UMHLANGA WOMEN ACHIEVERS – EST. 1994
Welcome to UWA
As a member of Umhlanga Women Achievers you are part of a well-established, stable, consistent and professional non-profit organisation that was formed in 1994. With a rich history, character and distinct reputation for effective networking, promoting and, most importantly, recognising and supporting women in business.
Your journey will follow a path on an active, organised platform to network, market and promote your business through various networking activities and offerings designed and created on the backdrop of the UWA slogan as our inspiration “to grow together through networking, sharing and enthusiasm.”
You will connect and engage with firm business contacts and share leads and referrals to increase and strengthen your business prospects while building and growing meaningful business relationships and friendships within the organisation.
Our members are not just a number; we know each other by name. You will be welcomed into our networking community that is like-minded, passionate and grateful for where we are and what we do.
You will experience the ripple effect to encourage, inspire, motivate and support one another, to strive for better business results and success while we follow this journey to grow and evolve into greater versions of ourselves as business women and individuals.
UWA COVER GIRLS
A walk down UWA’s memory lane… From our member’s & guests…
UWA Member’s Business Ads
Highlights from our 2024 Networking activities – shared at our UWA Year End Event – Posh in Pearls
2024 ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Umhlanga Women Achievers (UWA) recently marked a significant milestone with a grand celebration at The Oyster Box, honouring their 30th anniversary and unveiling the top winners of the prestigious 2024 Achiever of the Year programme. Over 100 guests attended the event, which reflected the organisation’s remarkable journey of empowering women in business, fostering dynamic networks, and cultivating a supportive community.
The evening began with a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a display of newspaper clippings and photos from UWA’s inception, offering a delightful glimpse into its storied history. Founding members and several past presidents graced the occasion, their presence a tribute to the enduring leadership that has guided UWA through three transformative decades.
Robyn Meloni, ’24 UWA President: “For 30 years, UWA has championed effective networking, empowered women in business, and fostered connections that go above and beyond. We will celebrate the unmatched UWA spirit, toast to how far the organisation has come and to a future filled with opportunities, resilience and continued growth.”
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2024 Achiever of the Year winners, a programme designed to encourage women to reflect on their growth, celebrate milestones from the past year and embrace their potential. The competition celebrates the accomplishments of all entrants who courageously shared their journeys.
2024 Achiever of the Year Winners:
Winner: Aritha Etta-Aleka
1st Runner-Up: Mela Arnold
2nd Runner-Up: Vannessa Champion
Aritha, the 2024 winner, stood out for her passion for holistic education and her commitment to helping others achieve balance and empowerment. Her unique approach integrates mental, emotional, and physical well-being, creating lasting transformations for her clients. Her words reflected her drive: “I see people as beautiful, unique, and diverse, each with the potential to make the sum total better.”
“This year has been another vibrant chapter for Umhlanga Women Achievers, said Robyn Meloni – filled with exciting networking events and activities that benefit our members, UWA has fostered growth and stronger connections – everything that makes our community extraordinary and a privilege to be a part of.”
As UWA looks to the future, this milestone celebration is a poignant reminder of the boundless possibilities that emerge when women unite. It was an evening to honour the past, celebrate the present, and embrace a future fuelled by collaboration, innovation, and unwavering support.
Here’s to 30 incredible years of empowering women, nurturing relationships and building enduring connections. Cheers to UWA’s bright and promising future!
Networking opportunities
Coffee Club
Our Coffee Club is held monthly, a week after our UWA networking breakfast. It is limited to 20 attendees, so it is a more focused and intimate networking platform.
Book Club
Our book club collection has a space in our UWA Boardroom located at Granny Griffs.
There are a number of business, leadership and motivation titles on offer to our members to enhance their knowledge and boost ideas and new thinking. These are offered on a limited loan basis.
UWA Cares
The primary focus of UWA is networking; however, we also create awareness and support charities within our communities.
We raise funds at our monthly events by selling raffle tickets to attendees who stand a chance to win prizes sponsored by our members and guests.
The money raised is donated to the charity of choice. Throughout the year, we also schedule UWA Blood Drives to create awareness and support the need for donations.
Achiever of the year
This annual programme is designed for UWA members to reflect on the past year, measure their growth and motivation, acknowledge their hard work, fortitude, and attitude and realise their worth.
As UWA ‘achievers, ‘ we need to believe in who we are, what we do and why we do it. ALL our members are invited and encouraged to submit an entry into this competition.
An overall winner will be announced at our Year End event.
Breakfast and Dinner
Monthly event, Unlimited bookings. A guest speaker is invited to talk on business-related topics, trends, skills, coaching, etc.
Networking takes place throughout the event or you could be selected in the business feature to promote during extra time. Exhibition tables can be booked to sell or market products.
There is an opportunity to be a meeting or gift sponsor and allows that business to display their banners and extended time to promote.
WhatsApp Ads
An active Ads ONLY WhatsApp platform that is open to UWA members every Thursday from 7 am – 8 pm. Members have an opportunity to be recognised, showcase, advertise, and promote their businesses and specials.
It can be used as a ‘directory’ to refer and endorse UWA businesses.
Each month, the BEST Ad that is fresh, creative and impactful is chosen. An overall winner will be announced at our Year End event.