Women Who Inspire: Celebrating Strength, Success and Purpose
Every year on 9 August, South Africa celebrates National Women’s Day, commemorating the historic 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings, when approximately 20,000 women stood together against unjust pass laws.
This year, we spoke to six inspiring women across property, finance, law, architecture and administration. Each has a different story, but all share qualities of resilience, courage, commitment and a determination to keep growing.
Belinda Rogers
Bond Originator- GetGo Home Loans
Belinda Rogers is a Ballito-based home loan consultant who assists clients locally and across South Africa, with particular experience in complex financial profiles.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your journey into the bond origination industry.
“I spent 15 years in real estate and ran my own businesses before transitioning into property finance. When the opportunity came to move into home loans, I jumped at it. It was the perfect blend of my background in property, finance and working with people.
Today, I’m a home loan consultant based in Ballito, assisting clients both locally and nationally across South Africa. I specialise in navigating complex financial profiles, particularly for self-employed individuals, company owners and complex structures.
I work closely with all the major South African banks, including FNB, Absa, Standard Bank, Nedbank and Investec, to secure tailored, optimal home financing solutions.”
2. What is one common misconception people have about applying for a home loan?
“A huge misconception is that going directly to your own bank will pay off because of the long-standing relationship you’ve built with them.
At the end of the day, that simply isn't always the case. Your loyalty doesn't automatically translate into the best interest rate or approval.
Working with an originator allows you to shop around across different banks to get the best possible outcome as the client.”
3. What is one thing you wish every first-time homebuyer knew before applying for a bond?
“I wish more first-time buyers knew to save for their transfer and bond costs upfront instead of applying for a cost-inclusive loan.
While rolling those costs into the bond might seem easier, cost-inclusive loans can come with higher interest rates. Over a 20- or 30-year term, that additional interest can cost you significantly.”
4. Who is a woman who has influenced or inspired you, either personally or professionally, and why?
“I’ve never really been someone who looks outward for motivation or inspiration. Instead, my drive comes from within.
I continuously challenge myself, setting clear goals and targets based on how I envision my life, my values and what matters most to me.”
5. What advice would you give to young women who want to build successful careers in property or finance?
“Any career in property is challenging, but highly rewarding.
If you are good with numbers, excellent with people and want a job that is fulfilling, bond origination could be for you. However, it does take a long time to build a successful career.
Stay patient, focus on your skills and keep fighting for the best results for your clients.”
Filesha Choonilal-Govender
Director of FCG Attorneys, Notaries & Conveyancers
Filesha Choonilal-Govender is an attorney, notary and conveyancer whose connection to property began at a young age through her mother’s career in real estate.
1. Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey into conveyancing.
“I started my journey into law from a very young age. My mum worked as an estate agent and often included me in her Sunday show houses and afternoon key handovers.
That’s where I was first introduced to the legal field and attorneys, and I later did vacation work during my teenage years at their firms — dare I say it, the beginning of my love for the industry.
Fast forward, I am now an attorney, notary and conveyancer, passionate about shaping the property law landscape and ensuring I leave a little sparkle with each person I meet.
I’ve been inspired by the first-time homeowners, the couple who saved tirelessly to put down their first deposit, or the retiree who finally bought their first home.
My journey into conveyancing was driven by a desire to make property ownership more meaningful, accessible and transparent. I quickly realised that conveyancing is not just about paperwork — it’s about guiding people through one of the most important milestones of their lives.
Being young in this field has given me the energy to embrace innovation and the courage to challenge traditional ways of doing things.”
2. What does Women's Day mean to you?
“Growing up, I was surrounded by powerful women who changed the perspective of ‘women in business.’
Women’s Day, for me, is a reminder of the resilience and strength of those who came before us and paved the way — especially the women who marched in 1956 and demanded equality.
It’s also about celebrating the new generation of women who are breaking barriers in law, business and leadership.
I believe in educating those who are willing to learn, and I’ve always felt like an open book — sharing my everyday experiences with anyone who seeks guidance.
Women’s Day is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come, but also to recommit ourselves to creating opportunities for women in spaces where they are still underrepresented.”
3. How do you balance the demands of running a business with your personal life?
“My favourite phrase is ‘life is worth living.’
Balancing the demands of running a practice with personal life is never easy, but it’s totally worth it. Discipline and boundaries are key.
I make time for family and personal growth because success in business means very little if it comes at the expense of well-being.
As a young professional, I’ve learned to embrace support systems — whether it’s delegating tasks at work or leaning on loved ones at home.
Balance is not about perfection; it’s about being intentional with your time.”
4. Who has been the greatest female influence in your life, and what impact has she had on your journey?
“The greatest female influence in my life has been my mother.
Her strength, determination and ability to rise above challenges have shaped the way I approach my career.
She taught me that being a woman means carrying both resilience and grace, and that no obstacle is too great when you remain focused on your purpose.
Her example continues to inspire me to lead with courage and compassion.”
5. If there is one piece of wisdom you could pass on to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
“It would be this: never let your age define your limits.
We are rewriting the narrative of leadership, and young women are at the forefront of that change.
Be bold, invest in your knowledge and build networks that uplift others.
Leadership is not about waiting for permission — it’s about stepping into spaces with confidence and creating opportunities for those who follow.”
Wendy Bouwer
Director of Bridgewater Spencer Architecture
Wendy Bouwer is a professional architect with more than 20 years of experience and a passion for turning ideas into spaces that people can truly live in and enjoy.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your journey into architecture.
“I’ve been a professional architect for more than twenty years, and I’m also a wife and a mother to two teenagers — all roles that ground and inspire me daily.
My path into architecture was almost accidental. I’ve always loved houses. That fascination nudged me toward architecture, and it turned out to be exactly where I belong.
Designing homes and watching them morph from an idea into a lived reality brings me immense joy.”
2. How do you balance creativity, client expectations and everyday life?
“Over time, I’ve become an excellent juggler!
Running my own practice gives me the freedom to design, raise children and manage a household — all while still making space for friends, fun and the occasional quiz night.
It’s a constant balancing act, but one I’ve learned to navigate.”
3. Who has been the biggest influence or mentor in your life and career?
“Two women immediately come to mind.
The first is my mother, my greatest supporter, who has always believed in me without hesitation. She’s the person I can bounce any idea off, even the wild ones, and she never fails to encourage me.
The second is Mrs Cummins, my primary school teacher, who saw potential in me long before I recognised it myself. Her faith pushed me towards higher expectations of myself.
Their influence shaped both my confidence and my career.”
4. What does Women's Day mean to you personally?
“Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on how far women have come.
It still amazes me that when I began studying architecture at the University of Pretoria, female bathrooms had only just been added to the Boukunde (Building Science) Building. Before that, it wasn’t considered necessary.
Remembering moments like these reminds me how recent our progress is and how important it is to keep moving forward.”
5. What advice would you give to young women considering a career in architecture or the construction industry?
“Architecture and construction are incredible fields, full of creativity, problem solving and impact. But passion is essential.
This career demands commitment, resilience and genuine love for the work.
If you have that spark, it will carry you through the challenges and help you build a proud future.”
Linda Naidoo
Property Practitioner - Prestige Real Estate, KwaZulu-Natal North Coast
Linda Naidoo is a Prestige Real Estate property practitioner on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, bringing experience, empathy and a strong understanding of people to the industry.
1. What does Women's Day mean to you personally?
“At my age, Women’s Day shifts from an abstract celebration of potential to a deeply personal recognition of lived endurance.
It is no longer about symbolic gestures, but a quiet reckoning with decades of survival, caregiving, reinvention and silent strength.”
2. What motivates you to keep going, even on difficult days?
“My own track record.
Deep down, you know you have survived 100% of your worst days so far.
You have been in the dark before, and you know from lived experience that feelings and circumstances eventually shift, even if only by a millimetre at a time.”
3. What qualities do you believe make women successful in this industry?
“Women succeed in real estate by pairing genuine empathy and strong negotiation with the organisational power to turn stressful property deals into trusted, lasting relationships.”
4. Who is the woman who has inspired you the most, and why?
“My mother.
When you've lived through so many years yourself, looking back at your mother offers a whole new perspective.
You start to see her not just as ‘Mom,’ but as a woman — with her own unfulfilled dreams, silent sacrifices, hidden heartbreaks and incredible quiet grit.
The things she endured, often without complaining or showing fear, take on a completely different weight once you've walked through life's fire yourself.”
5. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
“Stop waiting for permission to live your life for yourself.”
Juanita Smit
Property Practitioner - Prestige Real Estate, Potchefstroom
Based in Potchefstroom, Prestige Real Estate property practitioner Juanita Smit has built experience in student accommodation, property management and real estate.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in real estate?
“What inspired me most was the opportunity to work with people while building something meaningful of my own.
Real estate is about much more than properties — it is about people, relationships, trust and creating opportunities.
Through my experience in student accommodation and property management, I realised how much I enjoy helping people find the right place, solving problems and seeing a property become a successful investment. That naturally led me to want to grow further in the real estate industry.
For me, real estate is also about independence, growth and creating a career where I can continue challenging myself and making a difference.”
2. What advice would you give to other women who are thinking about changing careers or following their dreams?
“Don't wait until you feel completely ready. Start where you are, use what you have and learn along the way.
Changing direction can be scary, especially when you have responsibilities and people who depend on you. But sometimes the biggest risk is staying somewhere simply because it is comfortable.
Believe in your abilities, even when you are still figuring things out. Be willing to learn, surround yourself with people who encourage you and don't be afraid to take up space.
Your age, your past experiences or the fact that you're starting something new do not determine what you are capable of achieving.”
3. Has there been a woman in your life who has inspired or shaped the person you are today?
“There have been several women who have influenced me throughout my life, each in different ways.
I have been inspired by women who are strong, independent, hardworking and willing to keep going even when things don't go according to plan.
What I admire most is resilience — women who carry responsibilities, overcome challenges and still find the strength to support and encourage others.
Those examples have taught me that strength isn't about never struggling. It's about continuing to move forward, learning from your experiences and becoming stronger because of them.”
4. Outside of work, what are you passionate about?
“Outside of work, I am passionate about people, learning and personal growth.
I enjoy teaching and helping others develop their skills, and I genuinely enjoy seeing people grow in confidence.
I also value spending time with the people who are important to me and creating a balance between working towards my goals and enjoying the things that make life meaningful.
I think one of the most important things is to remain curious — there is always something new to learn, somewhere new to grow and another opportunity to challenge yourself.”
5. What personal values do you believe are essential for success in both life and real estate?
“For me, the foundation is integrity, consistency, communication, resilience and treating people with respect.
In real estate, people are trusting you with something extremely important — whether they are buying a home, selling a property, investing or looking for accommodation. That trust has to be earned.
I believe you should do what you say you're going to do, communicate honestly, take responsibility when something goes wrong and always treat people fairly.
Success isn't only about how much you achieve. It's also about how you achieve it and the people you bring with you along the way.”
Shakira Gaffar
Administration - Prestige Real Estate
Shakira Gaffar is part of the Prestige Real Estate administrative team and plays an important role behind the scenes in helping sales and rentals come together.
1. What does Women's Day mean to you personally?
“It is a day to commemorate the efforts of the women of the past during the apartheid era. Twenty thousand women marched to the Union Buildings in protest against unfair and unjust laws.
To me personally, it teaches me about the strength and courage of women who spoke out while living under oppression.
It gives me the strength and courage to speak out in any situation.”
2. What do you enjoy most about working behind the scenes in real estate?
“Seeing our clients happy.
Looking at how everything comes together in a sale or a rental is incredibly rewarding.
The end goal is to make our clients happy, and that is what I enjoy the most.”
3. What has been your proudest achievement, either at work or in your personal life?
“Life is a constant struggle, and every day lived is a day of achievement.
My proudest achievement has got to be being surrounded by an amazing group of people.”
4. Who is the woman who has inspired you the most, and why?
“The historical women in my religion, and of course, my mother.
She showed me love, trust, strength, fearlessness and what it means to fight for what is right.
I am inspired by her service to humanity, and I pray to embody even half of what she has done.”
5. If you could leave one message for women this Women's Day, what would it be?
“Speak up for yourself. Do the right thing. Strive to educate yourself, serve humanity and be a good person.
If you put your mind to something, you can achieve it.
Remember your worth, even if you have people pulling you down.
Know your worth and keep moving forward.”
This Women’s Day, we honour the women who shape our lives in ways both seen and unseen.
The mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, colleagues, friends and leaders who give so much of themselves, overcome challenges and continue to move forward with strength and grace.
We remember the women who came before us and paved the way, and we celebrate the women of today who continue to inspire, lead, support and uplift those around them.
Every woman has a story, and every story matters.
From all of us at Prestige Real Estate, we wish every woman a beautiful and meaningful National Women’s Day.