Business Women's Association appoints new president

Farzanah Mall, president, Business Women’s Association of South Africa (BWA)

Mall is a director in the Advisory - Risk Consulting division at KPMG South Africa and the former regional chairperson of the BWA KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). She brings with her over 15 years of experience in providing risk consulting, governance, strategy and business development services to a number of key organisations in South Africa and internationally.

Mall has been instrumental in building KZN BWA's credibility as one of the strongest regions of the association through raising sponsorship and lobbying for support, facilitating leadership dialogues and debates, significantly growing all BWA projects for the benefit of members, increasing media and marketing reach, appointing effective committee members to support BWA initiatives and building strong relationships in the private and public sector.

"I am honoured, humbled and grateful to have been trusted by the board with leading an association that continues to grow and develop so many businesswomen," says Mall.

Passion to help

"I've always had a passion for helping others, particularly growing leaders and in the last five years my greatest joy has been to observe the magic and impact to lives when a great team comes together, to work collectively for the betterment of others. This has led to influential business leaders supporting and commending us for the key role we play in the economy," she said.

A proud mentor to young women from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, Mall has had the opportunity to participate in a number of forums on gender diversity and issues facing women in the workplace and has successfully launched mentorship and leadership programmes.

Commenting on her election as vice president, Melanie Chong said, "I am excited about working with the BWA's respective stakeholders to address the remarkable opportunities facing the BWA as it continues to provide a platform for the inspiration and empowerment of women in business in South Africa and beyond through lobbying, mentoring, networking, strategic alliances, and developing and recognising excellence in women.

"We strive to help businesswomen to develop on multiple dimensions being personal, professional and business and to create opportunities to grow their businesses. I am particularly passionate about developing and maintaining relationships with our key stakeholders which includes other non-profits, government, foreign embassies and most importantly our members. We as women have come a long way but still have a long way to go."