#SistaHoodHourConversations

The conversation with Eskom Pension and Provident Fund's Internal Auditor, Relebogile "Lebo" Legalamitlwa was similar to catching up with a dear friend who was placed just at the right time to remind you what passion, purpose and timing mean. Auditing in many a mind is a profession that is quite daunting, especially for those of us who are not in it, however it is crucial to any organisation's success, longevity and the manner in which it operates. Culture, policies, procedures, operations and compliance - those are words that form part of auditing and Lebo shares what the team's role is at EPPF. We also spoke about Lebo's work to help high school learners with Mathematics and Accounting - coming full circle and realising that she was also learning through this journey of life.  To learn more about EPPF, please visit https://www.eppf.co.za 

It was only after reading the King Report a few years ago that I personally understood the importance of good governance in an organization and the role that risk and compliance played. Levern Forley, is Risk and Complaince Officer at the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund (EPPF) and by listening to her speak about her work and the environment that she is in, you hear the deep passion and pride that she has - and willingness to share her knowledge. An advocate for wellness, women taking ownership of their lives and careers, Levern trusts the journey she is on and the way that it is unfolding.   To learn more about the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund, please visit: https://www.eppf.co.za 

My conversation with Shyless Nkuna, Head of Human Resources (Human Experiences) at the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund (EPPF) made my heart smile and reminded me of the times I've met and spoken to people who view HR the way that she does. We not only spoke about her career progression, but Shyless really opened up about the value she knows and believes people bring into an organization. I'm excited to know that EPPF is doing things differently too - moving forward and empowering their staff, not just talking about it but ensuring they follow through. To learn more about the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund, please visit: https://www.eppf.co.za. Enjoy this episode!

In this conversation with Nomonde Zwane, Investment Multi-Manager at Eskom Pension and Provident Fund (EPPF) shares a great deal about her career journey, how she is intentional in her life, negotiates and asks for help when needed. We also spoke about how Nomonde has found ways to pay it forward has been an important theme for her 2021, especially whilst she is serving as Deputy President of the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP) Women in Focus Committee. To learn more about the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund, please visit: https://www.eppf.co.za. For more on Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP), you can visit https://absip.co.za/site/.

Jessica Dube (neè Mtimkhulu) is an incredible woman who understands and truly believes in the power of purposeful living. Having worked in the South African television industry for over a decade, Jessica has presented and produced various of live tv shows including One Day Leader, Blue Couch and YoTV Live. Jessica started work on The Change Collective Africa and #PurposePioneer Instagram Live talk shows, which are both such powerful and progressive spaces that use the power of social media to positively impact society. Check out www.purposepioneers.co.za and follow @thechangecollectiveafrica

Lerato Matabola is one of those cool individuals who understand tech speak, makes it relatable in the best way possible for others and is an advocate for seeing more girls and women working in technology. We had a great conversation about her work, who she is outside and what she sees as South Africa / Africa's role in the world of technology. To learn more about Basalt, please visit www.basalt.co

I had such a wonderful conversation with Phathu Nembilwi and I got the pronunciation of her surname right - WIN! Her journey in the creative world, managing to convince her parents to explore this new world in terms of studies and career, paying it forward to other creatives in her own way and discovering new methods of expressing her love for her work and passion. Please do check out her work on www.phathudesigns.co.za; Instagram @phathudesigns_illustrations and Twitter @phathu97467306 (phathudesigns_illustrations)

Kolisa Yola Sinyanya is phenomenal! Our conversation took place in the latter part of 2020 but it will remain forever relevant. A PhD candidate in Oceanography at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Kolisa is a member of UCT's Advancing Womxn fellowship, Ocean Womxn, a TEDx speaker and a woman who has used the power of social media to share her work with the rest of the world - and opening up a space that encourages conversation, interest and accessibility for young black and brown women especially those who wouldn't necessarily have thought that there is someone who looks like they do, working in a space that they too can find a way into - and that there will be people who can support them along their journey. Follow @Kolie_Yola @OceanWomxn to stay up to date with news, developments and just have your day brightened up and inspired.

CN to the Rescue was Cartoon Network Africa's newest show on their YouTube channel over the festive season last year (2020). A combination of relatable African humour and fresh, that showed everyday situations in the African household that we can all relate to in some way. Featuring Andre Lembwa, who is a fun-loving, creative and produced by Howard James Fyvie, this Cape Town duo based in Brooklyn, collaborated with the Channel and were able to put together a series that not only allowed them to push their creative limits but also open up a new way of story telling that gave the creators the room to really do something special, not only for themselves for viewers. To catch up on #CNtotheRescue, go to youtube.com/CartoonNetworkAfrica

There are some incredible leaders who live and work amongst us. Whether they are in the really big positions or are a colleague we share work space with, their qualities and character are quite unique and you can't deny the magnitude of what they do and how they can contribute to the organisation and community. Dr Mandisa Maholwana, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital is quite a wonderful individual to speak. I enjoyed our conversation, the knowledge and insights shared, and the way she beautifully linked different parts of her journey together. I'm looking forward to where the new year takes the hospital, and the paediatric space as a whole in the country and continent.

Following my IG Live with Sanele Xaba a few weeks back, I had the opportunity to speak to Venus-Gene Jackson, Ingram's brand manager about an incredible campaign, the Ingram's Skin Sessions that aimed to uncover the internal struggles some of South African's favourite personalities experience. These struggles and conversations are the kind we can relate to in one way or another. The challenges faced, the misconceptions and victories experienced and shared. “Your Skin; Your Brave” - a wonderful rallying call that's giving all of us the confidence to ignite our inner brave! #YourSkinYourBrave

Sonya Kolman, is a clinical pharmacist at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital in Parktown Johannesburg. With many years experience and special interest in Paediatrics and Antimicrobial Resistance. In this episode of #SistaHoodHourConversations, we're learning more about what antimicrobial resistance, what it is, it's impact in our lives especially our children. Medical terminology can be overwhelming when you don't work in the field but it is important that we understand what we're reading / hearing or being told in any medical situation. We also had a Twitter chat on 25 November 2020, if you weren't able to catch it, just search for the hashtag #ServeLikeMadiba or follow the hospital's handle @_nmch_. Let us know what you think and reach out if you have any questions. Also have a read through more information on the hospital's blog - https://www.nelsonmandelachildrenshospital.org/we-can-work-together-to-stop-antimicrobial-resistance/

My conversation with Boskasie was everything that served as a reminder of the fact as people - specifically people of colour - we are gold. That through any chosen art form, there is a way to express that which matters most to you, but also empower and teach the next person as long as they are open to it. We touched on #blacklivesmatter, her upbringing on two different continents, her music influences and YAADT! She's an amazing energy and there's so much more coming from her, I can see it and I believe it so much for her. Follow her journey on the socials: @Boskasie_ on Twitter and @boskasie on Instagram

Zeycan Yildirim is a pioneer! She may not choose the word for herself but ever since I came across her name and her work, I've appreciated how she has used what resources she has, her skills and knowledge to show up for others to better their lives. A generous heart and feisty spirit who is determined to ensure that all people, especially young people, girls and women choose their own destiny without pressure and interference from others. A lover of life, a wealth of knowledge and a woman the world needs. Follow her journey and work @zeycan_rochelle.

This conversation with Katleho Tsoku was an opportunity to see some of my life lessons as just that, lessons. The highs and lows, the successes and failures that are there to teach you something about not just the world but a lot about yourself, especially how you choose to move through it and how you want to live life...to just exist or to be fully present and soak it all in. Katleho is truly one of a kind and I don't say that lightly. Through her sharing some parts about her life, I really enjoyed opening up about some of mine, and learnt from her as well. An invaluable conversation and I hope you gain something from it to.

I have such admiration for anyone who is in the social enterprise space and this conversation with co-founder of Australian based Thankyou, Justine Flynn reminded me how conscious business create enormous positive impact on the lives of the people it touches. It's incredible work and the people involved in them are a special group of people. I love that Thankyou has reached out to every single one of us to be part of their work and we are all encouraging the big consumer brands, specifically Procter&Gamble and Unilever to join forces to be able to reach more people around the world. It's a bold initiative to help end extreme poverty but through a partnership approach, I do not see why it cannot succeed. To find out more about their work and how you can get involved, please visit their website https://thankyou.co and follow them on social media @thankyou_AUS on Twitter, @thankyouaus on Instagram and Thankyou on Facebook.

My conversation with Divya Vasant is really a dream come true. Speaking to women who have consciously chosen to write their own narrative and find ways to uplift and encourage other women along the way literally sets my soul on fire. It reminds me that it is possible and necessary to do that in all the ways we can possibly do so. Divya Vasant co-founder and CEO of The Amazi Group of companies, she is “not a do-gooder” but she is a business woman who believes in conscious and sustainable business and entrepreneurship. There are so many other topics that I thought of and I cannot wait to speak with her again. Follow AMAZI Beauty on the socials (Instagram and Facebook) and find out more about what they do...and perhaps you could find some inspiration and get involved and share their work / opportunities for women with others. Enjoy the episode!

I remember coming across the Rise platforms and I immediately felt as though I was connecting to a community of women who I could really just be myself as a woman and a first time mother. No judgement, no sage advice, no promises...just love, understanding, a virtual hug on the days when I struggled to get over that thinking of feeling like I suck at motherhood. And during the time of lockdown, I truly needed that reassurance. I decided to reach to Rachel Kolisi, co-owner of Rise Women, Rise Mama, Rise Studios and the co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation and speak to her about her own life journey, how Rise came about and what it has brought not only into her life and business partner Tammy Rawstron, but to women out there like me, who wanted to connect, share and be inspired to rise in our own unique ways. Please do have a listen, check out their own, reach out and be part of a positive community of incredible women!

From the first time I interacted with Sihle just before the launch of her book “We Are The Ones We Need”, to our Twitter chat conversation and many other chats in between, I have learnt so much from her. Her chutzpah, her grace, her character and her determination to stay on the path she has chosen for herself, that not only allowed her to share her journey but also gave many many others to be able to open up and share their own journeys. In this episode we talked about the other sides of Sihle Bolani and she shares more about motherhood, being a daughter, navigating her journey in not only womanhood but being an individual. It was a wonderful conversation and I still have a list of more things I really want to chat to her about! Please do connect with her on her various platforms: @SihleBolani_; @KonnektedWomen and @WorkWhileBlack

A lot of the time we hear and read about the fathers who are absent from their children's lives, as well as how mothers have to literally look for them and bring them before the courts just so they can help maintain their children financially. Those stories just break my heart because those children didn't ask to be born, and they deserve to be given the very best in life and to be loved. Here and there I'll hear and read about a father who is trying to gain visitation rights or who wants to have a relationship with their child, but unfortunately the mother of the child s blocking that process. Yes, fathers have rights too and I got the chance to speak to Jennifer Stoler an admitted Attorney and Notary, Speaker, Legal Easer and Advisor and Yolisa Mkele a journalist and father who is co-parenting well with the mother of his daughter. Jennifer and Yolisa also host The Lawyer and The Layman podcast!

Our conversation with Siyanga Madikizela could have gone on for a long time, she has that kind of energy! We spoke about the partnership between VW SA and the Lionesses of Africa and how in 2020 they've taken the partnership further and introduced The Lionesses Den. Siyanga shared more about her journey in the automotive industry and some of the life lessons along the way. There is certainly going to be a second part to our conversation - she's keen, and so am I. To find out more on how to become part of the Lionesses of Africa network visit www.lionessesofafrica.com and to enter the Volkswagen Lionesses Den initiative, please visit www.vwlionessesden.co.za

A conversation with Despina Senatore can go on for hours as there are so many topics that come up as you're speaking and she's that kind of person you feel like you've known for a long time. An inspirational life coach and entrepreneur - Purposeful Woman is the company she runs workshops through, an author of Soar! - a book for teen girls to help them navigate the changes and challenges of this particular chapter of their lives, wife, mom and incredible human being.

There are some people who just have a way to help you understand a part of life, individual journeys and experiences in such a pure and honest way. The conversation with Lelo and Fareed on their own unique journeys of self-discovery and acceptance from early age to now as grown men navigating life, left me smiling as I listened to it again. I won't ever proclaim to understand their journeys but it's given me a deeper awareness on the LGBTQI Plus community. I sincerely hope that as a society, communities, friends and families, we can be more kind, patient, liberal, accepting in how we treat one another, no matter chosen sexual orientation.

I had the pleasure of sitting and speaking to not only a sister-friend but businesswoman, TV host, wife, daughter, woman of faith - and so many more other titles - Michelle Lima. A wealth of knowledge gained from walking life's path and being open to the lessons she had to learn, whilst remaining true to who she was, but allowing for the growth to take place. It was a beautiful conversation, and it did my heart good and I hope you take something away from it too.

In this episode, I had the opportunity of speaking to Azania Mosaka. I fan'girled a little (or a lot) but there were some incredible insights shared and some learnings too. Having watched and listened to her over the years in her broadcast career and as she moved into other business roles - I just marveled at how she just does what she does - in my world, she's just magic! In that real, wonderful, funny, witty and colourful manner. Our conversation touched on family, career, wellness and business. There were moments I wanted to say 'Pause! That I need to jot down', because really, her way of drawing you in is special, and what she shared, no matter where you are, who you are or what is happening in your world - there is something that you take to heart as you walk this life journey. I hope you enjoy the episode!

As women there are so many experiences we go through, trying to figure sometimes on our own and other times with the care and love from our closest tribe members. I'm joined by a member of my tribe, Tiisetso Gama as we talk about some of our life experiences, reflect on the lessons and map out the future to being whole, healthy and more of ourselves as women.