Granddaughter of known Standerton-resident turns entrepreneur Down Under

Rosalind de Waal McKenzie took time from her busy schedule as interior designer in Brisbane, Australia to visit her grandmother, Roz du Preez this past week.

Roz’s namesake recently won a prestigious award as entrepreneur of the year.

Her peers at the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce nominated her in acknowledgement of her entrepreneurial abilities.

“It is only a short visit this time,” Roz said.

The pandemic’s influence curtailed a proper visit the past two years.

The oldest daughter of the late Mark de Waal and his wife Dina, is firmly grounded in more than one field.

Rosalind spent some time in Cape Town during primary school at Greenfield Girls, Kenilworth, was back for learning at Hoërskool Standerton, before completing matric in Ermelo.

Father Mark, a lawyer, had a decisive influence on her choice of studies at Stellenbosch University, law it was for his daughter, who considered drama the preferred field.

An LLB later, she did her honours in English and joined Emirates Airline as air hostess.

“I saw the world with the extensive Emirates-network and learnt a lot about people and different cultures,” Rosalind said.

“It was a wonderful experience.”

Rosalind did the math and estimated that she must have seen all the different continents, with the exception of Antarctica.

Her husband, Christopher, an artist in his own right, is in the business as well.

She studied further in interior architecture in Australia and now lectures at the University of Queensland, Brisbane.

Rosalind went to Australia in 2016, as student with permanent residence, and will be a full-blown Aussie, at the end of the year.

She has strong views on sustainability and the environment, arguing quite convincingly that unnecessary products are not the way to go.

“Fewer well-crafted things are better than many averagely-made nice things.”

The company is signatory of the Global Compact under the auspices of the United Nations, with a focus on meeting the sustainability and development goals set out by the UN.

Rosalind has good relationships with a social enterprise in Plettenberg Bay, that teaches women weaving.

Their company is the sole importer to Brisbane of the goods from the workers.

She regularly rubs shoulders with Marthinus van Schalkwyk, High Commissioner of South Africa to Australia.

To succeed in a competitive market, takes certain characteristics.

“You need to have grit, perseverance, passion and leadership abilities.

“You also have to love what you are doing.”

Interior design to her mind begins with art and develops into inspiration for the whole space.

“You don’t just plonk anything anywhere.”

Rosalind took a few seconds to contemplate on her philosophy in life and contributed this vision:

“I would like to make a difference in the lives of other people, there is so much need in the world.

“If our company can affect change in someone’s life for the better, I will be happy.”