GEORGE NEWS - History was made on Friday 23 October, when Hester du Bruyn from George, became the first past president of the SA Council for Business Women (SACBW) to be re-elected as national leader.
Du Bruyn led the organisation in 2014 and her 2020/21 appointment was announced at the virtual 31st annual general meeting of the SACBW, following the resignation of Elise Coetser, who decided to focus her attention on her business during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The organisation has a legacy of 32 years with leaders like the founder Rika Venter, the late Dr Annique Theron, current director and business chamber president of the Small Business Institute (SBI) Winda Austin-Loeve, and many other influential women.
Until her re-election as national leader after six years, Du Bruyn was SACBW national treasurer and regional leader of the Western Cape.
"I am honoured and excited to continue to lead in 2021 with the assistance of the national executive team and the support of the past presidents and members,"said Du Bruyn during her acceptance speech. "The time is right now, more than ever, for the business women of South Africa to unite and to lead the business evolution. We have to be leaders with conscience, speak with integrity, lead with authenticity and hold ourselves accountable."
She reported at the AGM that the national executive team has worked hard during lockdown to bring members a number of outstanding informative webinars, relevant information and articles that empowered business women with knowledge during the pandemic.
Saturday 24 October was also a highlight for the council when the organisation announced the Top 10 SACBW Ambassadors for the year. These business women told their inspirational stories and shared how they survived and thrived during this challenging year. Lynette Beer, well-known motivational speaker from Seeds of Inspiration, was awarded an honorary membership for her support to council the past few years.
The new national leader had a clear message to all business women in South Africa. "Find a safe place where you can get assistance and support. Look for the opportunities in the challenges. Join the SACBW sisterhood. All women's voices matter."
George Herald will conduct a personal interview with Du Bruyn, who is currently visiting her children, as soon as she returns to George.
For more information visit www.sacbw.org.
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