The Margaret Hirsch 2018 Regional Women in Business Achiever of the Year Awards Evening took place at Emperor’s Palace in Gauteng, South Africa on 2 November. This prestigious event saw over 500 people, including top entrepreneurs and business women from around Gauteng attending the event to see who would be announced as the Regional and Branch winners. The event was co-sponsored by GRUNDIG, one of Hirsch's Homestore's most valued suppliers. Guest Speaker at the event was Melanie Hawken, the founder and CEO of Lionesses of Africa and a Champion of Africa’s Women Entrepreneurs.
Speaking about the awards, inspirational South African woman entrepreneur Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirschs Homestores, said:
“Awards give credibility to one’s business, and as women we tend to shy away from being in the limelight. We also tend not to be assertive enough. This was my way of encouraging women to put themselves and their businesses in the spotlight. The winners and runners up are people who not only run successful businesses, but are making a difference to the lives of others in all the areas in which they live – and ultimately, the lives of people in South Africa”.
The Gauteng Regional winner of the Margaret Hirsch Woman in Business Achiever of the Year Award 2018 was Dr Tamara Pheiffer, a leader in the field of anti-aging medicine. She has lectured both nationally and internationally for the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and is a leader in Africa for Medical Biohacking. Over the last two years, her business has grown by 300%.
The first runner up was Pamela Niemand, a property entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in the industry. Her business, Westpoint Executive Suites, grew over a three year period from 6 to 68 apartments, and in the last three years has run at 99% occupancy. She is the current Mrs Johannesburg amongst her various titles.
The second runner up was Amukelani Mashele who runs a successful bakery and mentorship programme in the townships. She also assists in training women and the youth to maintain good business practices. She has started a health range that includes gluten and sugar free products.
Branch winners were Kathryn Main representing Fourways branch is the CEO of Main Multimedia and Money Savvy Kids. Main Multimedia works hand in hand with a financial literacy business and they are moving into the African continent to educate the youth on financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
Ronel Harris representing Strubens branch is the CEO of Outdoor Education Africa, one of the biggest youth touring companies in the country. She designs leadership identification and development programs to our future leaders
Sister Jenny representing Silverlakes branch is the Founder of Jen-til touch. Her company manufactures and sells a range of tried and tested creams that have therapeutic and cosmetic properties both locally and internationally.
Carmen Mocke representing Centurion branch runs The Cry Npo. Her success comes from being creative and resourceful. Cry was started to support and uplift the community, and support is given in a variety of formats, including food, clothing, court attendance emotional support for victims.
Angela James representing Meadowdale branch runs Align-Ed. Her company deals in transformation, facilitating processes. She enjoys new ways of doing business within the 21st Century and has developed alternative business models that take care of people and the planet in a sustainable manner.
Lily Mhlangu representing Brakpan branch runs Lissac Talent and Skills Management. The company’s mission is to empower and develop the skills of youth and women. Lilly and her team train women and youth to make a living through art and craft, including modelling, acting, dance and visual art.