“Make measurable progress in reasonable time.” – Jim Rohn
As we near the end of 2023 it is again time to review the goals I set at the beginning of the year
My 2023 Life Purposes and Goals in Review
My Life’s Purposes
Fill the world with kindness and love [did my best]
Make a difference – level the playing field for people who were born with the cards stacked against them [did my best]
Change perceptions about differently-abled people [did my best]
2023 Goals
Continue to be kind, honest, generous, grateful, loyal and filled with wonderment
Every day be the best SuperSidekick to Superhero Catherine Constantinides (she’s the best, most hardworking real-life Superhero I’ve ever met she totally deserves me forever and no matter what else I’m doing in life I will always be here for her)
Maintain and strengthen my deep friendship with Michelle Rielly
Sign up 5-10 cot guardians for Breath of Life and additionally raise at least R32 000 (Breath of Life is a place of safety for vulnerable babies here in my city I JUST LOVE THEIR WORK) [raised more than R32 000 but the cot guardians plans changed]
Be a great support to Abigail Boshoff [I have tried and will continue to]
Focus on wellness – have good diet, exercise, good sleep, gratitude and get more sun [need to work on sleep, exercise and diet]
Go on a boat cruise here in East London with Southern Cross Cruises -hopefully see whales or dolphins [failed]
Practice Patience [tried sometimes]
Become financially free [failed]
Teach kids and adults worldwide that Different Is COOL [did my best]
Continue to raise awareness about the Western Sahara conflict – the Western Sahara has been illegally occupied by Morocco since 1975 due to the fact that it’s rich in natural and though the UN promised a referendum in 1991 it has yet to come to pass meanwhile half of the Saharawi People have been living in the refugee camps in Algeria since 1975 [did my best]
Choose people who choose me [I’m trying]
Read 24+ books [read 12 books]
Plant 1-5 trees [somebody else planted the trees oonn my behalf during the Knysna reforestation project]
Do 32+ good deeds [I wasn’t counting but I’m sure i surpassed my goal]
My Superhero Catherine Constantinides at Glamour South Africa’s Women of the Year Awards (Image credit @thesatarsisters_photography on Instagram and Catherine Constantinides (@changeagentsa on Instagram)
“Those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23: 12
Two days ago at Glamour South Africa‘s Women of the Year Awards My Superhero Catherine Constantinides, who has devoted her life to serving others both locally and globally, was honoured with a Humanitarian Game Changer Award. I’m so proud of her she truly deserves it I sincerely feel like MY Christmas came a month early. My heart is full!!
@ChangeAgentSA, climate activist and agent of change; who showcases a life that is shaped and moulded by a relentless passion for people and planet. GLAMOUR Women of the Year 2023, HUMANITARIAN Game Changer Award goes to Catherine Constantinides. South African thought leader, Humanitarian and Climate Activist, who is focused on food, energy, water security, and waste management, a social entrepreneur, social justice activist and human rights defender.
The event was hosted on Saturday evening, at Langham’s Lifestyle Estate; boasting GLAMOUR and women of absolute substance. The Glamour Awards honoured and celebrated the women that have been selected as game-changing in their field. Hosted, annually by Glamour magazine. The Women of the Year awards honour “extraordinary and inspirational” women from a variety of fields, including entertainment, business, sports, music, science, medicine, education and politics.
This dynamic woman has travelled the world and worked hands on in some of the world’s most forgotten communities. Her consistent commitment for sustainable development and climate action is evident in the endless work that her organisation and programmes have achieved over the past two decades. Catherine has spoken at global platforms and has served at the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva and at the UN Security Council in New York; she was the Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony at the World Youth Forum in Egypt where she addressed an audience 5000 strong, which was broadcast to more than 10Million people.
Constantinides, has been listed as one of Africa’s Top 100 Young People, has been given accolades by government, institutions and global entities. She is a Mail and Guardian Top “100 South Africans to have lunch with”, listed in SA’s second season of 21 Icons, an Archbishop Tutu African Oxford Fellow and Mandela Washington Fellow. Catherine was also named as one of the 100 Mandela’s of The Future, the acknowledgment of her climate and humanitarian work is endless.
She works actively as a human rights defender who has worked in conflict zones around the world from Afghanistan, to Syria and Lebanon, Kashmir, Cyprus and the Western Sahara, Africa’s Last Colony.
On receiving the award Constantinides humbly stated, “This is not for me… it is for the heroes that believe and support my work, they walk this journey alongside me. It is for the humanitarians on the frontlines who don’t have a platform from which to speak. It is for the doctors and aid workers on the ground that see the worst of humanity, but still continue their work. It is by the grace of God that I stand before you, grateful and thankful, for the recognition of my work. I pay tribute to my young son, who shares his mother with people in need and enables me to do the work I do.”
You can find Catherine on all social media platforms @ChangeAgentSA
A moment unforgettable for My Superhero Catherine Constantinides at Glamour South Africa’s Women of the Year Awards (Image credit @thesatarsisters_photography on Instagram and Catherine Constantinides (@changeagentsa on Instagram)
A well-deserved award for the hardest-working Superhero in the WORLD (Image credit: @thesatarsisters_photography on Instagram and Catherine Constantinides (@changeagentsa on Instagram)
MISS EARTH SOUTH AFRICA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AT THEIR GALA EVENING, ANNOUNCING THE 2023 WINNERS
Earth Warriors Celebrate 20 Years of Impact
The Miss Earth South Africa leadership programme proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary at a gala dinner at the Southern Sun Sandton in Johannesburg on Saturday, where the announcement of their 2023 winners took place. Four exceptional women who have demonstrated their commitment to protecting and conserving our precious natural environment will now continue their green journey as earth warriors for the nation.
More than an ordinary beauty pageant, Miss Earth South Africa has been at the forefront of promoting environmental sustainability and empowering young women to be environmental advocates. For two decades, Miss Earth has been a global platform that showcases not only the graceful elegance of its finalists but also their dedication to making their country a greener, more sustainable place. This unique programme encourages participants to actively engage in community activities that address critical environmental issues, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility and sustainability. The winners of this year’s Miss Earth South Africa have not only exemplified active citizenry but have also embraced the ideals of environmental stewardship. Their dedication to community and environmental causes is a testament to the programme’s mission and its impact over the past twenty years.
ABOUT THE WINNERS
3rd runner up, Miss Fire: Zama-Shandu Mbatha is a 26-year-old attorney from Johannesburg. She’s a part time commercial model, MC, host and beauty enthusiast.
2nd runner up, Miss Water: Duduzile Mbobo is an aspiring Earth Warrior and an industrial engineering student at Wits University. She enjoys practicing Iyengar Yoga in her spare time loves spending time with her family, friends and dogs.
1st runner up, Miss Air: Belindѐ Schreuder is from the capital city, Pretoria. She is a small business owner, make-up artist, and third year communications student at UNISA.
The winner, Miss Earth South Africa 2023: Zabelo Hlabisa hails from Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. She’s a social entrepreneur, event planner, modelling coach and a digital content creator. More so this young woman from KwaZulu-Natal is also a traditional healer who is passionate about the importance and power of indigenous knowledge.
The keynote speaker, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in South Africa Mr Nelson Muffuh said, “The Miss Earth South Africa programme serves as an exemplary model of female-led leadership in environmental advocacy. It exemplifies the transformative power of female leadership and active citizenship in addressing environmental changes. It’s therefore a pleasure for me to express the United Nations’ appreciation of Miss Earth for the incredible work they are doing in empowering young South African women as environmental ambassadors – torchbearers and change makers for sustainable development.”
The National Finalists and Winners have been spoilt with gifts and treatments from Skin Renewal, Europa Art, Lanza Healing Hair, chocolates from Ferrero Roche, sparkling wine from Michelle By KayN, Silverlining gumboots, skin care gifts from Panier Des Sens, Europa Art and treatments from Laser Boutique and Smile Connections for teeth whitening.
Glow couture spray tan, David Green Eyewear, Roar Fit gym, Eurolux lightening, Life Day Spar spa da, Gebco 3sixty and Wildroute Environmental, other partners and sponsors involved are Brand South Africa, Southern Sun, Servest, Proudly SA, Newsclip Media Monitoring, Interwaste, Plastics SA and SAPPI.
“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Miss Earth South Africa, we recognize the remarkable journey it has undertaken in promoting environmental awareness and action. This milestone highlights the positive impact that the programme has had, inspiring countless individuals to become advocates for the planet,” says Miss Earth South Africa Executive Director, Catherine Constantinides, “We’re so excited to be celebrating this incredible milestone. Only a fraction of the work we do in the various communities makes it to social and mainstream media, but what matters the most is the 20 years of actual, measurable impact that the programme has helped to facilitate over the years. It is all about the impact, action and advocacy.”
Since inception, the programme has planted 55 000 trees across South Africa and has impacted countless communities across all provinces and communities throughout the rainbow nation. This leadership programme remains committed to its core values of promoting environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability. The programme’s continued success reflects the global community’s growing awareness of the urgent need to protect our natural world.
As part of the 20-year celebrations, the Miss Earth SA winners will be taking part in several clean-up campaigns across the country this coming weekend as part of International Clean Up Day and they will continue their environmental advocacy in their communities as they drive the #WasteStopsWithME programme and sustainability initiatives.
We congratulate the four extraordinary winners of this year’s Miss Earth South Africa and commend them for their dedication to creating a more environmentally sustainable future. Their achievements embody the essence of Miss Earth – leadership with a purpose. For more information on the Miss Earth South Africa, be sure to follow us on the platforms below.
Instagram: @missearth_sa
Twitter: @missearth_sa
Facebook: Miss Earth South Africa
TikTok: @missearth_sa
ABOUT MISS EARTH SOUTH AFRICA
The Miss Earth South Africa is a leadership and empowerment programme for young women. The objective is to provide these young women with the skills and knowledge to tackle different social and environmental issues within their communities as ambassadors and pillars of strength as they step into the world. Through this programme they can make a direct and meaningful impact for people and planet.
We extensively engage, educate & champion issues pertaining to the environment, the challenges and solutions that can help us better respect our Mother Earth. The Miss Earth South Africa leadership programme is about bringing sustainability to the fore, allowing our partners, stakeholders and communities to rethink their own impact, carbon footprint, value chain and operations.
Zoning in on issues of sustainable fashion, eco-tourism, food security, waste management and the mitigation of the effects of climate change are all very much a part of the powerful umbrella of work undertaken by the organisation.
In partnership with Southern Sun, Skin Renewal, Europa Art and Brand South Africa the Miss Earth SA hosted a gala dinner in celebration of their 20-year anniversary with a keynote address by Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in South Africa Mr Nelson Muffuh. With the goal of planting 55 000 trees during Arbour Month, these young women are movers and shakers of the communities.
“When you live in the moment, you won’t miss a thing.” – Unknown
My July consisted of love, laughter, baby giggles and a real-life miracle at Breath of Life. Thank you to Abigail, Christo and my Breath of Life family for always keeping your doors open to me it is a privilege I never take for granted.
Etching myself into Breath of Life with the help of my mom, Abigail Boshoff (House Mom of Breath of Life) and the Breath of Life team
Every day we create a legacy sometimes even without realizing it.
Five years ago when I first rolled into Breath of Life I never thought I would touch the lives of more than 126 children which is why I was so moved when Breath of Life called me two days ago to invite me to have my hand imprinted on the floor I moved Heaven and Earth to be there because I realized they wanted to cement me into the identity of the organization and I could think of no greater honour.
Our second imprint in honour of Michelle Rielly, former House Mom at Breath of Life
Dreams are a prelude to reality – thats what I KNOW.
I have a dream I dream of being in an international ad campaign for TAG Heuer, a luxury brand of incredible watches, I want to be brand ambassador because I value my time here on Earth – very few people dare to paraglide even though they’ve never walked two steps on solid ground, very few people have loved and let go of 126 babies (and counting!) even though parenthood was technically never meant to be in the cards for them…nobody is me and that is my power. I BELIEVE IN ME, the question is, Mr. Frédéric Arnault (CEO of TAG Heuer), do you?
“This book is about the melancholic direction, which I call the “bittersweet”: a tendency to states of longing, poignancy, and sorrow; an acute awareness of passing time; and a curiously piercing joy at the beauty of the world. The bittersweet is also about the recognition that light and dark, birth and death—bitter and sweet—are forever paired. “Days of honey, days of onion,” as an Arabic proverb puts it.” ― Susan Cain, Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole
Over the past few months, I’ve been deathly quiet on this blog because I’ve been grieving the losses that have happened in my life but after I finished reading Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Wholeby Susan Cain I realized that everybody will die or leave, everything that begins will end and every ending is a start of a new beginning and yes, it will hurt when life happens but we feel the hurt and move forward (with the grief) accepting that love and loss are two sides of the same coin – we can’t have one without the other. Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole has been my favourite book of the year (so far) it has taught me so much about love and grief I would recommend this book to everyone because it’s truly about the human condition.
As of yesterday we’ve surpassed my #Nisha32 campaign benefitting Breath of Life, , a place of safety for abandoned babies here in East London, South Africa, the original goal was R32 000 and with two days to go till my birthday so far we’ve raised R32 767. I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped out…truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. The page remains open and accepting donations anyone still wishing to make a donation can do so at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/nisha-32
R32 267 raised. Thank you all so much. The page will remain open and accepting donations if you would still like to make a donation you can do so at https://t.co/zNls88gBis ($11.65 added since the recording of this video) #Nisha32pic.twitter.com/3nGXEoCWmH
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
On February 27th 2023 I again started actively fundraising again for Breath of Life – a place of safety here in East London, South Africa, that homes abandoned and vulnerable babies – but this time I’m aiming to raise R32 000 in honour of my upcoming 32nd birthday (happening on March 25th) and 32nd year of life. If you wish to donate you can do so at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/nisha-32 and kindly share the campaign on social media using #Nisha32
“Time is the most valuable thing that a man can spend.” — Diogenes
On January 20th 2018 I entered the Breath of Life house to drop of diapers and I sort of forgot to leave – 5 years and 126 babies later (for me) a lot has changed but my love for and commitment to the babies in that nursery is stronger than ever.
Thank you to Michelle Rielly who first welcomed me into the Breath of Life nursery, thank you to Abigail Boshoff who continues to make me feel welcome in the Breath of Life nursery and thank you to our team of baby caregivers, staff and volunteers who love and look after our babies
The hardworking baby caregivers and babies enjoying the summer day in the courtyard at Breath of Life
