Uncork
Women in Leadership Series Kicks Off in Cape Town
Last week The Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) in South Africa launched its first-ever Women in Leadership Networking Series at its Cape Town Office, the Liberal Workshop. This event hosted every First Thursday as part of Cape Town's vibrant cultural scene, aims to motivate and empower women of all ages across South Africa.
In its inaugural edition, over 20 inspiring women gathered to hear from Raygen Magiera (MBA), a seasoned entrepreneur whose journey in business began at the age of 14. Magiera recounted her entrepreneurial beginnings, which stemmed from observations during the height of HIV in Botswana. At just 14 years old, she noticed what she called the "uninspiring nature of traditional coffins" and proposed a business idea to her father.
"I looked at those coffins and, at 14, though I couldn't understand emotions that comes with funerals, however, one thing was clear for me—coffins were dull. I told my dad, 'I have a business idea: selling beautiful coffins,'" she reminisced. Magiera believed in celebrating lives, and for her dull coffins was in conflict, thus revolutionising the industry with creatively carved wooden coffins.
Despite being offered a bursary to study accounting, Magiera pursued her passion for fashion design, eventually becoming the first person of colour to curate products for the renowned fashion retailer, Mr. Price.
Her entrepreneurial spirit remained steadfast as she continuously explored side-hustles, even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I saw these hand sanitiser stands and thought what a great idea. Next moment I designed my own, and we sold hundreds of it. In this way I could avoid retrenching staff in my other business."
In 2019 her company specialising in children's toys got bought out by a bigger company. Transitioning into a management position within the company, she now oversees a team of over 70 individuals.
Magiera's resilience and determination to lead resonated with the audience. Ute Hermanus, a local radio presenter at KFM, expressed how Magiera's story reignited her own aspirations. "It was inspirational and a beautiful reminder of things I needed to hear again. It left me with the sentiment that we can all conquer the world together," she shared.
The event also featured performances by 17-year-old Ivee Soul, whose soulful rendition of her new song "Amandla" moved the audience to tears. Local wine curator Mapaseka Litabe shared her journey of becoming a wine enthusiast and how she is on a mission to create an online platform where people can discover some of South Africa's greatest wines.
The UNCORK: Women in Leadership Series promises to be a platform for empowerment and inspiration, uniting women from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their achievements and drive positive change in South Africa's leadership landscape. In our next edition, well-known radio presenter and film producer, Tracey Lange will share her journey of rising to the top in the media and film industry.