TWO resilient women of Amanzimtoti had their ongoing efforts recognised when they received nomination awards at the Influential Woman of the Year event, held on 21 and 22 December 2018 at the Tropical Night Theatre, Wild Coast Sun.
Joanne Herbst was recognised for her commitment to the Elders Voice and Daphne Singh as contributor to various charity and fundraising forums for KZN.
What aided Joanne in being nominated was her loyal commitment and speaking out for the Elders. Through her work in not only Toti, but the whole of KZN, Joanne became the elders’ voice, where through she spoke out for those not being heard. The wonder woman manages 10 elders homes in Amanzimtoti and does her best to give everyone a dignified life.
Daphne’s nomination came from her commitment to the Elders’ Voice, Bobbi Bear, her community work as Sage Ambassador, KZN Blind and Deaf Society Ambassador, Director of NPO Ithemba Labantu and her title as Mrs India South Africa 2018.
More on Daphne: Amanzimtoti’s karate-loving Mrs India runner-up proves an inspiration
“The event was a nomination by the community and leaders,” explained Daphne Singh. “Both Jo and I were selected for the different areas of community work we engage in.”
Daphne said that they were taken by complete surprise at the call from Pinky Mothie, who is the Director at BM Productions and the host of Influential Women of the Year.
Daphne shared how herself and Joanne initially crossed paths.
“We met while doing work for the Elders Voice in Amanzimtoti two years ago. I approached Jo’s plea on Facebook for assistance for cooked meals for the elders, and I responded by cooking meals weekly. We since have done many projects of assistance together for the elders,” she said.
The event saw 40 women from across the country selected based on their profile of community commitments across SA. There were no placings as such, but those nominated won a nomination award.
“I think neither of us expected this, as the work we do is purely for enhancement, betterment and growth of the areas we work in. Recognition for what we do is a honorary gesture but not something that we strive for in our pursuit to build better lives around us,” she said.
Moving on from earning the nomination, Joanne will continue investing efforts into The Elders’ Voice. She is always appealing to the community to assist with food, clothing and sustainable support for the homes. The two women also assist Eureka Olivier at Bobbi Bear and are also always seeking assistance for the abused children.
More on Joanne: Spread some love at Elders’ Voice homes
Daphne deemed 2019 a ‘thriving year’ and continues on her path of fulfilling her duties as Mrs India South Africa, together with engaging in various fund raisers, feeding schemes and bringing of hope to women and children in every way.
“Being awarded a title of Influential Woman of the Year comes with a responsibility to be an approachable hand and shoulder for people in need,” said Daphne.
“In a world that is fast paced and demanding, it is women like Jo and I that take time to counsel and bring hope to lives around us. But we believe that it is the responsibility of everyone to have a positive influence on lives around them. In leading community development programmes, we are in the position to create interest and influence among people to strive to give with all their hearts and be open to assisting people in need.”
Daphne explained that in an economy that becomes more difficult each year, it is harder to get support from the community that are themselves battling to make ends meet.
“But, our women remain strong. In Amanzimtoti and surrounding areas alone we have the support of women that come forward and rise to the challenge when they are needed most. There are women of strength and influence among us as well as many unsung heroes.
It is that deep spirit of togetherness that gets us through the hardest of times. We are always pleading to the community to assist in any way possible. Even open door of assistance is an opportunity for us to change one life at a time,” she said.
The duo thanked all colleagues, friends and family that assisted them in reaching goals from month to month.
“May we always hold hands to create strength in accomplishing our full potential together. Our message to the community: Lets all be a positive influence to each other and where we cant help others, lets not hurt them instead,” said Daphne.
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