Women in Business: Making their mark
To all the little girls who are watching, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams, - Hillary Clinton
Dr Shavershree Govender
Obstetrician Gynaecologist
039 3120131
“ I am a very down to earth, sincere and authentic person and I love to laugh,” said Shavershree.
“As a problem solver, I enjoy challenges and believe in pushing myself to improve daily.”
Dr Shavershree Govender is in private practice as an obstetrician gynaecologist at Netcare Margate Hospital. She is passionate about her family, her patients and helping others. “As the poet Kahlil Gibran writes, “work is love made visible…,” she notes.
Being a female surgeon she has encountered her fair share of gender discrimination. “Perseverance, drive and a positive outlook with a loving home life and supportive husbans have helped me overcome these obstacles.”
One of her greatest strengths is grit and perseverance with a mind-set to never give up. She is disciplined and determined and carries out her work with dedication and enthusiasm.
Shavershee says, “I have a strong work ethic the casualties of that being my ever-patient family. My father instilled in me a strong work ethic and encouraged me to find my passion and go after it and that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.”
This mother of two likes to fish with her family when time permits. Her advice: work hard, keep learning, be genuine and generous and put your heart into whatever you do.
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Deidre van Niekerk
The Riverside
083-6629096
We learn a little about Deidre, managing director of The Riverside.
Her philosophy is based on Sisu, a Finnish concept that encompasses strength, courage and determination to overcome adversity.
“Being a passionate sporty person, I received SA colours for wakeboarding. I also have a BA degree in graphic design and started Flavor Flip in 2011.”
She moved to the coast in 2018 and opened her cocktail bar and water sports facility at the Wild Coast Sun Resort and Casino and offers offers kayaking, speed boats, paddle boats, tube rides, water skiing and a boat cruise.
“I believe that you treat people the way you want to be treated.”
Who is your mentor in life? “Without hesitation, my parents,” she said.
She loves to ski, do yoga, hike, read and enjoys a crackling fire with music and good company.
Her advice to young entrepreneurs, “With great perseverance and a positive mindset you can make anything work.”
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Pam Eggleton
Manager/Senior Travel Consultant
One Stop Travel and Tours, Port Shepstone
039 1500001
Pam always wanted to be a vet, unfortunately, plans didn’t work out that way and she decided to take a break after her matric year.
“I walked past an employment agency and they were offering travel diploma courses and as they say, the rest is history.” She has now been in the travel industry for 29 years.
“I have been blessed in that God put the right people in my path. My parents have always supported my decisions, especially my mom who suggested I take a few months off to travel. I took a four-month sabbatical to Israel which ended up being three years,” she says.
“My first boss had a huge impact on my career. I was in awe of how she held her own in the corporate environment. Her guidance during my early years influenced my work ethic.”
Pam has two sons, Scott 27 and Michael 12. She loves her animals, wants to visit Israel, Kenya and Scotland again, loves to read and enjoys running.
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Prabashni Govender
Green Chilli Fine Dining
039 3150042
Prabashni Govender’s life changed when she started her restaurant in 2016. “I have always been passionate about delicious tasting food,” she said, “So after working in the scrap metal industry, I decided to make a complete change and start this fine dining restaurant.”
She has faced many obstacles but has learnt to find solutions to overcome them.”I get strength from my mother and daughter and Pastor Daniel Louw and his wife Helen who are my spiritual mentors.”
When she finds the time, she enjoys relaxing with a delicious meal and her dream holiday destination is Greece. Her advice to budding entrepreneurs is never to give up and to always give of your best.
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Erika Pitzer
Owner of All Plant Tool Hire
082-2218664
“I originally wanted to be a chartered accountant. After my son was born I ended up in the aggregate and concrete industry and that opened doors for me in this business,” she said.
She has been in the construction industry for about 21 years, but only seven years in this business.
“I am a very work orientated and driven and I strive to be the best that I can be in whatever I do.”
She is passionate about life, family, God and helping others. Obstacles? “Mostly for people to take me seriously. This is a male-dominated industry and women have only started entering it in the last three years or so.”
“To relax, I love cooking, being at home with my teenage son and watching the wildlife from my veranda. My favourite holiday destination is the Drakensberg,” she said.
Her advice? “Keep working hard and learn everything you can about the industry you are entering, never give up and don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot make a success of it in a male-dominated industry.”
