Features

Being a woman in a leadership position previously dominated by the so-called boys’ club often means you have to put in more effort than your male counterparts.

More than 20 years after it reinvented itself, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has ended its tradition of male-dominance by ushering in two females to lead the continental body.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup will forever be remembered as one of the greatest achievements of post-apartheid South Africa.

Durban – Sindisiwe Gumede (36) worked in a printing factory for seven long years. There, she felt that her time and skills were wasted. This propelled her to quit her job and open her own property business, Siyeza Magums CC.

Durban - At the age of seven, Nokuthula Dladla was bitten by the selling and business bug. She sold eggs and sweets in her neighbourhood and at school.

For Ketsitseng Kebile, not qualifying to study IT has turned out to be a blessing in disguise; one that involves the wearing of a helmet to protect oneself from heat and sparks that form part and parcel of being a welder.

It is a year after the Marikana tragedy, which zoomed into the lives of the mining communities and drew attention to the enduring scale and importance of South Africa’s mineral wealth.

When more than 20 000 South African women converged at the Union Buildings 57 years ago, from every corner of the country, they created one of the enduring land marks of our country’s history.

It’s a chilly Tuesday morning and I am on my way to meet Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe, with a tinge of nervousness tugging at me.

As the country celebrates 100 years of the contribution of women to the struggle for liberation, Economic Development Deputy Minister Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize challenges the country’s women to reposition themselves and become transformation hubs.

If you are a follower of South African politics, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka needs no introduction. Known as ‘Mamlambo’ to those close to her, Mlambo-Ngcuka is synonymous with politics and leadership in South Africa and for years has been one of the famous faces of political leadership in the country.

A few years ago Thabani Mthiyane knew nothing about aviation.

Its eight o’clock in the morning and Ayanda Vilakazi is already rushing to an important board meeting.

Durban- In 1998, Daniel Matsoso woke up in the intensive care unit after suffering multiple organ failure.

Cape Town- For a young adult, South Africa has definitely left its mark in the world. In December 2010, the then 16-year-old country was invited to join the Bric bloc, resulting in Brics. And as the country approaches its 20th birthday, it has shown that it is a powerhouse in the making.