The Proteas of the Valley women for 2021: Caroline Bam-Adams, Tanelle Welff-Dixon, Chané Hendricks, Nicol Truscott, Alta Bester, Imke Marais, Maizylle Pienaar, Khanyisa Ntsebezo, Mihlali Dekeza, Christiana Leonard, Marlene Mitchell, Unita Pretorius, Dawn Williams and Cindy Kotze.
This year’s Proteas of the Valley event once again delivered on heart, inspiration, hope and motivation.
The Proteas of the Valley initiative began nine years ago when Valcare had a dream of hosting a campaign that would honour women from the Cape Winelands area. Women who shine in their own corners and work tirelessly to make our communities better.
Each year, the public nominates inspirational women in their communities and a committee, consisting of past Proteas of the Valley, then selects the 15 women to be honoured publicly throughout the month of August.
A classy and intimate affair
This year’s grand finale event took place on Thursday, 26 August 2021, at Kronenburg Estate in Paarl. Due to Covid-19 regulations, only 50 guests attended the occasion, ensuring a special and intimate affair.
The selected Proteas of the Valley ladies and guests dressed up and enjoyed an evening of spoils, and there was no shortage of speakers, networking opportunities, shared stories and entertainment.
“We started Proteas of the Valley to recognise and honour the important work that many women do in our community. They do this selflessly and thanklessly every day in challenging circumstances. They deserve an evening where they can dress up and be shown appreciation for the work they do,” said Jolanda van der Lingen, Relationship Manager at Valcare.
The MC of the evening, Radio KC Presenter, Jo-Ann Prinsloo, was charismatic and engaging. She kept the programme running smoothly and the audience laughing the whole evening.
Well-known radio RSG Presenter and Producer, Martelize Brink, was the guest speaker for the night. She spoke about the importance of empowering women outside of their comfort zones.
Talented singer and song-writer, Amy Jones, entertained the audience with her beautiful voice. She performed three of her hit songs, ‘Dance on My Own’, ‘You & Me’ and her new single ‘I think I’m in Love’. Everyone was up on their feet, dancing and singing along.
Each of the Proteas of the Valley ladies also received two goodie bags filled with gifts sponsored by community businesses as well as lucky draws for them and their guests.
“The Proteas of the Valley event was an amazing celebration. It was presented at the highest quality and filled with so much love. This was a journey and an honour that I will never forget,” says Nicole Truscott, one of the Proteas of the Valley for 2021 and Programme Manager at hearX Foundation.
The inspiring stories behind the ladies
The highlight of the evening was the inspiring stories of the women who were being celebrated, the 15 Proteas of the Valley for 2021. True to the characteristics of this famous fynbos plant, these women flourish and flower amidst harsh and difficult conditions.
Simoné de Wet, previous-MD of Val de Vie Foundation; Elsa Fourie, Social Investment Manager for Valcare and Leani Jansen van Vuuren, Communications Manager at Valcare, did a stellar job reading each Protea’s incredible life story. These three women are passionate about uplifting and honouring other women and that was evident in how they told the women’s stories.
Everybody in the room was moved by the stories. It was a time of shared acknowledgement of the struggles the women have gone through and appreciation for all the work they have done in spite of all the challenges they have faced.
In addition to the event, a social media, radio and newspaper campaign is currently running to honour these ladies. During the month of August, a new Protea’s photo and story is published on social media, almost daily, generating a huge following and reach. They are also featured in Paarl Post and Radio KC.
“As South Africans we can no longer afford to be passive and expect things to improve economically or socially. We all have to get involved in healing and improving our communities. These 15 women serve as an incredible inspiration to us all showing us whatever our circumstance or background, we can make a difference through noticing the needs around us and serving others,” says Brendan Smith, COO at Valcare.
Proud Sponsors and Partners of Proteas of the Valley
Kronenburg Estate, Annique Pamper and Wellness, Bril, Canning Fruit Producers Association, Knus Karoo Kombuis, Bean in Love, Biutiful, Noop, Mooikelder Day Spa, KWV, Permanent Touch, Radisson Blu, Safari, Funky Ouma, Estelle de Jager, Landskroon Wines, Mosaic, Jeni’s Nail Body Skincare Studio, The Planted House, Liezl’s Art, Samantha Naude, Schattig, Cum Books, Melkbos Glass and Frames, Rind Routing, Fleet, Val de Vie, Crown of Beauty, Ella’s Cakes and Sugar Art, Jeannie Beukes, Jo-Ann Prinsloo, Neotec-IT, Kikitography, Ashanti Estate, Martelize Brink, Amy Jones, Masibambane Marimba Band, Radio KC and Paarl Post.
