The Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa (BWA) recently announce the appointment of Farzanah Mall as president of the national body. As a Director in the Advisory â€" Risk Consulting division at KPMG South Africa and the former Regional Chairperson of the BWA KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Mall will lead as the voice of women in business, at South Africa’s largest and most prominent association of business and professional leaders in the country.

Mall brings with her over 15 years of experience in providing risk consulting, governance, strategy and business development services to a number of key organisations in South Africa and internationally.  She succeeds Lebohang Pheko, who resigned in August 2014.

Speaking about her passion for women empowerment and youth development, Mall believes that it is the key to poverty alleviation, job creation and socio economic growth. “I’ve always had a passion for helping others, particularly growing leaders and in the last five years my greatest joy has been to observe “the magic” and impact to lives when a great team comes together, to work collectively for the betterment of others. This has led to influential business leaders supporting and commending us for the key role we play in the economy,” she said.

A proud mentor to young women from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, Mall has had the opportunity to participate in a number of forums on gender diversity and issues facing women in the workplace and has successfully launched mentorship and leadership programs.

“As Maya Angelou once said, â€˜When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” Together with the board, regional chairpersons, sponsors and partners I am looking forward to learning, teaching and giving to this incredible organisation as we drive the agenda of women empowerment in South Africa and Africa”, says Mall.

Mpume Langa to head Durban BWA Branch

Mpume Langa â€" Head: ABSA Private banking will be taking over as the new regional chairperson of the Durban BWA Branch. Mpume has been an active executive member of the BWA Durban region for two years and has been extensively involved in many of its projects.

Langa said “I see an incredible opportunity in front of me to empower all women of KZN from all walks of life. I am encouraged by the power of the women that I will be serving in KZN and want to ensure that BWA provides us with a platform to build our businesses and our BWA brand while also delivering clear, concise, great service and support to all our members. As KZN we have strong winds in our sails, including the fact that KZN has produced a National leader. We have a great deal going for us, and a great deal to be proud of!”.