Winning Women

After more than 20 years in the quick service restaurant industry, the hardworking mother of two tells Palesa Dlamini that she feels her commitment is paying off

Reigning Miss SA Shudufatso Musida has allowed herself to be vulnerable in order to bring the conversation about mental health to the fore.

They say knowledge is power, and that is one thing that Dr Bha Ndungane-Tlakula has embraced in her 23 years in the medical industry. The 47-year-old practitioner from Clermont in Durban is the senior medical manager at drug manufacturer Pfizer and has three degrees to her name so far. She speaks to City Press about the state of the health system and what drives her.

Women in South Africa are doing great things, but if they don't support each other, they will not get the recognition they deserve, especially in male-dominated spaces. Zandile Mkhwanazi, the founder and chairperson of technology hub GirlCode, says it is very important for women to help each other.

Show me an octogenarian coach who has produced a world champion and world record-holder this century ... you'll find her in Bloemfontein!

Christine Butterfield and Madysson Morris catch up with the one and only, Kelly Lisenbee. The three talk all things food, empowerment in all facets, and of course COOKIES!

Christine Butterfield and Madysson Morris speak with Alanna Kots about all things Air Force!

Christine Butterfield and Madysson Morris begin by reviewing the Baylor Gonzaga matchup and answer the question,"Was Gonzaga overrated?" The two then discuss the controversy surrounding Arizona women's basketball head coach Adia Barnes giving her team a passionate pep talk in a huddle. Lastly Christine and Madysson recount the women's national championship game. This is a packed episode, so give it a listen!

Christine Butterfield and Madysson Morris are joined by former women's basketball player for Oklahoma State, Diana Omozee. The three discussed women's March Madness, Diana's dynamic high school team, and how she uses her platform to encourage other women.

In the final episode of the Winning Women series for this year, City Press journalist Molebogeng Mokoka speaks to University of Cape Town Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng about some of the challenges she's faced since taking up the position in 2018, as well as how she's doing her best to transform the university into a space where everyone feels welcome.

In this episode, City Press journalist Molebogeng Mokoka chats to former public protector Thuli Madonsela, about her advocacy for social justice, as well her suggestion that an amnesty-like process should be carried out for minor actors in corruption. In this episode, we get to know Madonsela as an advocate for social justice,

Moira Tlhagale is a quantity surveyor and entrepreneur, who also happens to be Pitso Mosimane's wife. When she's not overseeing multimillion rand projects, she's busy running her two successful companies tmtj Consulting and MT Sports. In this episode, City Press sport journalist Gomolemo Motshwane caught up with Tlhagale to chat about her career and how she's creating a legacy for her goal-orientated family.

Bongiwe Msomi's netball career started unexpectedly when she was asked to play as a filler at the age of 16. Today, the 32-year-old is the captain of the national netball team, as well as the coach and manager of the University of Johannesburg’s netball club. City Press journalist Molebogeng Mokoka caught up with Msomi to talk about her journey, which didn't receive much support from her family in the beginning, as well as the Bongi Msomi Netball Project, which aims to provide skills to young girls seeking to break into the sport.

Sibongile Ndashe is a human rights lawyer who was among those arrested in Tanzania in 2017 for allegedly 'promoting homosexuality' in the country. An experience that strengthened her belief that legal action is instrumental to bring about social change, Ndashe continues to advocate for the rights of women and the LGBTQIA+ community through an organisation called the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa, which she is a director. Ndashe also believes that while the continent has made strides in recognising the rights of marginalised groups, there is still a long way to go before what is on paper can match what is happening in reality. City Press spoke to her about a project she's recently embarked on, which involves expanding her human rights advocacy through law, to francophone Africa and beyond.

Fortunate Nkateko Khoza is a self-taught fashion designer who established a successful fashion brand, Lufi D, which expanded to include a boutique, salon and day spa. In her journey to the top, Khoza encountered multiple setbacks including last year's xenophobic attacks, which resulted in the looting of her shop in Maboneng, and most recently, the Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown. Despite this, Khoza continues to forge ahead, working towards her name being counted among the best in the fashion and beauty industry. City Press journalist Molebogeng Mokoka spoke to her about climbing the ladder and staying relevant in this ever-changing and competitive industry.

Poet, musician and radio host MoAfrika wa Mokgathi is an artist on a mission. Born and bred in Mamelodi, the 32-year-old is not only involved in teaching other rising stars the traits of the creative arts industry, she's also taken an active stance against social issues, such as gender-based violence and racism, through her poetry. She sat down with City Press journalist Molebogeng Mokoka to talk this, as well as the importance of cherishing culture beyond Heritage month.

Concerned about the lack of attention given to women in sports, Akhona Makalima, the only female referee in the Premier Soccer League, decided to take matters into her own hands and feet. In addition to hosting a radio show called Women’s Sports Buffet to highlight the strides made by women in various sporting codes, Makalima also mentors other young women interested in pursuing refereeing as a career. She sat down with City Press journalist Molebogeng Mokoka to talk about how she initiated the change she wanted to see happen.

Performance poet Emmah Mabye believes that while black female representation in different spaces is essential, it's not enough if women's voices are not amplified. With this in mind, Mabye has used her poetry to shed light on some of the biggest challenges facing the South African society including, gender-based violence, racism, patriarchy and neglect. The 34-year-old, who's also a full-time tax consultant sat down with City Press journalist Molebogeng Mokoka to talk about two of her biggest goals; igniting souls and helping other young poets learn the traits of the industry.

Currently in the process of capturing how healthcare workers have been dealing with the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic across provinces, public health specialist Dr Atiya Mosam seeks to find the best approach that will contribute to lower rates of infection. She's also helped start a food security initiative to assist underprivileged families access food during this time. She spoke to Molebogeng Mokoka about her undying spirit to lend a hand to those who need it most.

For Dr Shaheda Omar, director of the Teddybear Foundation, working with children is the greatest opportunity of her life. This is why, in more than 20 years of working at the foundation, Omar has never taken a day off. She sat down with Molebogeng Mokoka to chat about the projects she's initiated during the Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown to ensure that children's rights continue to be protected.

Siya Hlongwa is a 33-year-old transgender activist who fled her hometown of eThekwini, Durban after being abused by her uncle. After spending more than 10 years searching for a place of belonging, Hlongwa has now established a platform where she brings issues affecting marginalised communities in the spotlight She sat down with Molebogeng Mokoka to speak about how the lessons she learnt from her journey shaped her to be Winning Woman she is today

Mpho Nefuri is a human rights lawyer and activist. At the beginning of the lockdown, she embarked on fitness challenge to bring awareness to gender-based violence and hate crime On the business side, Nefuri believes in doing "everything and anything to secure an income, as long as it's a clean deal". She sat down with Molebogeng Mokoka to chat about her mission to change lives for the better, for as long as her strength allowed.

For Nomfundo Dhlamini, the journey towards realising her ancestral gift has not been easy. Despite this, Dhlamini is a now a traditional healer who is also climbing the corporate ladder in communications. She sat down with City Press journalists Molebogeng Mokoka and Palesa Dlamini to reflect on how her gift molded her to become the Winning Woman she is today.

Engineer, biotech innovator and businessperson Dineo Lioma plans to use artificial intelligence in the world of medicine, which might help to prevent the spread of tuberculosis and even viruses such as Covid-19 in the future. www.news24.com