Rotary Club of Waterfront Hosts Inspiring National Women's Day Celebration

A groundbreaking event honors women leaders with purpose and compassion

On Friday, 8 August we celebrated a unique RCW National Women’s Day Celebration, a first but not the last to honour “woman who lead with purpose, power and compassion”.

The event was conceptualised by PP Mymoena Ismail, together with united business leaders, innovators and non-profit champions.

MC Andre du Toit, kept proceedings professionally on track.

Andre, joined by Team Waterfront – Captain Tony Austen, Mymoena Ismail, Maryka Vermaak, Nadene Rolston, Spiro Mitchell, June Webber and Vanessa McNab from the Metropolitan Golf Club, ensured that all ran smoothly. Special thanks to Lyndon Marescia CEO of Adinga for the 65 goody bags for our guests. Finally to DG Pam Rawbone and PDG Ann Wright, so pleased you could join us.

A short overview below and pics.

Unite for Good | Women Leading Transformation in a Digital World

The world is at a turning point. We face a dual challenge: protecting humanity and our environment while navigating a relentless digital era. In this reality, the economic and social contributions of women are not just valuable — they are essential to building resilient communities and sustainable futures.

This National Women’s Day, the Rotary Club of Waterfront, together with Adinga (Pty) Ltd, Soroptimist International Cape of Good Hope, and Za.Accelerate, united business leaders, innovators, and non-profit champions to confront these issues head-on..

Speakers deliver bold, necessary conversations

The opening remarks by PP Mymoena Ismail, set the tone for the morning.

As Past President Mymoena Ismail shared in her opening address, Rotary’s role is to be a catalyst — creating spaces where purpose-driven business and community leadership meet. When sectors unite for the greater good, transformation follows.
The conversations were bold, raw, and necessary:

❤️ Rachel Kolisi spoke from the heart, sharing her naked truth on mental health and motherhood — reminding us of the courage it takes to lead with vulnerability.
💪 Erica Terblanche celebrated the natural strengths of every woman — endurance, grit, and deep connection — as the keys to thriving in life and leadership.
⚡ Sovash Hafele unpacked the difference between burnout and digital burnout, revealing the toll of social media and information overload.
🛡 Dr James Liddell urged us to protect ourselves first — to nurture our own well-being so we can be high performers in the many roles women take on in a fast-paced world.

Outstanding women receive prestigious awards

We also honoured women whose leadership continues to transform communities:
🏆 Women in Hope Award – Christine Revell Children’s Home
🏆 Empower HER Award – Jo da Silva, SIYP Stitch Ahead
🏆Women in Legacy Award – June Webber, for three decades of visionary leadership.

3 powerful truths emerge from the event

The message was clear:
✨ When women are empowered, economies thrive.
✨When innovation is guided by values, humanity and the planet are protected.
✨ And when we unite for good, we redefine what’s possible.

Rotary believes in this future — and we are committed to building it, together. (PP Mymoena Ismail)