It is National Women’s Month and a time to celebrate and honour the women who make the communities of the Cape Winelands a better place.
Valcare’s women empowerment initiative, Proteas of the Valley, is now in its ninth year and is once again honouring remarkable women; from Franschhoek to Paarl, Stellenbosch and Wellington.
Just like the magnificent protea flower that thrives in dry and mountainous terrain, Proteas of the Valley women flourish amidst difficult conditions.
“Even though the women come from different backgrounds and circumstances, they have one thing in common: they conquer challenges to make a difference in the lives of others,” says Ivan Swartz, CEO of Valcare.
Selection Process
The nominations for this year’s Proteas of the Valley campaign were open for the month of June, and the campaign received an impressive list of nominations.
“It is always difficult for the selection committee to choose only 15 ladies out of the hundreds of other women out there who are also making a difference. Our Proteas-women for 2021 were selected because theystood out in terms of their background, characteristics and involvement in the community. Congratulations to them and all the other nominees,” says Jolanda van der Lingen, Relationship Manager for Valcare.
Proteas of the Valley 2021
Story sharing and Event
Each of the Proteas of the Valley women’s stories will be shared on Valcare’s Facebook page and Instagram account during August 2021, along with their beautiful portraits taken by Jacques Botha from Kikitography.
The Proteas will be featured in Paarl Post and on Radio KC throughout the month to give them the opportunity to share their story and talk about their work and organisation.
The ladies will also attend an intimate celebration ceremony at the luxurious Kronenburg Estate, where they will each receive a hamper filled with special gifts, sponsored by community businesses.
RSG presenter, writer and local Paarl resident, Martelize Brink, will be the guest speaker with Amy Jones, also from Paarl, entertaining the ladies with her beautiful voice.
“Now more than ever, people need hope. Each one of the Proteas of the Valley stories provides tremendousencouragement to us all, that despite our own challenges, we can contribute in some way to make the lives of others in our communities and country better, says Ivan Swartz, CEO of Valcare.
Click here to follow their stories on Facebook.
Click here to follow their stories on Instagram.
