20/10/2014 – Johannesburg, with over 150 Women SMME’s in attendance, the Inaugural Women in Transport Forum became the highlight of the Gauteng Transport Month Campaign.  

Invigorating discussion with between the private sector, MMC Christine Walters and MEC Dr. Ismail Valdi definitely spoke to the women and encouraged them to employ “think differently” mindset to the sector in order to offer innovation and participation for more women participants in the transport & logistics industry.  

The insightful forum offered over 150 women awareness into how to become more visible in the Transport sector and offered them a better knowledge of the investor cycle and mindset of investors when embarking on funding women transport owned businesses. MMC Christine Walters opened the forum giving her message of thanks to the women and encouraged more women to move past the common barriers and align themselves with orgnaisations that can facilitate and fast track the interaction of women in the sector.  

MEC Dr. Ismail Valdi deliberated a keynote on the road map for Transport in 2015 and urged more women to think big in tackling issues in the Transport Sector. MEC Dr. Valdi and MMC Christine Walters presented the winners of the Women in Transport Forum awards of acknowledgement.   The City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng Department of Road sand Transport awarded 5 women the award of acknowledgement. The awards were a token of appreciation for the role the women are playing in community upliftment through job creation while being able to transform the industry through their respective organization.     As we unpack and address the issues facing women in the transport sector, the Women in Transport Forum aims to engage more women in the sector that looks to create sustainability women in transport while drive the economic agenda.  

For additional information, please contact Yasmine Kazadi at 011 027 5842 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Mercatique Consulting  

Mercatique Consulting is a 100% Black Owned B-BBEE Level 1 Communications Firm, focusing on providing primarily the finest Marketing, Media, Publicity, Events, Communications and Project Management Solutions for Small, Medium, Micro and Large organizations, both locally and internationally with a global reach and an exciting service offering, delivering innovative ideas across the continent and the globe.   We are dedicated, creative thinkers, which bring this association to life, offering clients a one stop offering, extending a message to a wider audience.   As a service company, our people are our most important asset and it is their contributions which drive the ongoing success of our organisation. www.mercatiqueconsulting.co.za

Johannesburg, South Africa – On the 21 August South African Airways (SAA) celebrated women’s month with a flight to Cape Town from Johannesburg. What set this flight apart from other domestic flights is that it was operated by an All-Female crew.

The rest of the flight preparations were also conducted by females. On board this flight of flights to Cape Town were SAA female executives, led by Ms Zukisa Ramasia, General Manager of Operations. Ms Ramasia is responsible for SAA’s overall global operations portfolio, which comprises SAA’s flight and cabin operations, airport operations, ground handling, lounges, on-board logistics and inventory, aviation safety and security, as well as SAA’s global operations control centre.

SA313 was captained by the airline’s first black female captain, Captain Kavistha Maharaj, with First Officer, Olga Bottger as the co-pilot. Looking after customers were cabin crew Purser Nomvuzo Mjanyelwa, Senior Cabin Crew Member Rene Essack, Cabin Crew Members Sonali Bissessor, Thilimbeli Mikosi and Michelle De Freitas.

Playing a key role in putting the flight together was Mathilda du Plessis, the Flight Dispatcher and Nwabisa Mbulaheni was the Operations Controller. The load controller was Nicole Mortimer and the Ramp Controller Lucia Mcpherson.

“We are extremely proud of the achievements of the women at SAA, where we are represented throughout the company, in leadership positions as well as in key operational areas which enables SAA to run smooth and on-time operations,” says Ramasia.

The All-Female operated flight is symbolic and a strong transformation indicator reflecting the airline's efforts to transcend the stereotypes and barriers of the past. These were manifest in the form of race and gender discrimination. Today SAA has women working as technicians, flight deck crew, cabin crew, and in key operational and support areas throughout the SAA Group.

At present SAA women make up 38.96% of all staff, (24.85% general staff; 0.83% cockpit crew and 13.29% cabin crew).   

About SAA

South African Airways is a Star Alliance member that offers flights to 38 destinations worldwide. Domestically, SAA operates 544 flights a week between Johannesburg – Cape Town, Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth. Regionally SAA offers 24 destinations across the African continent and its international network creates links to all major continents from South Africa through 10 direct routes. In the regional category, SAA has received the Skytrax ‘Best Airline in Africa’ Award for 11 consecutive years.                             

We are thrilled to announce that both the public and private sectors appear to recognize the value of board diversity as BPW SA has been approached in the last month alone, to assist with eleven board vacancies for women on our Register.  Women and men have different interests and perspectives in important areas, and boards are starting to see the importance of utilising these varying experiences to tackle the tremendous challenges. 

BPW SA and the Department of Trade & Industry (the dti) want boards of directors to widen the search for talent by looking beyond the traditional pool of executives and bring new potential to light.  It is for this reason that we have joined forces to provide a Women on Boards programme to create a Register of female leaders in South Africa who are excellently trained and, as a result, are highly sought after by Boards.  After all, why on earth would you voluntarily exclude half the smart people?

Our first group of 19 senior women, all thoroughly trained through our 9-month Women on Boards director development programme and certified by the dti, are now available on our register of Board Potential Women Directors and we urge companies to contact us for potential female directors.

Seven of our graduates are in line for board interviews , many have been interviewed by the media – both radio and magazines – and all will be profiled in the KZN Chamber of Commerce Power Book (2015). As an ongoing service to the graduates, BPW SA continues to raise their profile in an effort to access suitable board placements.  We have proven that board diversity is not a supply problem, but rather a demand problem.

BPW SA is proud to announce that we have incorporated an international module into the Women on Boards programme.  Business acumen - incorporating business finance and strategy - a must in today’s complex landscape. Business acumen is a keen understanding of what it takes for an organization to make money.  It combines financial literacy – the ability to interpret numbers on financial statements – with business literacy – recognizing how strategies and decisions impact these numbers.  Call it a sophisticated business simulation. Call it an exercise in experiential learning. Or call it a board game. Whatever you label it, the simple fact is that the training is fun and will gives participants a true competitive edge.

A recent Women on Board graduate, Tebogo Maziya, who holds a Masters degree in Science, a postgraduate diploma in finance and a B Comm degree says the nine-month journey has been fulfilling. “I learnt there’s a risk and that that risk is manageable. So it’s important for the board to be transparent and accountable and for a board member to be aware of decisions made because they will be held accountable.”  Another graduate, Amantha Maharaj, a BSc electrical engineering graduate with an MBA, who works a top management level at an engineering consultancy says of the programme: “It teaches one to know how a board is structured, what to do, and questions one needs to ask when sitting on a board. It also teaches business risk and how one should view business from a higher level. It was certainly value for money.”

For more information about our Women on Boards Programme, please visit our website at www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za or contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (011) 794-4991.

The transport sector has been highlighted by the government as a key contributor to South Africa's competitiveness in global markets and government has unveiled plans to tremendously increase its spend on improving the country's roads, railways and ports. As part of the solution it’s important to promote collaboration and coalition building among women entrepreneurs as a way to develop women in the industry as well as to advocate policy actions that support this.

As transport month draws closer, Mercatique Consulting in association with Women Economic Forum will be hosting The Women in Transport Forum, a one day medium where ideas and views on creating opportunities and addressing skills gap for woman in Transport sector will be addressed.

“Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) has partnered with Mercatique Consulting on this event. CfE welcomes this opportunity and looks forward to its full development and successful implementation.” Chimene Chetty, Director, Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship

The Women in Transport Forum is a platform for all leading organizations and government to discuss possible implementation strategies and provide solutions to the challenges currently faced by women in the sector. If you’d like to RSVP or find out about the forum, Please contact Calvin Ncube on 011 027 5842 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Forum Details:

Date: Thursday 16 October 2014
Time: 08:00 - 17:00
Venue: Donald Gordon Auditorium, 2 St. David’s Place, Parktown, Gauteng

Contact Person

Calvin Ncube
Tel: 011 027 5842
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Laura Reynolds - CEO of Recruitgroup, last night was announced as Winner of the Standard Bank Top Women Awards in the Top Young Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 category. Laura has implemented exemplary vision, innovation, leadership and direction in the past eight years to create a business that has flourished to become an award-winning leader in the industry both as a service provider and as an employer. Laura's dedicated service and passion for her business has created a unique, positive and dynamic working environment that not only continuously grows its own people but fosters a culture that is respected and admired by clients, candidates and employees. Last night this dedication was recognised at a lavish gala event held at Emperors Palace.

Says Laura: "It is an absolute privilege not only to win but just to be nominated in a category with such incredible business women. These women are leaders in their industry and it is most humbling to be announced as the winner. I am so proud of my team at Recruitgroup on what we have achieved together and I thank them for their hard work and dedication as well as all at Topco Media for hosting such a fantastic event." 

In collaboration with the Top Women publication, the Top Women Awards is a prestigious event in which inspirational female leaders are celebrated for outstanding performance in the world of business and government. 

This year, over 160 companies from a range of different sectors, including agriculture, science and technology, transport, and retail, have entered the awards. In order to be shortlisted, as a finalist companies must meet certain criteria, like have an annual turnover of R35 million, 30 percent female staff, 10 percent and above female senior management, and one to 1.5 percent of per capita is spent on skills development for women in the industry. 

"Judging the entrants to the Top Women Awards is such an eye-opening experience because it gives a window into just how much is being done to help uplift women in South Africa," says Topco Media's Managing Editor, Nick Krige. 

Recruitgroup is one of the largest privately owned recruitment organisations in South Africa in finding and placing top talent. 

The ABCCCP Woman-to-Woman Seminar The Africa Board for Coaching Consulting and Coaching Psychology (ABCCCP) recognizes that the strength and courage that drove women to protest against pass laws in 1956 is the same that exists in our women today. As leaders, business owners, professionals and homemakers, women tap into their natural ability to become extraordinary human beings each day! Join the ABCCCCP this Women’s Month as we celebrate this and all else that defines womanhood.  

Our first Guest Speaker for the day will be Sharon Stobbia, a life coach who will be taking us through the process of discovering our innate talents, and how these can be best leveraged to help us succeed in our work, business and overall lives.  Thereafter, the internationally acclaimed author, speaker, change & leadership expert, Tumi Frazier, will take us through the attributes we need to stay ahead in the 21st century!  Tumi, who is passionate about developing and empowering women was chosen as one of the top 3 most influential Women in Business and Government (MIW Awards 2010/2011) and will be motivating us to become our greatest selves!

When: 31 August 2014
Where: The Private Room
Kyalami Downs Shopping Centre
Shop F17
Cnr Main Rd (Pitts Ave) & Kyalmi BlvdKyalami
Time: 12:00 – 16:00
Cost: R285.00 (includes snacks, lunch and drinks)
On Sale: Tumi Frazier’s autographed motivational books Your Moment and Stepping Stones to Success

To RSVP, please send proof of payment to Khumi on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. make payment and RSVP by 21 August 2014.

Payment Details:

Bank Name: FNBAccount
Name: SOUTH AFRICAN BOARD FOR COACHING PSCHOLOGY, COACH PTY LTD
Branch Name & Code: THE REDS 250130
Account Number: 62381870205

For more information, visit www.abcccp.com or contact us on +27 12 752 874

It’s going to be a day to remember, we’ll see you there!

Woman of today have realized that getting their period every month is, well I guess, just the way life goes. In 1996, Instead, Inc. pioneered a new alternative to tampons and pads with the development and release of its innovative Softcup.

Now in 2014, Maybe MOM is proud to announce that they have made this product tagged ‘The Next Generation of Period Protection' available to the South African market. Maybe MOM Instead Softcup gives you 12-hour wear time, comfort and convenience during your period allowing ladies to live life without interruptions.

Softcup is a flexible cup that is worn internally, around your cervix. It collects, rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It's hypo-allergenic, latex-free and completely safe when used as directed. Softcup has gained popularity for its many advantages over traditional methods of feminine protection including greater safety, longer wear-time, and clean sex during “that time of the month. Softcup can be worn during any activity including sports, swimming and sleeping.  Use one reusable Softcup for up to three cycles, which makes it Easy on the Earth and Easy on the wallet retailing in stores for only R49.99.

More than 200 million Softcups have been sold since the product’s introduction in America in 1996, and there has never been a reported incidence of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). In extensive laboratory testing Softcup did not promote the growth of the bacteria that causes TSS. Softcup does not change the body’s natural environment nor does it alter the body’s pH levels, natural bacteria levels or absorb the body’s moisture. “It allows me to use the softcup until the last day of my period, even when my flow may be little to none, it’s comfortable and does not cause dryness or irritation” says Amanda, owner of Maybe MOM South Africa.

“Because the Softcup was uniquely designed for the modern-day woman, it has grown tremendously and developed staying power in the American market, proving an excellent alternative to tampons and pads,” said Joseph Pike, CEO of Instead. Women have embraced the concept of the Softcup because of the greater flexibility and control it gives them over their lives.  In fact, when the Softcup is not offered somewhere, women seek it out rather than buy the alternatives.

The Softcup is an FDA-approved, reusable menstrual product made from a non-absorbent, non irritating polymeric material that has been used for over 20 years in health care products such as catheters and baby bottle nipples and contains no latex. It has undergone extensive toxicology, bio-compatibility and microbiological tests as well as human clinical testing, and contains no drying chemicals or fibers. 

12-Hour Period Protection, Instead Softcup is a proven advancement in period protection. Try it and you'll see how it fits into your busy life.  

For more information and to purchase contact (Wholesale enquiries welcome)  Facebook: www.facebook/maybe mom.com / Website:  www.aeadistribution.co.za /Your nearest Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores as well as Medi Rite Pharmacy’s    For Interviews: Amanda or Elie Kouaiky /Tel:   +2783 2928292 / +2782 8881816 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Foscam, leading IP camera specialists, have released Fosbaby into the infant maket. Fosbaby is a baby monitor that sends a live camera feed directly to your cellphone; tablet; ipad or normal internet browser, enabling parents to monitor baby day and night.

Alternatively Fosbaby can be used to keep an eye on caregivers, ensuring peace of mind when parents are at work.

Fosbaby is plug and play, making setup easy for parents. Fosbaby is a 1.0 megapixel camera and full colour.

It also has night vision with a twist! The infra-red lights don’t glow in the dark, waking baby up. Instead, the infra-red lights have been hidden.

Another feature of Fosbaby is the ‘zone motion’ function. Parents can set up a zone around the baby so that when it detects motion in these areas, an alert is sent immediately to their cellphone using cloud service to the “Foscam Viewer” app.

Fosbaby has a beautiful design that will fit in well with nursery surroundings and is available in pink, blue or green. It can also detect room temperature and plays lullabys.

Mount Fosbaby in different places utilising the wall mount or handy tie that is part of the accessories it comes with.

“Fosbaby, Born to care”

Our children are our most valued possession. Take every measure to ensure their safety. Fosbaby can help you do just that.

Fosbaby sells for R1900 online at www.foscam.co.za.

Contact details:

Foscam South Africa
Tel: 011 469 5165
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On the 7th August, 2014, BPW South Africa and the Department of Trade & Industry launched South Africa’s first database of “Board Potential Women” at a Business Breakfast held with over 200 CEO’s and high level government officials.  Acting Director General, Mrs Pumla Ncapayi of the Department of Small Business Development (The Department of Trade & Industry) handed over certificates to 19 senior businesswomen who have completed the intensive BPW SA “Women on Boards” director development programme and have now been profiled on the “Board Potential Women” database.  

The first 19 women on this database all fulfil stringent criteria for corporate governance and legislation and are well trained through our “Women on Boards” director development programme.  This list of "Board Potential Women" makes it clear that there are more than enough eminently qualified women to help lead South Africa’s corporations into the 21st century and that it is now time to shatter the glass ceiling that keeps these women from ascending to board positions.  Furthermore, it’s time we provide opportunities to more women than just the “high flyers” who currently occupy most board seats.  

We need to use all of our society’s talents to ensure that South Africa’s economy thrives. We often hear the argument that there are insufficient qualified women to occupy positions in the boardroom. Today BPW SA and the Department of Trade & Industry are shattering those myths as well as glass ceilings! The database shows that the qualified women are there – it’s just a matter of finding them and we’ve made it easy through our database.  There is no longer any excuse for recruiting unqualified non-executive female directors onto a board.  

The programme and database is administered by BPW SA in consultation with the Department of Trade & Industry. All women listed in the database are suitable to be considered for company board-level positions and meet a clear set of criteria.  Every application to be part of our “Women on Boards” programme and database is formally assessed and reviewed and only those women who meet the criteria are accepted. Notably, all women on the database have extensive formal qualifications and at least five years senior management experience.  

Companies should now make use of this untapped pool of talent, and businesswomen interested in potential board posts, should be joining the “Women on Boards” programme and ultimately our national database, in order to promote their profile amongst a larger audience.

For more information, give us a call on (011) 794-4991 or 083 212 9134 or visit our website at www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za.

PMHP at the Artscape 

Celebrating Women’s Day and Women’s Month, the 8th Women’s Humanity Arts Festival will take place at Artscape Theatre Centre from 6 - 9 August 2014. The theme of the 2014 festival is HUMANITY and the objective this year is to celebrate and salute those women who actively strive to better their own lives and the lives of countless other women in our society today.  The Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP) is honoured to take part in this very important event to highlight the impact of mental health on the well-being and development of women and their babies. The PMHP is a non-profit entity that has been operating for nearly 12 years, in partnership with the Departments of Health and Social Development. We provide mental health services for pregnant and postnatal women, train those who work with mothers to improve the quality of their care, form partnerships to promote the scale up of services and inform global interventions through robust research and advocacy. We envision mental health support for all mothers to promote their well-being, and that of their children and communities. Our mission is to develop and advocate for accessible maternal mental health care that can be delivered effectively at scale in low resource settings. On the 9th August, Dr. Simone Honikman, the PMHP founder and director will host a discussion together with one of the projects former clients, who works as a psychologist in the HIV sector.   Furthermore the PMHP will host a display table providing further information about the project.  

About the Discussion: Why Maternal Mental Health matters? Pregnancy and the postnatal period is a psychologically distressing period for many women, particularly those facing social challenges like poverty, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. The prevalence of common maternal mental disorders (including depression and anxiety) in low-income communities in South Africa is very high. One out of three women in South Africa suffers from depression during or after pregnancy. When left untreated, mental illness can contribute to maternal mortality, poor maternal and child health, and consequently, negative development outcomes. In response to this problem, the Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP) was started in 2002. The mission of the PMHP is to develop and advocate for accessible maternal mental health care that can be delivered effectively at scale in low resource settings. Simone Honikman, founder and director of the PMHP, will present on maternal mental health as an integral part of maternal health!