With Women’s Month now well underway, we asked our Facebook audience to suggest some local ladies who they think deserve special recognition.

More than 160 people responded, nominating women in Wildlife rescue, social upliftment, local politics and beyond.

Read on to see if your favourite difference-maker was included and join us in celebrating the amazing women of the North Coast.

Shana Kairo – Riki Yoko, Patricia Howes, Samantha Bergset and Judy van der Westhuizen are phenomenal women who go more than the extra mile to aid the destitute. Most times they do not get paid for the work they selflessly do. These women are earth angels (a rarity in these times).

Jo Thome – Shana Kairo is a quiet angel in disguise. A lady with a heart of gold. She is such a gem to her community. She touches the lives and hearts of humans and animals alike. Her dedication to her community is a shining example of the power of kindness and generosity.

Tracy Jane – Lindy Elmes from Wildlife Rescue. She doesn’t know it or show it but shows in her passion to save all our wildlife here on our North Coast. A true legend for Women’s Day 2025.

Linda Heenan – Seema Duwarkah from Sables Creatures is most definitely an earth Angel. Her love, commitment and dedication to helping animals is phenomenal. There is nothing she won’t do to help an animal in distress, no matter where it is, no matter her safety. I love her dearly.

Seema Duwarkah – I want to honour the everyday warriors whose names may never reach headlines – women who cradle broken creatures, shoulder burdens quietly, and build bridges across communities with nothing but grit and grace. Among them are three extraordinary young women: Zarina Lee Cooper, Rachel Kitchen and Tiara Goundin who embody hope and fierce compassion, quietly saving lives and inspiring those around them. Behind every rescue are countless others – veterinarians who go beyond the call of duty simply because they care, and mothers who nurture not only their children, but entire causes with unwavering love. These women and so many more are proof that strength doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it whispers through acts of kindness, resilience, and silent courage.

Eureka Broberg – Annemarie Sandow. She is a small business owner, mom and grandma (mimi). With more hardships than anyone deserves, she still smiles and takes the bull by the horns every day.

Warren Loader – Some people go under the radar. My wife is one of them. She has been chronically sick since before I met her but manages to put on a smile everyday. Since last October she has had five surgeries and three stints in ICU. She has been literally in bed for months, in so much pain that it was debilitating in every aspect of life. Despite all of this she has helped keep our family together and helped raise two stepsons. She is probably one of the toughest and most determined people I have ever met. Amy Loader you are my person who deserves special recognition this Women’s Month.

Olivia Roels Sak – Paula Owen for her amazing work and commitment for the orphanage that she pulled out the ground from nothing, Summerhill. She started approximately 20 years ago and is she is even more committed then ever. And Rose Stephenson and her amazing group of ladies that are behind The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund.

Toni-Lynn Sweet – There are loads of ladies on The North Coast that do ”their bit” to help as much as possible where they can. They have such big hearts. Suzanne Lenferna of Palm Lakes Estate helping a foster home with beds, Anthea Rodseth from Anchor of Hope and Paula Owen from Summerhill.

Privi Makhan – Bulelwa Mvulana for the remarkable footprint she’s creating in politics and community work. Di Jones from the Dolphin Coast Conservancy for her commitment to greening our environment. Tammy McDonnell Colley for her role in the KZN provincial government. Lordon Buck for her 28 years as the best local librarian and her role in promoting reading and spaces for so many of us to turn our dreams into a reality.

Jane Kuzlo – Privi Makhan for her tireless efforts to keep our municipalities in check and her 24/7 job of dealing with everything from electricity issues to roadworks, to community outreach etc. I’m not sure when she rests!

Cara Dickens – Bev Coughlan, an absolute North Coast legend! Has educated three generations of North Coast families over the past 55 years!

The Lyric Lounge Ballito – Moira Lane, she is the heart and soul of the Lyric Lounge. The face that keeps guests happy and after the last few months, the partner and wife that stood tall in troubled times, when days were dark she was the pillar of strength that got us through. A woman that stood behind us all and now that the light is shining she deserves more recognition and a shout out.

Chantelle Le Clus – Diane Duncan is such an inspiration to so many people with all her love and kindness. Her strength that shines through is what it’s takes to stand stall and stand back up when life knocks you down. Every set back was just another stronger come back. She has been my mentor for so many years and my pillar of strength, but also for so many others for whom her love and kindness has never failed or faded. She always lifts people up and teaches them how to be strong and know their worth and see themselves in the most beautiful way.

Emily Nieuwenhuis – Gen Chisholm from Flag Animal Farm. The hard work her and her team do for the animals in their care is phenomenal! She is a true inspiration.

Megan Vorster – Melissa Landman has been making an incredible difference in the community with women and young girls! And she works extremely hard!

Kelly Coates – Dr Nombuso Mthethwa for all she does for women’s health. Dr Marijke Linde for creating such a safe space for families in the community. Ashleigh Knezovich from The Fabric House Ballito, for being such a passionate force, and going out of her way for her clients.

Everton Duba – Nora Nzuza. She was once upon a time a deputy-mayor for the Dolphin Coast. She was the first lady to bring RDP houses to Nkobongo and Shayamoya while we were in government. She really deserves an icon award or legendary award.

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