From rural beginnings to pioneering medical achievements, women shared powerful stories of resilience at the Rise Up Movement’s Women’s Day celebration.

The event drew more than 50 women and featured voices from law enforcement, medicine, law and community activism at the iLembe Chamber of Commerce office in Ballito on Saturday.

Among the speakers, it was the heartfelt story of Ntombifuthi Mavundla, an office administrator and international trade officer at the Chamber, that resonated most.

Her address, From Cane Fields to Changing Lives, painted a vivid portrait of perseverance. She recalled growing up in a rural community where her parents laboured long hours in the sugarcane fields.

“Education was a luxury, not a given. Our home was filled with love, but we had very little materially. Still, I dreamed big,” she said.

A supportive teacher at Shakaskraal secondary school and the teacher’s husband, the then-owner of the North Coast Times in KwaDukuza, opened the door for her to higher education. She became the first in her family to graduate with a diploma – “a victory for every sacrifice my parents made.”

Her career has spanned retail, construction and even running a home bakery from her kitchen before moving into her current role. Always hustling, she also runs a wellness business on the side with Forever Living Products.

“I have bought my first car, paid for my sisters’ education, started an investment portfolio and supported my family without debt. I am working towards financial freedom and being a present mom. Like many of you, I dream of rewriting my family’s story and building generational wealth,” said Mavundla.

Other speakers included Colonel Fikile Xulu, station commander of Umhlali Police Station; Dr Sernatha Foolchand, a pioneer in foetal surgery and Sarah Bond, litigation attorney and Mrs South Africa 2025 finalist.

Optometrist and gender-based violence advocate Andile Pieterson shared how she and her twin sister, both born with an eye condition, were inspired to become optometrists. Together they founded the TwinsOnEyes Foundation, bringing eye care to underprivileged schools.

Through the Rise Up Movement, they also campaign against gender-based violence, offering hope and practical support to those in need.

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