Phakama Women's Academy

H A P P Y W O M E N' S D A Y!

"Women's Day marks the anniversary of the great women's march of 1956, where women marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the carrying of pass books.

On 9 August 1956, about 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against legislation aimed at tightening the apartheid government's control over the movement of black women in urban areas."

We salute the women who paved the way for us today!

"Most people fail because they do not have determination and perseverance. Extraordinary people are determined and persevere that is what makes them extraordinary." Catherine Pulsifer

Here is a Tip: Setting up daily goals will help you have a more productive day and have greater usage of your time. Set them first thing in the morning and be proactive in scratching them of your list.

Happy Wednesday!

It's been a few months filled with massive changes and developments for all. One thing we should not forget is the power we have: To be Thankful! Take a look back and acknowledge the good that came out of the past few months and take a moment to be Thankful on a Thursday...

to when provided our class of 2019 with an amazing spa day filled with great insights and inspiration!

Our is Lolly Gwabavu who has been an amazing mentor over the couple of years she has been with the programme.

Lolly is a professional coach, facilitator; OD & leadership specialist. She is a passionate, playful and purpose led woman. She holds qualifications in Industrial psychology, Coaching & HR with many years’ experience in the manufacturing, engineering and financial services sectors.

“I love people and I love to see people meet the game of life with their very best self. I am dedicated to always inspiring myself and others to THRIVE. I am especially inspired to empower women to step into their power and lead. Whether in homes, workplaces, communities or their own businesses.”

Here is advice from our mentor- Judy Maharaj (Messe Frankfurt Show Director)

We asked her "How women can reach their goals?" and here are her views.

Be inspired and share with others...

Our is a lady who has been with the programme for a good couple of years and she remains an amazing mentor- Judy Maharaj (Messe Frankfurt Show Director)

After a lengthy career span in the motor sport sector for over
twenty years, Judy joined Messe Frankfurt South Africa in
January 2020 as the Show Director for the Festival of Motoring, the largest retail automotive show in the country. Judy started her career in sports marketing with a primary focus on motor sport. She was part of the team employed by Vodacom in 1998 to manage the sports sponsorship's portfolios for the mobile company.

In 2005 Judy was appointed as General Manager of the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. In 2009 she joined a privately-owned social enterprise, SGS Consulting, serving as Executive Director. The organisation focused on access to justice for the poor, whole school development programmes and growing local philanthropy for leading foundations and civil society organisations in South Africa.

In 2013, together with her husband she founded the business, VM Innovations. The company provided mechanical engineering, sports sponsorship management and technical services for clients in the automotive and motor sport sector. From 1998 to 2009 , Judy served on project teams and as race secretariat for major international motorsport events in SA i.e. Superbike Grand Prix and A1 Grand Prix.

Judy holds a master’s in business administration (MBA) and a post graduate diploma in Business Management Practice from the Henley Business School, and a National diploma in Textile design from DUT.

Apart from being an active businesswoman, Judy is a practicing mixed medium artist, mentor, philanthropist and mom to three sons.

Our mentor Absie Pantshwa (Managing Director Fresh Corporation) has provided a glimpse into what it actually took her to reach the level she is currently at.

THIS IS ME...

The burning flame to my entrepreneurial spirit was flamed into new beginnings in Johannesburg in 1999, since then I have never looked back. With my parents having been entrepreneurs & farmers, it was a natural progression for me. I started my own company Callit IT Guest Logistics in 2006 identifying a niche in the industry to offer a turnkey service Solution for Guest Logistics approach for corporate events. This has been the driving force behind Fresh RSVP Guest Logistics to date, boasting long standing clients namely FNB, Old Mutual, Times Media, SAA, Cell C, Blackberry, Bonitas, Dimension Data, Boehringer Ingelheim UAE, Clover, SA Tourism, Brand Leadership Academy, Ogilvy, SABC to name a few.Coupled with the guest logistics knowledge and desire to entrench my spirit, sparked an interest in Travel, Event Production & Catering.

In 2008 elected as Director at CLA Brand & Event Engineering and TechRig Technical Solution Agency in 2009 and certainly listed as one of my entrepreneur highlights in my life. I then embarked on Fresh Elite Experiences and Fresh YUMM Culinary Experiences of which is a catering branch off to our existing corporation. This extension allows specialised Customized Elite Event services.

Fresh People is an added division to the family and our opportunity to continue infusing our soul for development. We source and train unemployed Africans in the Hospitality Industry as Cleaners, Cooks,Waiters, Barmen, Baristers, Butlers to name a few. With this venture we are empowering people to not only find employment after being trained but also to sustain their families and build a self preservation.

Our most recent business development directed us to purchase and take over a Bakery & Restaurant in Randpark Ridge which has now been added to the Fresh family. Fresh YUMM Café, is a Bakery, Deli & Café where we offer bespoke baked goods, fresh harvest menu & incredible brunches & lunches!

Our keen spirit to continue develop has directed us into the franchise market. We are now the proud owners of a Shell Select and Kauai - it is the first one of many. My passion for quality and service driven convenient solutions is the Driving force to ensuring a professional service delivered to your door.

My name is Absie Pantshwa - I regard any entrepreneur as a risk taker.

You have, to be brave, bold and daring to achieve your dreams and have financial success. Risks have taught me valuable lessons in believing in myself and pursuing my dreams without compromise.



@Absiep

Our destinations may not be the same but our learnings along the way are something we can share.

Our mentor Absie Pantshwa (Managing Director Fresh Corporation) shared with us some words on how women can reach their goals.

Be inspired and share with others!

As we remember the first post-apartheid elections that were held on this day in 1994.

Happy Freedom Day to all!