GREETINGS SEASON
“Aswecelebratetheseason ofgiving,joy,andreflection, let’salsohonorthequeens whocamebeforeus,those whostandbesideus,andthe nextgenerationweare raising”
Dear Queens,
Inthisedition,wehonorincrediblequeenswhohave setthebarhighwiththeirachievements.Ourcover storyfeaturestheextraordinaryQueenNombasa,a trailblazerintheglobalrealestatemarket.Fromher humblebeginningsine-Calatoredefiningproperty successinDubai,herstoryisatestamenttocourage, vision,anddetermination.Sheencouragesusallto shatterceilingsandembracethevastworldof opportunities.
WealsocommemorateWorldAIDSDay,embracing the2024theme:“EmpowerChange,End Inequalities”,asweadvocateforawareness, prevention,andsupportforthoseimpactedbyHIV/ AIDS.Inaddition,wealignwiththe16Daysof ActivismAgainstGender-BasedViolence,highlighting voicesandinitiativesthatstrivetocreateaworldfree ofviolenceanddiscrimination. Together,wecelebrate resilience,raiseawareness,andcontinuethecallto actionformeaningfulchange.
EDITOR’S Note
Thisissuealsobringspracticalwisdomtoempower everyreader.Fromfinancialtipstoensureastressfreefestiveseasontocuratedstylingadvicefromthe fabulousHouseofRufs,everypageisdesignedto helpyoushinebrighterastheyearends.Wealso delveintoheartfeltreflections,a movingjourneyof overcominghealth challenges,showingusthe importanceofprioritizingself-careandembracing support.
Aswecelebratetheseasonofgiving,joy,and reflection,let’salsohonorthequeenswhocame beforeus,thosewhostandbesideus,andthenext generationweareraising.Thismagazineisnotjusta collectionofstories,itisamovement,asisterhood, andacelebrationoftheregalpowerwithineveryone ofus.
Toeachofyou,myfellowqueens&kings,thank youformaking 2024 anunforgettableyear. You inspireusdailywithyourbrilliance,compassion, andresilience.Maythisfestiveseasonfillyour heartswithloveandyourdreamswithendless possibilitiesandmayyougoanextramilefixing crownsofyourpartners,kids,relatives, communitiesbybeingthere&makingthemfeel loved.
Here’stous,tothestorieswetell,thebondsweshare, andthemilestoneswewillcontinuetoconquer.Happy holidaysandaprosperousNew Year!
Withgratitudeandfestivecheer, QueenTsakani
EditorinChief,QueensofInfluenceMagazine
QUEENNOMBASA
“AnExtraordinaireQueen
Conquering RealEstateand Redefining theGlobal PropertyMarket”
QueenNombasa isatruepowerhouse intheglobalrealestateindustry.Fromher upbringingintheruralvillageofe-Cala,inthe EasternCapeofSouthAfrica,tohermeteoric riseinDubai'sfast-pacedandcompetitive propertymarket,herjourneyisashining testamenttovision,determination,and unwaveringresilience.
RaisedbetweenBoksburgande-Cala,Queen Nombasa’sfascinationwithrealestatebeganin herearlyyears.Inspiredbythe"ForSale"and "Sold"signsofrenownedbrokeragesinher neighborhood,shewasdrawntotheworldof property.
“Isuspectthisiswheretherealestatebugfirst bitme,”sherecalls.“Andastheysay,therestis history.”
EquippedwithabackgroundasaQuantity SurveyorandanMBAinRealEstate,Queen Nombasalaidthegroundworkforacareerthat wouldtakeheracrossborders.
Dubai:TheLandofOpportunity
RelocatingtoDubaieightyearsago,Queen Nombasaidentifiedthecity’svibrantproperty marketastheperfectplatformforher ambitions.Withitsrapiddevelopmentand growingdemandforinvestments,Dubaiwas theidealstageforherexpertise.
“Thisiswherethebuzzisinrealestate,”she explains.“It’sadevelopingcitywithprojects everywhereandunmatchedinvestment potential.”
However,thetransitionwasnotwithoutits challenges.Enteringthecompetitiveglobal marketasawomanofcolorrequiredgritand determination.
“Ihadto fightformyplaceatthetable,” shesays.“Irememberleavingmylast employertoestablishmyowncompany. WhenIsharedmyplans,mycolleagues laughed.Today,theyreachoutin disbeliefatmysuccess.Overcomingthe barriersofraceandgenderhasbeenone ofmytoughestbutmostrewarding battles.”
“Juststart.Envisionlifebeyond
thelensofwhatyou’vebeen exposedto.Theworldisbigger thanthecommunitieswecome from.Shootforthestarsand neverlookback.”
-QueenNombasa
“
ThePowerof Sisterhood,Balance &Buildinga Legacy
Throughoutherjourney,Queen Nombasahasreliedonacoresetofvalues andastrongcommunityofsupport.
“I’vebuiltalovelysisterhoodovertheyears, womenwhoremindmethatitcanbedone,” sheshares.“I’velearnedtocollaboraterather thancompeteandtounlearncallingsetbacks failures.”
Jugglingherresponsibilitiesasamother,wife, andcareerwoman,shehighlightsthe significanceofeffectiveplanningand prioritizingself-care.
I’velearnedtodedicatetimetoeveryaspectof mylifebecausetruefulfillmentcomesfrom balancingallareasformymentalwell-being.
BuildingaLegacyThroughMentorship
QueenNombasaispassionateaboutusingher successtoupliftothers.
“Sometimespeopledon’tlackcapability,they lackknowledge,”shesays.“I’vereachedmany milestonesthankstomentors,andnowI’mina positiontomentorothers.Seeingmyteamand otherwomenthriveisoneofmygreatestjoys.”
Asatrailblazerinherfield,QueenNombasa wantstoberememberedas“awomanwho conqueredagainstallodds,atrendsetterwho createdroomforotherswhilebuildingherown success.”
Whileshehasalreadyaccomplishedsomuch, QueenNombasacontinuestopushboundaries. Sheiscurrentlypursuingadoctorateinreal estate,focusingonmetricsofsuccessinGulf andinternationalmarkets.
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THEQUEEN Behind the Brand
HouseofRufswasfoundedbythe incomparableQueenRufaroItai Changamire,avisionarydedicatedto redefiningwomen'sfashion.Herregal tasteandpassionforempowering womenthroughbold,versatiledesigns havemadeHouseofRufsasanctuaryfor styleenthusiasts.ThisQueenbelievesin creatingpiecesthatseamlesslyadaptto everywoman’slifestyle,whetherfor casualdays,formalevenings,orrelaxed moments.QueenRufaroinfuseslove, confidence,andeleganceintoher creations.
RADIATECONFIDENCE:EMBRACETHEFESTIVEGLOWINSTYLE
WearBrightandBoldHues:
Embracevibrantcolorslikesunshineyellowand emeraldgreentomakeastatementthisfestive season.Theseshadesbringenergyandpositivity toanycelebrationwhileradiatingelegance.
WearEffortlessDresses:
Flowingyellowdresseswithplayfuldetailssuchas off-the-shouldercutsorrelaxedfitsareperfectfor daytimegatherings.Pairthemwithwedgesorfun flatsforaddedcomfortandchicappeal.
WearsomePowerJumpsuits:
Greenjumpsuitsofferasleek,modernlookfor eveningevents.Addcontrastwithbold-colored heels,thinkred,limegreen,orevenmulticolored patternstostandout.
BuyPlayfulAccessories:
Enhanceyourlookwithcarefullyselected accessories.Structuredhandbags,minimalist jewelry,andchampagneglasses(ifcelebrating) addfestivecharm.
WearVersatileShoes:
Fromwhitesneakersforacasualvibeto statementheelsforaformaltouch,footwearcan transformthetoneofyouroutfit.
MakeDay-to-NightTransformations:
Dressupordownbyaddinglayers.Alightweight blazerorshawlcantransitionyouroutfitfrom sunnybrunchestoeveningsoireesseamlessly.
WOMENINPRAYER
INTERNATIONAL
MEETTHEFOUNDER
QueenOliviaSimango
"Whenfaithmeetsaction, livesaretransformedanda singledropofkindnesscan rippleacrossgenerations."
Intheheartofeveryvisionary leaderliesastoryoffaith, perseverance,andunwavering dedicationtoacausegreaterthan themselves.ForPastorOlivia Simango,thefounderofWoman INPrayerInternational(WIPI),this journeyhasbeenasmuchabout familyandcommunityasithas beenaboutfaith.
ThePowerofFamilyandaGrandmother’s Wisdom
PastorOlivia’slifeisfirmlyrootedinthe strengthofherfamily.Herhusband,Eddy Simango,andtheirthreechildrenarenotjust hersupportsystembuthergreatestsourcesof inspiration.Eddy’sunwaveringbeliefinher callinghasbeenasteadyanchorthroughthe mostchallengingmomentsofleadership. Together,theyhavecultivatedahomefilled withfaith,love,andpurpose.
ButitisthewordsofPastorOlivia’slate grandmotherthatresonatemostdeeplyinher heart:“Olivia,whenGodgivesyouavision,He alsogivesyouthegracetocarryit.”These words,spokenwiththewisdomofgenerations past,havebeenaguidinglightinherlife.Her grandmother’slegacyofcompassionandfaith hasprofoundlyshapedWIPI’smissionand continuestoinspireeverystepofitsjourney.
TheBirthofWomaninPrayerInternational
WhenWIPIwasfoundedin2019,theworld wasinturmoil.TheCOVID-19pandemichad broughtunprecedenteduncertainty,and communitieswerestruggling.PastorOlivia respondedtoadivinecalltounitewomenin dailymidnightprayers,creatingamovement thatnowincludesover900women.WIPI becamenotonlyaministryofintercessionbut abeaconofhope,drivingchangethrough prayerandaction.
UnderPastorOlivia’svisionaryleadership, WIPIhasgrownintoadynamicorganization withatrackrecordofimpactfuloutreach projects:
2020:DonatedtoiletriestoSeshegoVictim EmpowermentandgroceriestoGraceinHope SchoolfortheDisabled.
2021:SupportedfiveschoolsintheVhembe District,PastorOlivia’sbirthplace,byproviding educationalresources.
2022:PartneredwithBaphalaborwaMunicipality, Tanatron,andotherstobuildafullyfurnished two-bedroomhomeforafamilyinneed.
2023:FundedthreewomenintheSekhukhune DistricttoobtainCode14driver’slicenses, empoweringthemwithnewopportunities.
2024 GivingWater,GivingLife
Thisyear,WIPI’sfocusshiftedtoafundamental humanneed:water.Inpartnershipwith MokgalakwenaMunicipality,OldMutual,and Tanatron,WIPIfundedaboreholeforCala Village.Thisproject,underthestewardshipof KgoshigadiMachaka,hastransformedlivesby providingreliableaccesstocleanwater.
Theboreholehandoverceremonywasamoment ofcelebrationandgratitude.Sponsors, communitymembers,andthewomenofWIPI cametogethertowitnesstheimpactoftheir collectiveefforts.ForPastorOlivia,itwasa reminderofthepowerofprayerinactionandthe profounddifferenceitmakesinpeople’slives.
Thisyear,WIPI’sfocusshiftedtoafundamentalhumanneed:water.Inpartnershipwith MokgalakwenaMunicipality,OldMutual,andTanatron,WIPIfundedaboreholeforCala Village.Thisproject,underthestewardshipofKgoshigadiMachaka,hastransformedlivesby providingreliableaccesstocleanwater.
Theboreholehandoverceremonywasamomentofcelebrationandgratitude.Sponsors,community members,andthewomenofWIPIcametogethertowitnesstheimpactoftheircollectiveefforts.For PastorOlivia,itwasareminderofthepowerofprayerinactionandtheprofounddifferenceitmakesin people’slives.
AMovementFueledbyFaithandSisterhood
WomanINPrayerInternationalismorethananorganization;itisamovementofqueens,mothers, daughters,andsisters—unitedinprayerandpurpose.Everymidnightprayersession,everyoutreach initiative,andeveryactofcompassionisatestamenttothestrengthofwomencomingtogetherto serveothers.
ALegacyofHopeandEmpowerment
AsPastorOliviacelebratesherbirthdayandreflectsonfiveyearsofWIPI,sheisfilledwithgratitudefor thejourneyandthepeoplewhohavewalkeditwithher.Herfamily,herlategrandmother’swisdom,her unwaveringcommunityofsupporters,andtheresilientwomenofWIPIhaveallplayedapartinbuilding thislegacy.
ToPastorOlivia,everyprojectisnotjustanactofservicebutaseedsownforfuturegenerations.Under thetheme“GiveWater,GiveLife,”WIPIcontinuestoinspireotherstoseethateventhesmallestactsof kindnesscanrippleoutwards,transforminglivesandcommunities.
AMessagetoWomenEverywhere
Toeverywomanwhofeelstheweightofhercrown,PastorOliviahasamessage: "Youareaqueen.Yourcrownmaybeinvisible,butitisreal.Wearitwithdignityandpurpose,foryou havethepowertochangelives,notjustyourownbutthelivesofthosearoundyou."
ThroughWIPI,PastorOliviaSimangoislivingproofthatfaithandaction,whenunited,cancreatea legacyofcompassion,empowerment,andhope.
"Aswerise,weare calledtobethehands andfeetofChrist,lifting otherswithhumility andcompassion."
-QueenOlivia
BornintotheroyallineageofKingMathipa Makgato,QueenMoyahaboRachel Machaka’spathtoleadershipisboth inspiringandchallenging.In 1952, she marriedKingMolokoAdolfMachaka,the sonofMotshekgeDavidsonMachaka,who becamethetraditionalleaderofthe BatlokwabaMogalakwenaTribalAuthority followingapresidentialproclamationin 1962.
TheproclamationcementedtheMachakaRoyal Houseasthegoverningauthorityoftheeight villages,unitingvarioustribesunderits leadership.QueenMachakaembracedherrole withdetermination,workingtirelesslyto cultivatefieldsandsupporttheRoyalHouse’s missionofservingthecommunity.
HERMAJESTY QUEENMOTHER
MoyahaboRachelMachaka
AWitnesstoForcedDisplacement
QueenMachaka’slifehasbeenshapedbythe hardshipsofapartheid-eraforcedremovals. She vividlyrecallstheMakgatotribebeing forcibly removedtwicefromtheiroriginal homes.Initially,theywereuprootedfromtheir andnear MunnikandrelocatedtoGa-Makgato inThe Botlokwaarea.
In1980,theyfacedanother displacementto GroomhoekGa-Makgato.
ThesetraumaticeventsinterruptedQueen Machaka’seducationanddreamsof furthering herstudies.Despiteexcellingin school,the harshconditionsofdisplacement madeit impossibleforhertocontinueher education.
Nevertheless,thesechallengesstrengthened herresolvetoservehercommunityand preserveitsdignity.
Queen Machakaispassionateabout empoweringwomenandaddressing genderinequalities.Shefeelsstrongly thatthegovernmentshoulddomoreto supportwomen,particularlyinthefight againstgender-basedviolence.
“Thehorrificstoriesofsexualassaults andkillingsofwomenthatweseeon ourTVscreensandhearonourradios areagreatconcerntome,”shesays. Herleadershiphasoftenbeentested bysocietalbiases,withwomenin traditionalrolesfacingimmense pressuretoprovetheircapabilities.
Yet,QueenMachakahasdemonstrated that womencanleadeffectively,urging her communitytoworktogetherasmen and women,forthecollectivegood.
RevivingCultureandTradition
Astaunchadvocateforpreserving tradition,QueenMachakaemphasizes theimportanceofculturalpractices suchasstorytellingandfarming.She believesthesepracticesnotonly promotehealthierlifestylesbutalso strengthencommunalbonds.
Sheurgesherpeopletobalance culturalheritagewithmodernrights, ensuringthattraditionsarenotlostin thefaceofrapidchange.Her leadershipcontinuestoinspireefforts torevitalizefarmingandstorytellingas cornerstonesofthecommunity’s identity.
AMessagetotheYoungQueens
QueenMachakaoffersa messageofcourageand ambition.Sheencouragesyoung queenstoprioritizeeducation andworkhardtoovercome societallimitations.Foryoung womenespecially,shedraws fromtheSesothoidiom“Mosadi oswarathipakabogaleng” (A womanholdstheknifebyits sharpedge),remindingthemof theirstrengthinnavigating challenges.
Strongrelationshipsand trustformthefoundation ofeverysuccessful project.
AQUEENINCONSTRUCTION BUILDING DREAMS ONEBRICKATATIME
Breakingbarriersandbuildinglegacies,Queen Hlayisani "MhaniBuilder"Sonoisrewritingthe narrativeof womenintheconstructionindustry Asthe founderofMhaniBuilderConstruction,this visionaryentrepreneurhasgrownhercompany frommodestbeginningsin Valdeziatoanationally recognizednameinSouthAfrica.Herjourneyisa testamenttoresilience,innovation,anda relentlesscommitmenttoexcellence.
AWomaninaMale-DominatedIndustry
Inanindustryoftendefinedbyitschallenges, QueenHlayisanistandsasabeaconofhope.Her companyspecializesindiverseconstruction services,includingresidentialandcommercial building,infrastructuredevelopment,andinterior design.Underherleadership,the firmhasearned areputationfordeliveringhigh-quality, sustainableprojectsthatleavealastingimpacton communities.Her philosophyissimple yetprofound:strongrelationshipsandtrustform thefoundationofeverysuccessfulproject.
Thiscommitmenttoexcellenceismatchedby herdedicationtoempoweringothers.Queen Hlayisaniprioritizeshiringandmentoringlocal talent,creatingopportunitiesforskill developmentandeconomicgrowthwithinthe communitiessheserves.Byblendinginnovation withadeeprespectfortradition,shenotonly buildsstructuresbutalsofostersasenseof prideandownershipamongthoseinvolvedin herprojects.Herworkstandsasatestamentto thetransformativepowerofconstructionwhen guidedbypurposeandvision.
"Truestrengthinconstructionliesnotjustin
thestructureswebuild,butintheliveswe upliftandthecommunitiesweempower."
VisionandMissionfortheFuture
MhaniBuilderConstructionaimstocreate structuresthatservetoday'sneedswhile supportingfuturegenerations.Guidedbya visionofempoweringcommunitiesandfostering economicgrowth,thecompanycombines innovationwithsustainablepractices.Withover 20employeesandagrowingportfolioof completedprojects,MhaniBuilderConstruction isreshapingSouthAfrica'sconstruction landscape.
RecognitionandAchievements
Thecompany’saccoladesincluderecognition fromSundayWorldWomanHeroicsandMail& GuardianPowerof Woman,affirmingthis influencerasatrailblazer.Herleadershiphas garneredrespectnotonlyinconstructionbut alsoasacommunityleaderdrivingjobcreation andskillsdevelopment.
BuildingBeyondWalls
Atitscore,MhaniBuilderConstructionisabout morethanbricksandmortar.It'saboutbuilding dreams,creatingopportunities,andfostering connectionsthatempowerpeople.Whetherit's designinghomesforfamiliesorcontributingto criticalinfrastructure,thecompany'sprojectsare areflectionofHlayisani’senduringcommitment tomakingadifference.
"AQUEENBUILDSNOTJUST
STRUCTURES,BUTLEGACIES.IN EVERYBRICKANDBEAM,SHE LAYSTHEFOUNDATIONFORA FUTUREWHEREWOMENARE THEARCHITECTSOFCHANGE."
—QUEENHLAYISANI
THROUGHCHANGE REIGNING
EmpoweringQueensFacingMenopause
QUEENJOYCESELESHO (Proffessionalnurse&Specialist)
StrategiestoReignThrough Menopause
PrioritizeHealth
Menopausemarks apowerfultransitionin awoman’slife,aphaseoftenmisunderstood andshroudedinstigma,yetbrimmingwith opportunitiesforgrowthandrenewal.For queensnavigatingthisnaturalstage,it’snot justaboutenduringthechangebut embracingitwithgrace,resilience,and empowerment.
UnderstandingtheJourney
Menopause,typicallyoccurringbetween ages45and55,istheculminationof hormonalshiftsthatbringtheendof menstruation.Whilesymptomssuchashot flashes,moodswings,andfatiguecanbe challenging,menopauseisnottheendof vitality.Instead,itisadoorwayto rediscoveringyourbodyandyourlife’s priorities.
“Menopauseisnota weakness;it’sa recalibrationof strength,Queensneedto understandthatthisisa timetonurturethemselves andprioritizetheirwellbeingwithoutguilt.”
Stayactivewithexerciseslikeyoga, swimming,orbriskwalkingtocombatweight gainandmaintainbonehealth.Incorporatea balanceddietrichincalcium,vitaminD,and healthyfatstonourishyourbodyduringthis time.
EmbraceEmotionalWellness
Menopausecanbringemotionalturbulence, butmindfulnessandsupportgroupscanhelp youmaintainbalance.Journalingortalkingto otherwomenexperiencingthesamechanges fostersunderstandingandcamaraderie.
SeekProfessionalGuidance
Consulthealthcareprovidersaboutmanaging symptoms.Hormonereplacementtherapy (HRT),lifestylemodifications,andherbal supplementscanhelpmakethejourney smoother.
CelebratetheChange
Usethisphasetoreflectonyour achievements,explorenewhobbies,andset freshgoals.Thisisatimetoreclaimyour energyandchannelitintoactivitiesthatspark joyandfulfillment.
BreakingtheStigma
It’stimeforwomentochallengethesilence andshamesurroundingmenopause.By sharingstories,educatingothers,and celebratingthistransition,queenscanchange thenarrative.Menopauseisnotalossbuta gain,achancetolivewithrenewedpurpose andpower.
DearQueens,thisisyourtimetoreignina newseasonoflife.Embraceitwithpride,for everyqueendeservestoshineatevery stage.”
DISCOVER YOURMENTALWELLNESS COMPANION
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What YouGetasaFreeUseronOctoberHealth
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Joinliveandrecordedsessionshostedbymentalhealth professionalsandwellnessexperts.Thesesessionscover topicssuchasmindfulness,stressrelief,productivityhacks, andemotionalresilience.TheForestprovidesasafespaceto engage,askquestions,andgrowalongsideasupportive community,encouragingproactivementalhealthpractices.
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Accessawiderangeofarticles,videos,andtipscuratedby industryexperts,focusingoneverythingfrommentalhealth strategiestocareerdevelopment.Whetheryou’relookingto boostyourproductivityorfindwaystocopewithanxiety,our contentisdesignedtoprovidepractical,proactiveadvice.
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IalwaysthoughtthechangesIwas experiencingwerejustpartofgettingolder weightgain,fatigue,heavyperiods,and constantbloating.At45,Iconvincedmyselfit wasallpartofapproachingmenopause.I didn’trealizemybodywastryingtotellme somethinguntiloneday,Icouldn’tignoreit anymore.
WhenIfinallywenttothedoctor,Ifeltnervous, butIneededanswers.Afteraseriesoftests,the doctorlookedatmeandsaid,“Youhaveuterine fibroids.”Ifroze.Ididn’tevenknowwhatfibroids were,buthearingIhadgrowthsinmybodyleft meterrified.Thedoctorexplainedthatfibroids arenoncancerousgrowthsthatcancause bloating,heavybleeding,andweightgain.Then camethepartthatscaredmethemost:surgery wasanoption.
Iwasn’treadyforthat.Thethoughtofgoing undertheknifeshookme,andIaskedifthere wasanotherway.That’swhenthedoctorsaid somethingthatchangedmylife:“Areyouready tochangeyourlifestyle?”
Heexplainedthatdiet,especiallysugar, processedfoods,andredmeat,feedshormonal imbalancesthatmakefibroidsworse.Hetoldme, “Cutoutsugarandredmeat.Yourbodycanheal itselfwhenyoumakethesechanges.”Thatwas mywake-upcall.
TheJourneytoChange
Atfirst,IwasafraidIwouldn’tbeabletostick withit,butImadesmallchangeseveryday.The firststepwastocleanoutmypantry.Igotridof thesugarydrinks,fattyredmeats,andprocessed snacksIhadreliedonforyears.Ireplacedthem withhealingfoodsthatcouldhelpbalancemy hormonesandreduceinflammation:
•Greenvegetableslikespinach,kale,and broccolibecameadailystaple.
•Iaddedhealthyfatslikeavocados,nuts, andoliveoil.
•Ireplacedcoffeewithherbalteaslike gingerteaandgreentea.
•Iincludedanti-inflammatoryspiceslike turmericinmycooking.
Idrank2litersofwatereverydaytoflushout toxinsandstartedwalkingfor30minutesdaily.I realizedthisjourneywasn’tjustaboutfood,it wasaboutbuildinghabitsthathealedmymind andbody.
TheTransformation
Thechangesdidn’thappenovernight,butwithin threemonths,Istartedfeelinglighter.The bloatingthathadmademeuncomfortablewas gone,andtheweightIhadstruggledwithbegan todrop.Myperiodsbecamelighter,andIhad energyIhadn’tfeltinyears.
Atmysix-monthfollow-upappointment,Iheld mybreathasmydoctorperformedascan.He smiledandsaid,“Yourfibroidshaveshrunk significantly.”Iwasoverwhelmedwithrelief.They weren’tgonecompletely,buttheywereno longercausingmesomuchpainanddiscomfort. Mybodywashealing,andIhaddoneitwithout surgery.
WhatILearned
Thisjourneytaughtmehowpowerfulourlifestyle choicescanbe.Ihadspentyearseatingfoods thatfedthefibroids,sugar,redmeat,and processedsnacks,withoutevenrealizingit.By switchingtoclean,naturalfoodsthatbalance hormonesandreduceinflammation,Igavemy bodythechancetofightback.
Italsotaughtmetolistentomybody.Those symptoms,weightgain,fatigue,heavyperiods weresignsthatsomethingwaswrong.Ihad ignoredthemfortoolong,butnowIknow better.
MyMessagetoWomen
Ifyou’restrugglingwithfibroidsorfacingyour ownhealthwake-upcall,knowthatchangeis possible.Startsmall: Removesugarandprocessedfoodsfromyour diet.
Addhealingfoodslikegreens,healthyfats,and herbalteastoyourmeals.
Moveyourbodyeveryday,evenifit’sjustawalk. Stayconsistentandtrusttheprocess.
Yourhealthisinyourhands,andyourbodyis strongerthanyouthink.I’mlivingproofthatwith therightchoices,youcanchangeyourstory.
“Sometimesawake-upcallisthepushweneed tobecomethebestversionofourselves.Listen toyourbody,takethefirststep,andtrustthat healingispossible.”
Ifeeltornbetweentheneed tohelpmylovedonesand thedesiretoprotectmyown financialwell-being.I’ve workedsohardtogetto whereIam,butIwonderif I’vebeensacrificingtoomuch intheprocess. QUEENSOFINFLUENCElPAGE36
DearQueensTK,
I’mMaria,awomanwhoseheartbeatsformy family.Ihavealwaysbeentherock,theprovider, andtheonewhoeveryonecanrelyon.I’ve workedhard,buildingmycareerandachieving financialsuccess.Butasthefestiveseason approaches,somethingisweighingonmethatI cannolongerignore.
Everyyear,Irushtosendmoneyhome,buy gifts,andpayforfamilygatherings.It’swhatI’ve alwaysdone,becauseIlovemyfamilyandwant tomaketheirholidaysspecial.Butthisyear, somethingfeelsdifferent.Mysavingsare dwindling,andI’mbeginningtofearthatI’ve beenneglectingmyownfinancialfutureinfavor ofothers.
I’mafraidtogobackhomebecauseIknowthe expectationswillbehigh,andI’mnotsureIcan keepupwiththepressure.Ifeeltornbetween theneedtohelpmylovedonesandthedesire toprotectmyownfinancialwell-being.I’ve workedsohardtogettowhereIam,butI wonderifI’vebeensacrificingtoomuchinthe process.
HowdoIfindthebalancebetweencaringfor myfamilyandsecuringmyfuture?
SOUL TO SOUL Conversations
DearMaria,
First,Iwanttoacknowledgethestrengthit takestopoursomuchofyourselfintocaringfor yourfamily.It’sclearthatyourloverunsdeep, andyourdesiretomakesureeveryonearound youistakencareofspeaksvolumesaboutthe kindofwomanyouare.Youareaqueenin everysenseoftheword.
ButIalsoheartheheavyburdenyou’recarrying onethatmanywomencanrelateto.You’ve workedsohardtobuildasecurefuture,and yet,itfeelsliketheverypeopleyoulovemost arepullingyouintheoppositedirection.The weightofgivingwithoutreceivinginreturn,the pressuretoperformandprovide,canbe exhausting.Andwhenwestretchourselvestoo thin,wecanlosesightofourownneeds, leavingusfeelingdepletedandoverwhelmed.
Iwantyoutounderstandthis,QueenMariayour loveandgenerositydon’thavetocomeatthe expenseofyourownpeaceofmindorfinancial security.Thefearyou’reexperiencingrightnow isnotasignofweakness,butawake-upcall, urgingyoutotakeastepbackandreassessthe wayyouapproachyourrelationshipsandyour finances.It’sokaytosetboundariesthathonor bothyourdesirestogiveandyourneedto protectyourfuture.
AcknowledgeYourEmotionalandFinancial Needs
Thefirststepistorecognizethatyourown needsarejustasimportantastheneedsof thoseyoulove.You’veinvestedsomuchinyour familyemotionally,financially,andphysicallybut it’stimetoinvestinyourselftoo.Takeadeep breath,andgiveyourselfpermissiontoprioritize yourfinancialwell-being.Afterall,youcannot continuetopourfromanemptycup.
CreateaPlanThatBalancesGivingand Saving
Oneofthekeystopeaceisbalance.Perhaps it’stimetoreframehowyouapproachgifting andcontributingduringtheholidays.Startby creatingabudgetthatallowsyoutogiveto yourfamilywhilealsoputtingmoneyasidefor yoursavings.Thisdoesn’tmeanyoulovethem anyless;itmeansthatyou’relovingyourself enoughtotakecareofyourownfinancial future.
Considersettingafixedamountthatyoucan comfortablygiveeachyearsomethingthat feelsgenerousbutdoesn’tjeopardizeyour ownneeds.Establishingthispracticewillgive youpeaceofmindduringtheholidays, knowingthatyouarehonoringbothyour familyandyourself.
LetGoofGuiltandFindYourPeace
Icanfeeltheguiltyou’recarrying,Maria.The guiltofnotbeingabletodoeverythingfor everyone.Butletmeremindyouguilthasno placeinaqueen’sheart.Yourworthisnot definedbyhowmuchyougiveorbyhow muchyousacrifice.Yourworthisinherentin whoyouareyourlove,yourhardwork,your dreams.
It’sokaytostepbackandsay,“ThisisallIcan givethisyear.”You’vedoneenough.Andin honoringyourownfinancialfuture,you’re teachingyourfamilytheimportanceofself-care andfinancialresponsibility.Theywillloveyounot forthegiftsyougive,butforthewomanyouare.
PrioritizeYourPeace,Maria
Asyouheadintothisfestiveseason,Maria, rememberthis:Yourworthisnotmeasuredby whatyougiveorhowmuchyousacrifice.True peacecomesfromknowingthatyou’vedone enoughandthatyou’regivingtoyourselfas muchasyougivetoothers.Nomoreguilt.No morefear.
Youareaqueenineverysenseofthewordlet thisseasonbeaboutyourpeace,yoursecurity, andyourjoy.Byprotectingyourfuture,you’re ensuringthatyoucancontinuetogivewithout fearoranxiety,knowingthatyourlegacyis secure.
Maythisfestiveseasonbringyouthepeaceyou deserve.
Withallmyheart, —
Starters
Salmonroses
Salmonsashimi,avo,mayoandcavia
Curriedprawn&gnocchi
Pansearedandseasonedprawnswithgnocchi servedwithcoconutcurriedsauce
Oyster, caviar&cream cheese
Freshmediumcultivatedoystersservedwithcreamcheese, caviar,shallotvinaigretteandpickledginger
CharredOstrich
Spicerubbedcharredostrichservedwithmarinatedred cabbage,honeymustardcrème,toastedpinenutsand slicedradish
LentilCroquettes
Servedonawatercresspestowithlemonyoghurt, sourcherrygel,watercressrocketandherboil
PrawnscallopRisotto
Grilledprawnswithpanfriedscallop, setonasaffronenhancedrisotto,caviar
Searedtuna
Searedtunaloinservedwithhorseradishcrème,julienne apple,wholegrainmustardandshavedfennel
Signaturesummersalad
Mixedlettucewithorangesegments,strawberries, GrannySmithapplesandorangevinaigrette
MainCourse
Soyglazedseabass
Servedwithbraisedsweetpotato,sauteedbokchoi, marinatedseaweedandpanko crustedshimejimushrooms
Panfriedseabass
Servedonabokchoi,creamypotatocomplimentedby babycarrots finishedwithchimmichurrisauce
Oxtail
Servedonthebonewithriceandsaffronnewpotatoes
Chickpeasalmon
Bakedsalmonservedonabedofcurriedchickpeas, accompaniedbyasparagusspears,limepickle, limecrèmeandchermoulasauce
Baked chickenthighs
Withmeticulouslymixedslicedpotatoes,onionsand mushrooms,longsteambrocolliand finishedoffwitha creamycidermustardsauce
Coffeerubbed fillet
Rubbedincoffeeinfusedblendofmildspices,twicebaked potato,asparagus,friedexoticmushrooms andacreamedmushroomsauce
Chimichurriribeye
Chargrilledchimichurriribeyeonabedofmushroomlentil ragout,toppedwithtruffledbabaganoush,crispyjulienne potatoesandcharredbabyonions
Duckbreastragout
Panfriedduckbreastlaidonabedofcreamyspinachwith leek ragoutand honeyglazed carrots, finished withcranberry jus
Zucchiniprawnpasta
Tagliatellepastawithzucchinistring,garlicandlemonzest witholiveoilandcoriander
Scallops, prawns&blackteriyakirice
Panfriedscallopsandgrilledprawnsinlemonbutterserved with black teriyaki rice, seasoned veggies and drizzled with aioli
Spicy chickpeacurry(V)
Meltinyourmouthchickpeaswithsweetpotatoesand coriander, finishedoffwithbabyspinachandservedwith basmatirice
Queenprawns
PreparedthetraditionalMozambicanwayandservedwith seasonalvegetablesandachoiceofriceorchips
Langoustines(additionalR1150p/p)
Prepared the Mozambican way & served withseasonal veggies & savoury rice
ShellfishPlatter(additionalR1250p/p)
Combinationofbabylobster,queenprawnsandlangoustines servedwithseasonalveggies&savouryrice
Desserts
BerrySemifreddo
Berrysemifreddosetonbaumkuchencomplimented withcannoli
FerreroRocher Tiramisu
Withchocolatefudgeparfait,caramelgel,strawberrysalsa andhazelnutcrumble
MalvaPudding
Kahluabutterscotchandvanillapodice-cream
Chocolatebrownie
Darkchocolatebrownieservedwithmilkstouricecream, chocolatecrumbandbutterscotchsauce
Americanstylebaked cheesecake
Served with berry compot and drizzled with mixed berry coulis
ChildrenBetween6&12
–R575p/c
Fishandchips
Ribsandchips
Chickenstripsandchips
Cheeseburgerandchips +
Anydessertoftheir choice
WaterberryCountryEstateinPolokwaneisa secure,exclusiveresidentialestateofferinga peacefullifestylenearessentialamenities.It featuresarangeofproperties,including freeholdhomesandtownhouses,cateringto familiesandprofessionals.Homesare designedwithmodernlayoutsandhigh-quality finishes,ensuringbothcomfortandstyle.
Theestateisidealforthoseseekinga communityatmosphereandconvenience,with easyaccesstoschools,shoppingcenters,and recreationalfacilities.Propertiesrangeinsize andprice,accommodatingvariousbudgets andpreferences,suchasatwo-bedroom townhouseorspaciousmulti-bedroomhomes inWaterberryCountryEstate PolokwaneLimpopo.
Thefestiveseasonisatimeof celebration,connection,and sharedexperiences.Butwhatif thisyear,yourpropertycould domorethanjusthostfamily gatherings?Whatifitcould becomeasourceofincomeand anopportunitytobringjoyto yourcommunity?
UNLOCKINGTHE FESTIVEPOTENTIAL OFYOURPROPERTY
“TurnYourHome IntoaSeasonal Business”
ThisDecember,let’sthinkoutsidethebox.Your propertyholdsuntappedpotentialtohelpyou makeextraincomewhileprovidingmeaningful servicestoothers.Herearesomeuniqueand creativeideastoturnyourhomeintoafestive businessventure:
Pop-UpRestaurants
Transformyourdiningroomorgardenintoa cozypop-uprestaurant.Peopleloveunique, intimatediningexperiences,especiallyduring thefestiveseason.Withafestivemenu,warm décor,andpersonalizedservice,youcould createanexperiencethatrivalseventhefinest establishments.
EventHostingSpaces
Manypeoplestruggletofindaffordablevenues forend-of-yearparties,babyshowers,orfestive gatherings.Offeryourhomeorgardenasa welcomingspacefortheseevents.Customize packagestoincludedecorations,catering,or eventhemeslike“ACozyChristmasUnderthe Stars.”
HolidayWorkshops
Ifyouhaveacreativeskillcooking,crafting,or evenholidaydecorating—hostworkshopsin yourhome.Teachothershowtobakefestive treats,createhandmadegifts,orcraftbeautiful decorations.Notonlywillyoumakemoney,but you’llalsobringpeopletogethertolearnand bond.
SeasonalRentals
Ifyou’retravelingthisfestiveseason,whyleave yourhomeempty?PlatformslikeAirbnborlocal rentalnetworkscanhelpyourentoutyourspace fortravelersseekingahomelyfestiveretreat
Gift-WrappingStation
Busyshoppersoftendreadthetaskofwrapping gifts.Setupafestivegift-wrappingstationin yourhomewherepeoplecandropofftheir presentsandpickthemupbeautifullywrapped andreadyforthetree.
InspirationforEveryone
Thisfestiveseasonistheperfecttimetostart thinkinglikeanentrepreneur.Youdon’tneed hugecapitalorafancybuildingtostarta business—youjustneedcreativityandthe couragetoputyourselfoutthere.Thinkabout whatyourcommunityneedsthisfestiveseason. Isitaplacetoconnect,aservicetosimplify theirlives,oranexperiencetomaketheir celebrationsunforgettable?
YourHome,YourOpportunity
Yourpropertyismorethanbricksandmortarit’s acanvasforcreativityandopportunity.Byusing yourspacewiselythisfestiveseason,you’renot onlycreatingincomebutalsobuilding connectionsandspreadingholidaycheer.
Letthisbetheyearyousay,“Myhomeisn’tjust whereIliveit’swhereIthrive.”
Startsmall.Dreambig.Makethisfestiveseason oneforthebooks!
Travel Dubai
PalazzoVersaceDubaiistheepitomeofluxury,combiningopulentItaliandesignwithworld-class hospitality.NestledalongDubaiCreek,thisiconichoteloffersexquisiteroomsandsuitesstyledby Versace,finediningexperienceswiththemednights,andexclusiveeventspacesliketheglamorous GalaBallroom.Withstate-of-the-artwellnessfacilities,serenepools,andimpeccableservice,it’sthe perfectdestinationforindulgenceandmemorablecelebrations.
MONEYGO FURTHER
BEYONDTHE BANKACCOUNT
“SavingandGrowing Your FinancesforDecember”
Decemberisamonthofcelebration,butit canalsostrainyourfinancesifnot managedcarefully.Herearesometipsto helpyousaveandgrowyourmoneysoyou canenjoythefestiveseasonwithout financialstress.
CreateaDecemberBudget
Startbylistingyourexpectedexpenses,including gifts,travel,food,anddecorations.Prioritizeessentials andsetarealisticspendinglimittoavoidgoing overboard.
SaveSmartlyitsnottoolate
Cutbackonunnecessaryexpensesnow,suchas takeawaysoreatingout,impulsepurchases,and redirectthatmoneyintoaDecembersavingsfund.Set upautomatictransferstoasavingsaccountandfocus onspecificgoals,likegift-buyingortravelcosts.
EarnExtraCash
Declutterandsellitemsyounolongeruseorstarta sidehustle,likebaking,crafting,oreventplanning. Smalleffortscanadduptomeaningfulholidayfunds.
SpendWisely
ConsiderDIYgiftsordecorationstosaveon costswhileaddingapersonaltouch.Shopearly totakeadvantageofdiscounts,andplan sharedexpenseslikegroupcontributionsfor mealsorgifts.
PlanforJanuary
SetasidemoneyforJanuarybillstoavoidpostholidayfinancialstress.Ifpossible,growyour emergencyfundtocushionanyunexpected expenses.
BeCarefulwithCredit
Usecreditcardssparingly,andonlyifyoucan repaybalancesquicklytoavoidhigh-interest charges.Lookforrewardsorcashbackoptions tooffsetholidayspending.
Bysavingsmartlyandplanningahead,you canenjoyajoyfulDecemberwithout financialworries.Maketheseasonabout whattrulymatterslikecherishedmoments withlovedonesandstepintothenewyear withconfidenceandfinancialsecurity.
