Diana Becker was introduced to the South Africa Council for Businesswomen (SACBW) in 2002 during a monthly meeting held in Pretoria. Susca Watts was Chairperson at that time and in July 2002 I had the privilege of being elected as Vice Chairwoman. The events allowed me to interact with accomplished corporate businesswomen, from whom I gleaned invaluable knowledge and experienced personal growth, shaping me into the businesswoman I am today.
At the end of 2003, during the National Congress held in Cape Town, I was elected as Chairperson, assuming the responsibility for leading the branch in 2004. As the next Congress was held in Pretoria, it fell under my purview as chairperson of the local branch to host this significant event. The Congress, which was held at Gallagher Convention Centre, was a resounding success. At the Congress, I was nominated and elected as the National Vice President for the Council, serving alongside Janine Myburgh, who held the position of President in 2005.
One of the key portfolios assigned to the Vice President was overseeing the National Business Women of the Year competition. With the guidance and mentorship of esteemed trustees Winda Austin Loeve, Erna Pretorius, and Hermine Wilken, I embarked on the journey to reinstate this competition. Collaborating with Theo van Wyk from Absa, the competition’s sponsor at the time, we achieved remarkable success. It was an honor to meet exceptional businesswomen who had made indelible marks in the business world.
Late in 2005, I had the privilege of being elected as the National President for 2006, becoming one of the youngest individuals to hold this position within the organisation, Elise Coetser, then Vice President, provided invaluable support as we ventured into establishing new branches. Traveling across South Africa, and meeting businesswomen who were also mothers during the day and wives in the evenings, reinforced the importance of unity and the mutual empowerment and learning we can derive from one another.
Notably, one of the highlights during my tenure in various leadership roles within the organisation was my involvement with AHI (now known as SBI), where I served with Dr. Mathews Phosa, the National President of AHI. Through this, I gained insight into the power of networking and the symbiotic nature of collaboration in the business world. I recognized the significance of uplifting our grassroots and empowering small businesses in South Africa to foster our nation’s economic growth.
Reflecting on my journey in this beloved organisation, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to meet and learn from remarkable individuals. The lessons I have learned have molded me into a stronger businesswoman in South Africa, and I will forever cherish these invaluable experiences.