Giving girls a vision for the future

The "fast forward graduation ceremony" will be part of Vision4 Women's networking afternoon at Bayworld on Saturday, themed "Rising star, raising stars".

According to event organiser Nosi Ncoyo, the event aims to equip businesswomen "to raise the standard of excellence in business and to assist other women, young and old, who wish to climb up the ladder of success through mentorship and coaching".

Move magazine editor Noluthando "Thandi" Gweba will be the guest speaker. Gweba, who was born in the Eastern Cape, has won two Pica awards for magazines in 2009 and 2010 and her voice has been heard discussing matters of interest on both local and national radio stations countrywide including: SAfm, Umhlobo Wenene FM and Ligwalagwala FM.

Gweba won her media company's CEO award for growing Move! magazine sales, dropping operational costs and growing the profit margins by 62.4%, making it the most profitable magazine at Media 24 during the 2011/12 fiscal year.

Bonny Nkwali and Lelethu "PoeticSoul" Mahambehlala, an award-winning poet, will entertain.

The induction for Grade 12 pupils who are part of the Vision4 Women mentorship programme 2013 is part of its drive to encourage more young women to aim to become a force in business.

"These girls, from 12 different high schools in Nelson Mandela Bay, will be given 'dummy' certificates for their careers of choice, for an example a girl who wants to be an engineer will be called up wearing an academic gown to receive an engineering degree," Ncoyo said.

"This ceremony will inspire the girls to visualise their future and to impart confidence and belief in themselves to achieve their dreams.

"Businesswomen will share their success stories and tips with the attendees on how to raise the standard of excellence in business."

There will be exhibition stalls showcasing women-owned businesses. Tickets are R200 and include lunch and lucky draws.

ýFurther information from Nontobeko Mbobela, (041)586-0056.