The Margaret Hirsch Women in Business Awards Gala Evening that was held at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town was a star studded affair. The theme was old Hollywood and top business women from around the Cape came dressed to the part! Over 300 people attended the event, which was co sponsored by Hisense, one of Hirsch’s top suppliers. Robyn Hey, past President of the Cape Town Chapter of the Business Women’s Association of South Africa was the Guest Speaker at the event, and complimented Margaret and Hirsch’s for their initiative for holding the event.
Announcing the winners at the Western Cape Margaret Hirsch Woman In Business Achiever of the Year Gala Evening that was held in Cape Town on April 7, Margaret, who started the competition countrywide four years ago after winning several awards herself over the years said that she could see how much of an impact the acknowledgement of her own success had been – and wanted to see more women in this position. “Awards give credibility to one’s business and as women, we tend to shy away from being in the limelight. We also tend not to be assertive enough. This was my way of encouraging women to put themselves and their businesses in the spotlight. The winners and runners up are people who not only run successful businesses, but are making a difference to the lives of others in all the areas in which they live – and ultimately, the lives of people in our beautiful country, South Africa” she said.
THE WINNERS ARE: Receiving the Regional Award was Mukda Saengjinda. Mukda is the owner of Mukda Thai Spa in Gordons Bay. They focus on an holistic approach based on traditional eastern healing therapies, well being and beauty practises. Mukda started her business 22 years ago in South Africa and opened spas in The Helderberg area as well in Switzerland and Thailand. She is involved herself with all the building, planning and set up of the spas. She believes that her staff is her family and makes sure that they are well looked after.
Coming second were Melanie Paltoglou and Zunia Boucher-Myers – Restaurant Owners/Chefs. Melanie was the executive chef at Erinvale golf club and Zunia the pastry chef. Not long after they joined the club, the late Tony Taberer approached Melanie to come and look at Avontuur to see if it was possible to create a restaurant on the estate. The two now own a successful restaurant at the Avontuur that has become world renowned.
In third palce was Roshan Isaacs from the Design Industry. Roshan has been in the fashion industry for 5 years now and has more than 20 years’ experience in the media and communications field. Roshan represents the Design Industry of South Africa and she is the voice for companies. She supports many orphanages, mainly Red cross society because children are close to her heart.
Pictured from left to right is the winner for the evening Mukda Saengjinda with Margaret and Allan Hirsch, second place winners Melanie Paltoglou and Zunia Boucher-Myers with Margaret Hirsch and third place winner Roshan Isaacs with Margaret and Allan Hirsch.
