A South African Council of Businesswomen (SACBW) Nelspruit member, Carol Nake, was honoured with a 2021 presidential award. This was during the council’s  annual national recognition awards gala at the Volle Evangelie Kerk Nelspruit on Friday.

In honour of the many businesswomen who have soldiered on during these exceptional times the council decided to honour and celebrate them through these awards. Coming from humble beginnings, Nake was named the Mpumalanga ambassador during the September networking session and she is representing SACBW Nelspruit on the national platform.

After she was awarded the ambassador award, her entry went through to the second leg of the competition. She competed against other ambassadors from other provinces. She is the provincial chairperson of Women in Tourism and the owner of Tinyiko Kruger Lodge located in Marloth Park. During her speech, Nake could not hide her emotions as she shared a story on her background.

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“I came from a very poor background and I had to work to make it in the industry. I was once homeless and could not go to school. It has not been easy and today I am honoured for my hard work. It brings me so much joy knowing that I was chosen for the presidential award. I used to rent out guests houses so that I can live my dream of managing one. With time I managed to own a guest house and now I am doing what I love. Looking at where I came from, I never thought it would be possible to get this far. Joining the SACBW has changed my life for the better and Estelle Roe of Junxion Communications played a major role too. She showed me the way to improve myself and I am forever grateful,” she explained.

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Hester du Bruyn, the president of the SACBW (national leader), honoured Nake with the presidential award. Du Bruyn told Mpumalanga News, “She received this award for the potential and growth that she showed as a businesswoman. Like many other female entrepreneurs, Carol started from small beginnings, but used every opportunity to improve her skills and build her business. She did not ask for giveaways, she worked hard and used networks to succeed and help others to succeed. Carol is a role model and an inspiration to women in Mpumalanga. Well done, I am proud of you.” Tracy-Erin Duggan of the SACBW Nelspruit said, “Carol is a well-deserving winner of this award.”

This council empowers emerging and established businesswomen to appreciate their unique power. It uses their collective strengths to evolve with the changing business landscape.