

By following these tips, you can ensure your skin remains healthy, hydrated, and radiant all winter long.

Find Carol Ofori on X and Instagram @CarolOfori and on Facebook @RealCarolOfori.

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