So it is August – Women’s month! As we pass the mark of 500 days in lockdown in South Africa (yes, can you believe it?), we have a lot to reflect upon, deal with currently and look forward to in future. With surrounding negativity in abundance, I would like to focus this month on the good and inspiring stories out there, particularly involving some incredible women amongst us.
The Past
Kim Nicola Stephens fast became our favourite writer during 2020 and South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown. She has shot to Facebook fame with her hilarious lockdown posts that keep on going viral.
She has given us the top 10 middle-class quarantine categories, a hilarious depiction of how confusing level 4 actually is, the beauty truths of the burbs during the lockdown, the runners versus smokers debacle and she weighed in (hilariously) about how everyone in South Africa has suddenly become an expert on nearly everything. South Africans have a way of getting through the toughest times, usually with a side dish of humour, and her writing is on point.
The Ndlovu Youth Choir’s performed with P!nk!
The performance was part of UNICEF’s exclusive, virtual fundraiser which took place on the 1st of December 2020 to celebrate and empower children around the world. The program featured changemakers from around the globe and included UNICEF experts, advocates, and future leaders who use their voices to support and amplify UNICEF’s lifesaving mission. The event showcased the breadth of UNICEF’s work, showcasing UNICEF’s global response yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
The Present
With the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 having drawn to a close, we have seen so many awe-inspiring performances by the world’s top athletes, but from our point of view the heroes have got to be our SA Medalists, (all female I must add) – Tatjana Schoenmaker & Bianca Buitendag. May their guts, perseverance and glory be an inspiration to all of us.
On a more personal note, Welcome Assist is proud to announce that our first container filled with quality South African products will be leaving our shores for Finland before the end of the month. The dream of sharing our incredible talent and creativity is coming to fruition and these products will soon be boasting the shelves of retailers in Scandinavia.
The Future
The Veuve Clicquot Barometer unveiled the International Women’s Entrepreneurship Barometer study. Women entrepreneurship in South Africa has increased by 11% over other past four years! 90% of women entrepreneurs agree that a network of other women entrepreneurs is essential for women who want to become entrepreneurs and have support throughout the process of building their business. In essence, for greater future success we should support each other’s endeavours to collectively grow stronger. Be the kind women who makes other women want to up their game!
On the Tourism front - good news for Cape Town is that British Airways intends to resume its service to the city from November 1.
In line with timelines, we are excited to launch our new diary range for 2022. Get your orders in for your company, clients, or staff. Add your foiled company logo and stand out!
Here's to a positive month ahead, we CAN do this!
THE WELCOME ASSIST TEAM