Orphan Fund ladies tea gives women empowering platform while raising funds for orphans

The Denim and Diamond Ladies Tea in aid of The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund was sold out last Friday, raising about R22 000 for the fund.

East Coast Radio presenter, Minnie Ntuli hosted the event at The Waterberry Coffee Shoppe as MC, bringing her unique brand of vibrancy and humour to the morning.

Although tasty treats were plentiful, it was the food for thought that stood out, as keynote speakers Ballito gynaecologist Dr Nombusa Mthethwa and Salt Rock physio Tarryn Graham spoke of womanhood and motherhood during the pandemic.

Both are mothers with thriving careers and their words reflected a juggling act that can at times feel impossible.

“We had 7 people at home during lockdown and it was not always easy. As women we have to be adaptable to change and few of us have felt a change as big as what the coronavirus brought on us,” said Dr Mthethwa.

Though it feels natural to resist change and the discomfort it may bring, it can often bring newfound opportunities and happiness, she said.

“It is about living with intention and not being afraid to ask for help. Whether God carries you or you have other support systems in your life, dysfunctional independence is not going to get you anywhere,” she said.

Tarryn Graham spoke of burnout when career and family intertwine, leaving little space for alone time and relaxation.

“I was involved in the crazy freight train of what we call a modern successful life. I started having migraines almost every day, but I coped, like all of us women do,” she said.

Her constant repression of negative emotions began to have real physical effects on her body, however, she said.

“It is so important to feel and respond to your emotions, not to stay with them but to move through them. We all feel negative emotions, we all have them, but they often do not get fully addressed before they are forgotten,” she said.

Although womanhood can be frustrating and guilt ridden, there is so much to appreciate with a little bit of perspective, she said.

The Orphan Fund thanked the generous sponsors who made the event possible: The Waterberry, Rotary Club Zimbali, Hilton Bush Lodge, Zenju day spa, Tatso restaurant at Isibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom and Rahm and Friderichs Optometrists.