Five businesswomen from Makhado (Louis Trichardt) are on their way to represent the town at the gala Woman of the Year ceremony, hosted by the South African Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SACCI).

This event, according to the chairperson of the Soutpansberg Chamber of Commerce, Ms Lize Strauss, is designed to reward a special businesswoman who has shown integrity, creativity, a deep understanding of business, decisiveness and an inspirational and entrepreneurial spirit.

The announcement was made during a gala evening held at the Mountain Inn Hotel last Thursday.

The five local nominees will compete on a national level with other women from around the country. They are Dawn Smit of Pest Control, Louise Smit of Salon Lu-iz, Andél Greyling of Anhetico Eiendomme, Bev Leach of Leach Printers and Elmien van der Goot (physiotherapist).

The criteria according to which these women will be judged include, among others, the initiative and foresight they show in their day-to-day operations, evident achievements after January 2004, changes that they have brought about and the positive difference they have made to the lives of their community.

Wishing them well and seeing them off was Gretha Wiid, who was the guest speaker during the gala.