Women's Forum News

Girl/Boy Child at Work Day: Thursday, 12 April 2012

Contact Natasha Otto (tel.: 011-678 6328 / natasha.otto@ms.org.za) should you wish to nominate a school we can approach for possible participation (grades 11 and 12).

Contact Karen Schoonraad (tel.: 011-678 6328 / karen@ms.org.za) for dealership participation.

 

 

Iris Francis is the new MISA Woman of the Year 2011

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) an affiliated trade union of the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) awarded Iris Francis the title of MISA Woman of Year 2011 at a prestigious gala event on Thursday, 17 November 2011 in Johannesburg (Indaba Hotel, Fourways). Iris Francis is the Group Corporate Social Investment (CSI) and Internal Communication Manager at McCarthy Motor Group in KwaZulu Natal. Iris Francis - 2011 MISA Woman of the Year

Actress and entertainer Lizz Meiring kept MISA members and guests chuckling throughout the evening as this year’s master of ceremonies. Distinguished guests included MISA President, David Pereira, newly elected FEDUSA President, Koos Bezuidenhout and FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George, President of the Fuel Retailer’s Association, Mike Motsoane and the CEO of Momentum Industrial Funds Employee Benefits, Gansen Govender.

“I believe a leader never stops growing and that making a difference is a lifelong vocation for me. I’d like to think that I have made my mark on society through the people that I have helped grow and empower over the years and that they have a better quality of life because of this,” commented Francis

Last year’s Woman of the Year, Ansie van Rhyn presented the award to the newly elected recipient. Van Rhyn stressed the importance of providing assistance and support to the up and coming young ladies in the motor retail industry and provide them with the opportunities that were not always available to women in the past. “Charity begins at home, in your work environment and in your communities. We have a responsibility towards our community and we must be active involved,” concluded van Rhyn.

MISA is the only registered trade union organising exclusively in the retail motor sector and represents approximately 34 000 members who are employed in establishments in the retail motor sector. “The MISA Woman of the Year event is a development from our Women’s Forum and showcases women in the motor industry that have been able to master the balance between their careers, personal lives and giving back to their communities,” explained Martlé Keyter, MISA National Legal Advisor and National Co-ordinator of the MISA Women’s Forum.

Members of the MISA Woman’s Forum aim to raise general awareness and to increase the understanding of gender equality issues in the “world of work” as well as increase women’s economic and financial independence and decision-making.

“When we act with other women, we are more powerful than acting alone, through MISA the views of women workers can be addressed collectively with employers. There will be no greater accomplishment than to see the motor industry as a sector where women’s work is valued as much as men’s, where women are not isolated into low paying jobs or discriminated against, but should be where they have equal access to good quality jobs, where they do not risk their health or safety or that of their unborn children and where decent working conditions are the norm,” concluded Keyter.

Click here for Ansie van Rhyn's (2010 MISA Woman of the Year) speech

The other finalists were:

Eastern Cape
Liz Potgieter : Kelston Motor Group, Port Elizabeth

Northern/Highveld
Stella Bottari : NSB Motors, Nigel

Western Province
Helen van Heerden : Audi Centre N1, Cape Town

View MISA Woman of the Year 2011 Gallery
(Adobe Flash Player is needed to view galleries; FREE Download)

MISA WF Baloon Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MISA WOMEN’S FORUM BALLOON DAY

Each year from 25 November to 10 December the South African Government runs their campaign (“The 16 Days of Activism: No violence against Women”) parallel with the campaign of the United Nations. The South African Government’s campaign also includes issues relating to violence against children.

It is our intention to pledge our support and increase the public’s awareness by releasing at least 6 000 balloons (the 6 colours of the flower) into the air.

These events will be held in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Bloemfontein, on 26 November 2011.

The Northern / Highveld region balloon day will be hosted at ARNOLD CHATZ CARS (348 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall) and will commence at 10:00. The balloons will be released at 12:00.

Balloons will be sold to the public for R10 each prior to the event. The cut-off for selling the balloons will be 18 November. The proceeds will be donated to the following organisations:

Northern / Highveld region (Johannesburg):

  • Oliver’s House – situated in Benoni on the East Rand.  Takes care of approximately 200 children between the ages of one and six years
  • Baby Moses – situated on the West Rand. Takes care of abandoned, abused and neglected babies.

Natal region (Durban):

  • Jessica Foord  Foundation was established to educate people, raise community awareness and lobby on issues about rape, and to assist, support and empower rape survivors and their family and friends.
  • Bobby Bear – rescue and uphold the rights of sexually abused children.

Eastern Cape (Port Elizabeth):

  • AAA Safety House where neglected, abandoned and abused children are taken away from their harmful situations and place them into a place of safety.

Western Province (Cape Town):

  • “Huis Jabes” – situated in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. Provides a temporary home and shelter to victims of family violence for a period of time until they can stand on their own feet again.
  • St George Safety House for Girls – provides specialized care, education and teaching of life skills in a secure environment. The objective is to reunite the girls with their families in a time-frame of two years.

Free State / Northern Cape (Bloemfontein)

  • Pet Action Group – Non Profit Organisation who is trying to make a difference in the lives of animals in poverty stricken areas in and around Bloemfontein.
  • Kabouterland Crèche – Low income crèche, struggle to keep doors open (financially).

For more information or to place your orders, please contact Natasha Otto on 011 678 – 6328 or natasha.otto@ms.org.za

Arnold Chatz - Johannesburg

 

 

 

Arnold Chatz, Craighall on Saturday, 26 November

MISA say thank you to all who contributed towards the Balloon day at Arnold Chatz, Craighall on Saturday, 26 November in an effort to make an impact on the lives of those who are less privileged than ourselves.  The RMI CEO, Jeff Osborne also attended the event.

 

View Balloon Day Gallery
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WOMEN'S FORUM BREAKFASTS 2011

The Forum hosted very successful and entertaining August day events nationally. The theme for the day was “Taking the Lead”.  Lots of prizes were up for grabs!

A copy of Ansie van Rhyn’s (MISA Woman of the Year 2010) speech can be obtained from MISA Head Office (Natasha.Otto@ms.org.za tel.: 011-678 6328)

Eastern Cape Region (Port Elizabeth)
Thursday, 4th August 2011: The Chapman Hotel, Humewood, Port Elizabeth

Venue: Chapman Hotel (beachfront)

 

Women’s Forum flower

 

Pics of the event in totality can be obtained from MISA (Natasha Otto: Natasha.Otto@ms.org.za / tel.: 011 – 678 6328) in the form of a CD/DVDA copy of the whole event.

View Eastern Cape Gallery
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Thank you to our sponsors:
Georgiou Hotel and Spa (www.georgiouhotelspa.com) - 041 3793703
Cattle Baron (www.cattlebaron.co.za) - 041 3608555
Skin on Main (www.skinonmain.co.za) - 041 3686830
Camelot Spa (www.camelotspagroup.com) - 041 5095015
Splendour Health & Hydro Clinic (splendourhealth@absamail.co.za) - 041 3683139
Hair Quarters Hair Studio - 041 3675229
Beauty Perfection (rachel.viljoen@hotmail.com) - 041 3675419/ 0790854187
Nailtique (nailtique.carla@gmail.com) - 0797954491
GHD (dean@ghd.co.za) - 0713092442
Curves (www.curves.com) - 041 3671909 / 041 5834515
Lazy Leopard Beauty Salon - 041 3687624 / 0825758640
Justine (suz@intekom.co.za) - 0823202838
Entyce Beverages - 041 3981800
VMS Merchandising - 041 3654382
RNA Distribution (www.rna.co.za) - 011 2483538
NATIVA (www.nativa.co.za)
Goldwell Hair Products Sponsor - 011 312 5070
Irene Country Lodge, Pretoria (www.irenecountrylodge.co.za)

 

Free State/Northern Cape
Thursday, 18 August 2011: Ilanga Estate, Bloemfontein

View Free State / Northern Cape Gallery
(Adobe Flash Player is needed to view galleries; FREE Download)

 

Natal
Thursday, 11 August 2011: Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga

View Natal Gallery
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Thank you to our sponsors:
Elle Magazine (www.elle.co.za)
Optiphi Skincare (www.optiphi.com)
Goldwell Haircare - 011-312 5070
Irene Country Lodge, Pretoria (www.irenecountrylodge.co.za)
McCarthy Toyota
NATIVA (www.nativa.co.za)

 

Northern/Highveld Region (Johannesburg)
Tuesday, 16 August 2011: Oakfield farm, Muldersdrift

 

A delightful morning with Nataniël

View Northern / Highveld Gallery
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Thank you to our sponsors:
AVPRO 2000 (www.avprosystems.co.za)
Destiny Magazine (www.destinyconnect.com)
EAT Restaurant, Northcliff (tel.: 011 476 3749)
Elle Magazine (www.elle.co.za)
Get-it Magazine, West Rand (www.getitonline.co.za)
Goldwell Hair Products (Sponsor: tel.: 011 312 5070)
Indaba Hotel, Fourways (www.indabahotel.co.za)
Irene Country Lodge, Pretoria (www.irenecountrylodge.co.za)
NATIVA (www.nativa.co.za)
Optiphi Skincare (www.optiphi.com)
RNA Magazine Distributors (www.rna.co.za)

 

Western Province Region (Cape Town)
Tuesday, 23 August 2011: Casa Blanca Coffee Shop & Restaurant, Tyger Valley

View Western Cape Gallery
(Adobe Flash Player is needed to view galleries; FREE Download)

Thank you to our Sponsors:
Ambassador Foods (www.ambassadorfoods.co.za)
Brian Jeftha - 083 256 1175
Beasrusks (info@beasrusks.co.za)
Cateringboyz (cateringboyz@polka.co.za)
CCV (yolande@ccv.co.za)
Environ (www.environ.co.za)
Extreme Wood Projects
Future Life (louis@futurelife.co.za)
Goldwell Hair Products - 011 312 5070
Good Taste Magazine (bridget@goodtaste.co.za)
Hillcrest Berry Orchards (info@hillcrestberries.co.za)
Ina Paarman (ina@paarman.co.za)
Irene Country Lodge, Pretoria (www.irenecountrylodge.co.za)
Mediclinic (melinda.pelser@mediclinic.co.za)
Motorite (dmurphy@motorite.co.za)
NATIVA (www.nativa.co.za)
NB Uitgewers
One Stop Superette, Oakdale Bellville
Optiphi Skincare Products (www.optiphi.com)
Peacock Beanery (mike_smith@peacock.co.za)
Pick & Pay
Pics & Tales (ezz.hartman@me.com)
Rob & Kathy Korb (simunye.acc@yebo.co.za)
RNA Magazine Distributors (www.rna.co.za)
The Lunch Box Factory Shop (proudlyjacobs@telkomsa.net)

Financial Education and Training for employees
Interested employers may contact Natasha Otto 011 678 6328 / Natasha.Otto@ms.org.za for further information.

Successful golf day in Bloemfontein: Saturday, 9 July 2011
Many thanks to Lorraine van Zyl and her team.

MISA Golf Day

View MISA Golf Day Gallery
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Upcoming Women’s Forum Regional August Day Breakfasts

As the above are just a round the corner, contact your Women’s Forum Regional Representative/Karen Schoonraad (karen@ms.org.za) (Northern/Highveld Region) for further information should you be interested to attend. You are welcome to bring a fellow colleague or two along. We truly strive to make it an enjoyable morning for all our guests!

Vrystaat/Noord-Kaap Vroue Forum onderleiding van Lorraine van Zyl en Mina Nero (Magnis Trucks, Bloemfontein) help met water te kort in Beaufort-Wes.

 

Newly elected MISA Second Vice-President

 

Congratulations to Mrs. Louise Bennett, McCarthy Toyota - Kingsmead, Durban on her new election. 

 

 

Congratulations to the MISA Woman of the Year 2010 Award Winner:
Ansie van Rhyn, Mercedes Benz, Rosebank.

The inaugural “MISA Woman of the Year” was presented to Mrs. Ansie van Rhyn, Dealer Principal of Mercedes Benz, Rosebank (Sandown Motor Holdings) at a dinner function on Thursday, 11 November 2010 at the Indaba Hotel, Fourways. MISA is very proud to have Ansie as an ambassador for the MISA women in the retail motor sector.

The key-note speaker at the event was the Honourable Minister of Economic Development, Mr. Ebrahim Patel and Ryk Neethling handed the award to Mrs. Van Rhyn.

Ansie’s prize, which is sponsored in full by MISA, is an all expenses paid visit to the USA National Automobile Dealer’s Association Conference in San Francisco from 4 – 7 February 2011 where she will engage with other women and dealers on an international level.


The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) established a Women’s Forum during 2009 to promote the interests of the thousands of women who work and build careers in the South African retail motor sector.

The retail motor sector is male dominated environment and there was a need identified for the education, empowerment and support for the women in the sector.

At the same time, MISA wanted to give recognition to the women and the “MISA Woman of the Year” award was established to give specific and tangible recognition to the women and the way they cover the different roles they need to fulfil within their families, work environment and their communities.

Balancing family life and a career along with active community involvement is a never-ending challenge. Challenges, however, can and have been overcome.

The focus is not on finding a beauty queen for the retail motor sector, although our women are beautiful, but to give recognition to a woman who has been nominated by her fellow employees, and who have mastered the art of balancing her career, personal life and community involvement.

The “MISA Woman of the Year” shows inner strength, power, respect and has a positive impact on the people she interacts with. She is not a wonder woman, but a person who believes in herself, committed to her work and family life, while at the same time making a difference in her community.

View MISA Woman of the Year 2010 Gallery
(Adobe Flash Player is needed to view galleries; FREE Download)

Several nominations were received for Ansie van Rhyn 
which resulted in a lucky draw to determine the winner.

Congratulations to Mr. Dube !

 

 

Wilson Dube
Costing Clerk
Mercedes Benz, Sandton


 

 

Dana de Villiers (C.E.O. of MISA) with Mr. Makgetla the South African Ambassador to Sweden.  Dana presented the Ambassador with his own MISA Women’s Forum brooch at a luncheon arranged by the Ambassador for a FEDUSA delegation visiting Stockhölm.

Women's Forum News Archive

 

WOMEN'S FORUM BREAKFASTS 2010

The Forum hosted very successful and entertaining August day events nationally. The theme for the day was “Taking the Lead”.  Lots of prizes were up for grabs!

READ MORE