BWA hosts breakfast for award winners

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THE winners of the 2017 Regional Business Achievers Awards shared their personal journeys of struggle and triumph during a breakfast at Imvubu Lodge on Thursday.

The Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa’s Zululand branch recognised local women who won awards at last month’s ceremony.

King Cetshwayo District Mayor and winner in the government category, Nonhle Mkhulisi, highlighted the importance of hard work.

‘The road to success is paved with blood, sweat and tears. Hard work always reaps rewards. As women we are resilient creatures. We fall down, but get back up again and become stronger,’ Mkhulisi said.

Quoting legendary poet Maya Angelou, she said: ‘You may encounter many defeats in life, but you must not be defeated.’

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She also spoke of her many roles from being a mother, a leader and a politician.

‘I still look forward to succeeding and I still look forward to being part of the history of women in South Africa and in this region. I strive to see change in our communities.’ she said.

Winner in the corporate category, Richards Bay Coal Terminal’s Zanele Mthiyane, encouraged women to be bold and not be afraid to take risks.

‘The words I can’t do it or it is impossible when an opportunity is presented to you, should not be in your vocabulary.

Your journey must be a learning curve. Don’t be afraid to venture into new avenues,’ she said.

Mthiyane said women should not feel inferior to men.‘We have the same capabilities.’

Social category winner Michelle Jewlal, Director of Life Line Zululand, said when she gave up her job of selling flowers, she began her journey of serving the community. Jewlal said despite life’s challenges and struggles, she still perseveres and tries to remain relevant.

Meanwhile winner in the entrepreneur category, Nqobile Xulu Nene, the Founder and CEO of GX Marketing and Beads Magazine, urged women to surround themselves with ‘people that will encourage you and be a positive influence in your life’.