Bryanston-based International Women’s Club of Johannesburg Christmas lunch gives them a chance to reflect
The International Women’s Club of Johannesburg gathered at Bryanston Country Club for a warm and spirited Christmas lunch, reflecting on an exceptional year of friendship, community, and expanding membership while welcoming new leadership and bold goals for 2026.
With its annual year-end function and Christmas lunch, the International Women’s Club of Johannesburg marked the close of 2025.
On November 18, the club brought together members from diverse backgrounds to celebrate a year defined by unity, generosity, and renewed energy.
The event, held at Bryanston Country Club, highlighted the club’s longstanding mission: fostering meaningful friendships and building a supportive community for women, especially those far from home. Outgoing 2025 president Stelle Frankel shared heartfelt reflections. “I can’t believe how fast the year has gone. We’ve had the most incredible year together.
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“Our club is built around friendship, creating happiness for women who don’t want to sit at home and feel lonely. We’ve created a solid base of friendships over the years, and that is the true essence of our club.”
With members ranging from their 50s to their mid-90s, the club continues to offer a welcoming space for women from various walks of life.
Its special interest groups, including mahjong, book clubs, and monthly outings, remain central to its appeal. Each month also features a guest speaker at Bryanston Country Club, drawing consistent attendance and enthusiasm.
Frankel emphasised the club’s charitable spirit, noting how many members actively participate in giving initiatives throughout the year. “We like to support those who don’t have. Many of our initiatives are built around giving, and today was another example of how many people want to give back.”
As the club looks toward 2026, Frankel said membership growth remains a top priority. Plans include outreach to international schools and renewed engagement with expatriate communities, to rebuild the club’s traditional demographic of newly arrived international families.
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Incoming president Sarahlda Scott, who will take the helm in 2026, spoke passionately about her vision for the club’s future. “It’s an international friendship club, which brings women from all around the world together. We have so many nationalities.
“As a club on the African continent, one of my personal goals is to bring greater diversity, by engaging with embassies and other entities. We want to bring more people into our club so we can experience all the cultures and countries of Africa.”
Scott highlighted the importance of unity and empowerment among women. “Women are so powerful. It’s important that we stand together, encourage each other, and feed off each other’s strengths.
“As we are towards the end of 2025, and looking forward to 2026, my message to everyone in the world, the country, and the club is peace, happiness, and prosperity, for now and forever.”
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