The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM), in collaboration with the Historium Trust and the Afrikaanse Taalmuseum en -monument (ATM), honoured 19 phenomenal women from the district on Wednesday, 28 August 2024, at Kronenburg Estate in Paarl during the third annual Cape Winelands District’s Phenomenal Women Awards.
This annual initiative aligns with the celebration of Women’s Month. The call for nominations opened in July, allowing the public to nominate unsung heroines who do inspiring work in the Cape Winelands communities across ten categories. A panel of distinguished women judged the nominations: Christynn Jacobs, a food technologist and co-owner of Jacob’s Jam Company based in Ceres; Heidi Erdmann, an independent curator and art historian; Beverely Farmer, CEO of Women in Wine; and Tarryn Tomlinson, a pioneering television presenter, public speaker, writer and founder of Liveable Universal Access Consultants. The judges had the challenging task of selecting winners and runners-up from over 100 compelling nominations.
The awards ceremony was hosted by TV presenter Heindrich Wyngaard, known for the popular Klop! programme on KykNET, who added his special brand of fun while the audience celebrated the exceptional achievements of the ten winners and nine runners-up.
“These women inspire their communities and motivate others to strive for excellence. They are women who serve, feed, educate, comfort, protect, and embrace their communities with infinite love and care,” said Michael Jonas, Director of the Afrikaanse Taalmuseum en -monument, in his welcoming address.
The event was designed to provide these remarkable women with a morning of relaxation, laughter, and positive energy. Marizaan Bredenkamp, managing director and founder of Youth for Hope and Unit360 as well as the winner of the Phenomenal Women in Support category in 2023, was the motivational speaker. She encouraged everyone to continue being the change they wish to see in the world. Carlynn Andrews, a professional makeup artist, presented a makeup masterclass, sharing tips on how these busy women can continue to look their best. Lorinda Wagenstroom from Tupperware discussed the amazing opportunities Tupperware offers to females. Additionally, our Phenomenal Woman in the Promotion of Afrikaans in 2023, Veronica Botha, delivered breathtaking poetry.
“Today, we honour and celebrate you – the women who have made indelible contributions to our region. Your dedication to your work, your commitment to your communities, and your unwavering determination to uplift others do not go unnoticed. You are the torchbearers of progress, the stewards of development, and the champions of justice and equality,” stated Executive Mayor, Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, in her keynote address. The Mayor bestowed a Special Mayoral Award on young Dieuwke-Jean Linee, acknowledging her contribution to the memory of Krotoa through her painting of the historical figure, which is now displayed in the bell tower of the Groote Kerk in Cape Town.
The winners, runners-up and guests received gifts and spot prizes from the CWDM and partners, including the Afrikaanse Taalmuseum en -monument, the Historium Trust, Jacob’s Jam, Tupperware SA, Ignite Consulting, Carlynn Andrews, and Olga Randelhoff, an Avon representative.
The winners and runners-up:
Phenomenal Woman in Agriculture | ||
Winner | Naomi Linders | Stellenbosch |
Phenomenal Woman in Early Childhood Development | ||
Winner | Sue-Andra Swartz | Ceres, Witzenberg |
Runner-up | Latoya Swarts | De Doorns, Breede Valley |
Phenomenal Woman in Basic Education | ||
Winner | Natasha Africa | Worcester, Breede Valley |
Runner-up | Debbie Voigt | Worcester, Breede Valley |
Phenomenal Woman in the NGO/CDW Sector | ||
Winner | Johmina Vlok | Worcester, Breede Valley |
Runner-up | Vanessa Adams | Paarl, Drakenstein |
Phenomenal Woman Entrepreneur | ||
Winner | Annalize Thiart | Worcester, Breede Valley |
Runner-up | Theresa van der Merwe | Paarl, Drakenstein |
Phenomenal Woman in Support | ||
Winner | Heloise Beukes | Worcester, Breede Valley |
Runner-up | Leezil Laubscher | Wellington, Drakenstein |
Phenomenal Woman in Management | ||
Winner | Petra Nel | Wellington, Drakenstein |
Runner-up | Stephné Botha | Worcester, Breede Valley |
Phenomenal Woman of Passion | ||
Winner | Veroeshka Grain | Paarl, Drakenstein |
Runner-up | Mareletta Mundey | Montagu, Langeberg |
Phenomenal Woman in Promoting Afrikaans/Fenomenale Vrou in die Bevordering van Afrikaans | ||
Winner | Petro Gordon | Paarl, Drakenstein |
Runner-up | Joha van Dyk | Stellenbosch |
Phenomenal Woman with Disabilities | ||
Winner | Luigia Nicholas | Stellenbosch |
Runner-up | Terelga Bald | Worcester, Breede Valley |
All our winners and runners-up have inspiring stories to tell and are doing amazing things in and for our communities, and we really hope you will consider sharing this feel-good story with your readers.
Please contact me for individual photos of winners and runners-up. We have other visual material available on each winner and runner-up as well.
Description of the categories and brief bios of our speakers and judges also provided.
Media contact: Anesca Roodt
anescaarendse@capewinelands.gov.za
021 888 5167 / 079 765 9225
