Leigh-Anne Williams

For this week’s Warrior Woman conversation, we’re shining the spotlight on Raisa Fisher-Abrahams, Founder and Director of I AM – A Creative Agency. Raisa has built her career around creating opportunities for artists, creatives and entrepreneurs, helping people not only find their voice and showcase their talents, but also develop the skills and confidence to move forward. For the past seven years, she has also been involved with the V&A Waterfront Buskers Programme as an Artist Development Partner, supporting performers and helping create platforms where artists can grow and be seen. Her commitment to creating meaningful opportunities extends beyond the creative industry too, including her support of the Yabonga Children’s Project. Now, through I AM READY, Raisa is creating a dedicated space for women who are ready to start, restart or grow — whether that means building a business, developing a personal brand, finding new opportunities or simply getting the support and confidence they need to take their next step.

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, making it a great opportunity to have an open and informative conversation about breastfeeding, the support mothers need, and some of the challenges they may experience along the way. While breastfeeding is natural, that doesn’t always mean it comes naturally or easily to every mother. There can be questions around milk supply, latching, feeding schedules, nutrition and simply knowing whether you’re doing things right.

GlenBridge Special School, formerly known as Glendale School, was founded in 1975 and caters for learners aged 6 to 18 with Profound Intellectual Disability, Severe Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The school focuses not only on education, but also on life skills, independence, confidence and preparing learners for the future. Senior learners take part in skills programmes and job- shadowing opportunities with businesses including McDonald's, Petworld and The Flower Farm. Learners also explore their creativity through activities such as dance and recently performed “Different Not Less” at the School Arts Festival at Artscape Theatre. GlenBridge;s message is simple: every learner has abilities, potential and something valuable to contribute.

Dr Aobakwe Segwe is a leading radiologist, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Centre of Medical Imaging. From building a successful healthcare practice in a traditionally male-dominated field to championing innovation, mentoring young healthcare professionals and encouraging young women to pursue careers in science and medicine, her journey is one of resilience, purpose and impact. She believes that behind every scan is a person waiting for answers — and that technology should ultimately serve people and improve patient care. We spoke about breaking barriers, women in leadership, innovation in healthcare and the legacy we leave by creating opportunities for those coming after us.

TOPIC Women in their 30s, 40s and 50s can experience significant changes in their bodies, energy, mood and overall wellbeing. Yet many women are still following outdated diet advice focused on eating less, cutting calories and chasing a particular number on the scale. Our conversation with Candice looks at how women can nourish themselves through their 30s, 40s and beyond, why under-eating can be a problem, and how nutrition can support energy, mood, gut health, inflammation and overall wellbeing. We also unpacked some of the confusion around supplements, protein, fibre and iron, and discuss how women can make healthier choices without becoming overwhelmed by conflicting information online.

Topic: Bridging the Gap: Making Quality Rehabilitation Accessible to All. Intro: South Africa has a major gap in access to rehabilitation. Enable Initiative, the nonprofit arm of Enable Centre, is working to make multidisciplinary rehabilitation more accessible through its Equal Access Programmed, subsidized therapy, community outreach clinics and support groups. For many people with disabilities, access to quality rehabilitation can be limited by financial circumstances, an overburdened healthcare system, a shortage of rehabilitation professionals, and challenges accessing follow-up care within their communities. In this edition of Disability 360, we explore why rehabilitation is essential healthcare, the barriers people with disabilities face, and how Enable Initiative is working to make rehabilitation more accessible.

Mpumi Nobiva, an award-winning international speaker, communication strategist and storyteller whose journey has inspired audiences around the world. Recognised by Oprah Winfrey in Forbes Women Africa, invited to speak at the Obama White House, and holding a Master's degree in Strategic Communications, Mpumi has spent more than 16 years helping people discover the power of their own stories. Growing up in South Africa, Mpumi lost her mother to HIV/AIDS at the age of nine and was raised by her grandmother. Despite facing adversity, she excelled as part of the first class of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls before pursuing her studies in the United States. Today, through her work with The Glow Era Collective, she empowers women to embrace their stories, find their voice and transform their lived experiences into purpose, confidence and impact.

We Were joined by Dr. Rendani Maboko, who has a special interest in women's health, including perimenopause, menopause, fertility and hormonal wellbeing. Many women experience hormonal changes throughout their lives, yet conversations around perimenopause and menopause are still surrounded by myths and misinformation. Today, we'll unpack what these life stages really look like, how hormones affect women from their reproductive years through menopause, what symptoms to look out for, when to seek medical advice, and why prioritising your own health is one of the most important things you can do.

Topic: Looking Beyond the Diagnosis: How Rehabilitation Restores Independence and Quality of Life. Dr Sumaya works with adults recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, neurological conditions and other complex medical conditions requiring comprehensive rehabilitation. She is passionate about helping patients regain their independence, improve their quality of life and challenging misconceptions surrounding disability. Dr Frank, who plays an integral role in ensuring the rehabilitation unit runs smoothly. He works closely with the multidisciplinary team, supporting patients and their families throughout the rehabilitation journey while helping create a welcoming, compassionate and positive environment. When we talk about rehabilitation, it's important to understand that not all rehabilitation is the same. While the public may use the term "rehabilitation unit" broadly, there are important differences between acute rehabilitation, sub-acute rehabilitation and step-down care, including the treatment approaches, intensity of care and expected outcomes.

Topic: Breaking the Cycle of Period Poverty: Restoring Dignity, Keeping Girls in School and Empowering the Next Generation Period poverty affects thousands of girls across South Africa, preventing many from attending school simply because they cannot afford menstrual hygiene products. Beyond the financial burden, it also impacts confidence, mental well- being, academic performance and future opportunities. Founded by Lindsay Adams, #AgainstPeriodPoverty is working to change that reality by providing sanitary products, menstrual health education, youth leadership programmes and innovative initiatives such as sanitary pad vending machines. Since its establishment, the organisation has supported more than 160 schools across the Western Cape, ensuring that girls can continue their education with dignity and confidence. More Info: Lindsay Adams is the Founder and CEO of #AgainstPeriodPoverty, a movement dedicated to restoring dignity and creating equal opportunities for girls through menstrual health advocacy and access to sanitary products. Her passion was sparked after witnessing two girls repeatedly miss school because they could not afford sanitary pads. What began as one act of compassion has grown into a nationally recognized organization that continues to transform the lives of thousands of young women. Today, #AgainstPeriodPoverty partners with schools, businesses, government departments and community organization's to provide menstrual hygiene products, menstrual health education, leadership development through the APP Ambassadors Programme and sustainable solutions that address period poverty. Vision To create a South Africa where every girl has access to menstrual hygiene products, clean running water, safe sanitation facilities and menstrual health education, allowing her to pursue her education, realize her full potential and live with dignity, confidence and hope. Mission To eliminate period poverty by providing menstrual hygiene products, promoting menstrual health education, advocating for access to clean water and safe sanitation, developing future leaders through the APP Ambassadors Programme and building sustainable partnerships that empower girls and strengthen communities.

Topic: The ''Empathy Tax'' – The Hidden Financial Cost of Caring As South Africa's population ages, more adults, especially women are finding themselves caring for aging parents while also managing careers, raising children, and running households. This often comes at a hidden personal cost known as the "Empathy Tax'' It refers to the emotional, financial, and career sacrifices people make while caring for loved ones. Research shows that women are more likely to: ● Reduce their working hours or leave employment to become caregivers. ● Miss out on promotions and career growth. ● Spend a significant portion of their own income on caring for family members. ● Experience higher levels of stress, burnout and financial strain. Experts also refer to this as the ''daughterhood penalty'' highlighting how daughters often become the primary caregivers for ageing parents. As South Africans continue to face the rising cost of living, these responsibilities can become even more challenging, making conversations around planning, support systems and shared caregiving more important than ever.

Talking Points: Invisible Disability A topic that affects millions of people but is often overlooked because these conditions aren't immediately apparent. When many people hear the word disability, they tend to think of a visible physical disability, such as someone using a wheelchair, a walking aid or a white cane. However, not all disabilities can be seen. Many people live with conditions that are physical, neurological, developmental or related to mental health, and although they may appear "fine" on the outside, they face significant challenges every day. We're focusrf on invisible disabilities—conditions that aren''t always obvious to others but can have a profound impact on a persons daily life. Joining us to unpack this important conversation is Occupational Therapist Mapitso.

Mandy Smerdon is the Director of Forklift Handling, a proudly South African material handling business that has earned recognition as one of the Financial Times Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2026. With an extensive background in business development and sales, Mandy has built her career on creating meaningful customer relationships, delivering practical solutions and leading with integrity. She chats to Noni Radebe (who stands in for Leigh-Anne Williams) about her incredible career and how she has become a strong advocate for encouraging more women to pursue careers in technical and industrial fields.

As organisations rush to adopt artificial intelligence, much of the conversation has focused on productivity, efficiency and  competitive advantage. Far less attention has been paid to what happens to people’s mental health when work becomes faster, more monitored, more uncertain and potentially never-ending. Prof Renata Schoeman, Head of Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School, chats to Noni Radebe (who stands in for Leigh-Anne Williams) about how AI may represent one of the most significant workplace mental health challenges organisations have faced, not because machines are replacing humans overnight, but because AI is changing the pace, expectations and psychological experience of work. 

Nombasa Bungane is an award-winning agricultural entrepreneur, social innovator, and the Founder and Managing Director of NBC Agriprocessors Pty Ltd, the company behind Nutritana. Originally from Khayelitsha in Cape Town, she holds a Diploma in Agricultural Sciences from Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute and is a registered Candidate Natural Scientist. She chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about her passion for women empowerment, food security, nutrition, and community development.

There is a reason why they say traveling with small kids is like looking after your children… just in a different location. Parents of young children often get nervous about traveling with their little ones. Whether it’s just for a night or two, or with one, two, or even more kids, the worry is not unfounded. Looking after our children can be challenging even at home. Once you finally establish a routine, and especially once your baby starts sleeping well, it can feel quite stressful to imagine being in a different environment and wondering how they will handle the change. Jolandi Becker, Managing Director at Good Night and spokesperson for BabyWombWorld, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about some simple things parents can do while they’re away to make the transition back to normal life and regular sleep schedules much easier.

More than 700 volunteers came together at GrandWest Casino on 7 July to pack an incredible 129,600 nutritious meals in support of Rise Against Hunger Africa's annual Mandela Month campaign, demonstrating the remarkable impact that can be achieved when communities unite behind a common purpose. Dayne Myles, Head of Programmes at Rise Against Hunger, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about how these events will provide another opportunity for teams to honour Mandela's legacy through meaningful service while contributing towards the ambitious goal of packing 3 million meals during July.

In this inspiring and informative episode, Leigh-Anne Williams sits down with renowned orthopaedic limb reconstruction specialist Dr. Franz Birkholtz to explore the life-changing world of osseointegration – an innovative procedure that’s giving amputees a new lease on life. Dr. Birkholtz explains how this groundbreaking surgery differs from traditional prosthetics, who qualifies for the procedure, and why it’s transforming mobility, comfort and independence for many patients. 

Estherline Meyer is the founder of Leap of Faith Elderly Day Care, a unique community-based daycare centre for senior citizens in Grassy Park, Cape Town. A devoted wife, mother, sister and friend, Estherline spent 12 years working as an administrative assistant at the Department of Health before making the life-changing decision to leave her career in 2024 and pursue what she believed was God’s calling for her life. She chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about her amazing organisation and how people can get involved. 

South African employees are feeling the strain of rising living costs, financial uncertainty and increasing workplace demands, making burnout one of the defining workplace challenges of 2026 With higher transport costs, rising food prices and ongoing economic pressure, many employees are carrying significant stress long before they arrive at work. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), nearly one in three South Africans will experience a mental health challenge during their lifetime, yet many never seek professional help. Damian McHugh, Chief Marketing Officer at Momentum Health, about the biggest factors driving burnout in the workplace right now and shares some practical steps can they take to protect their mental wellbeing.

Iris House provides free community-based respite care in 62 communities throughout the Western Cape. Their fully trained carers are dispatched to your home to care for your special need child for up to six hours, allowing our parents time to relax, shop, and enjoy some much-needed downtime. Sue van der Linde, Founder & Chairman of Iris House Children’s Hospice, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about her incredible organisation and how people can get involved. 

Benita Ardenbaum is a top divorce and family lawyer in South Africa with over 30 years of experience in Family Law, Divorce Law, and personal law. Admitted to appear in the High Court of South Africa, she began her legal career as a prosecutor, honing her strategic litigation skills. She is widely recognised for her expertise in high-conflict and high net worth divorces, both domestic and international, as well as international family law, cross-border child relocation and abduction, and the enforcement of maintenance orders. She chats to Noni Radebe (who stands in for Leigh-Anne Williams) about her incredible career and shares some advice to young women about building confidence and a successful career in the 21st century. 

Pregnancy might just be the single most intricate, miraculous and often demanding task the female body can perform. If you really think about it, your body has been preparing for this task since you were a teenager going through puberty. Nutrition is important in all stages of life, from infancy to seniority, but especially during pregnancy. Your diet will not only affect your own body, but that of your baby.Caréne Joubert, Founder of Bump to babe and spokesperson for BabyWombWorld, chats to Noni Radebe (who stands in for Leigh-Anne Williams) about the biggest myths we hear about pregnant women, which is “eating for two”: is it true? 

Atlantis School of Skills is a school for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) school situated in Atlantis, which caters for learners who have experienced barriers to learning in mainstream schools. Zhanley Sauls, Athletics Coordinator at the Atlantis School of Skills, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about how many of their learners struggled to cope with the pace and demands of traditional mainstream classrooms, particularly in the areas of literacy, numeracy, communication, and life skills. However, their aim is to equip learners with the skills, confidence, and independence needed to become productive members of society.

The City’s unique Protect Your Power campaign focuses on a shared ownership of electrical equipment and infrastructure in our communities. The streetlights, mini substations, cables are the quiet neighbours – they are part of the neighbourhood and if we look after them, they will look after us. Alderman Xanthea Limberg, Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about the Protect Your Power campaign. 

Professor Liesl Zuhlke, a paediatric cardiologist and Vice President of the South African Medical Research Council, who received the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award 2026, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about her incredible career and being awarded for improving care for children with heart conditions, particularly rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which is a neglected illness with one of the highest cardiovascular mortality rates among children worldwide. Her research has made pioneering contributions to preventing and treating childhood-onset cardiac disease, while improving the detection, management and long-term treatment of cardiovascular disease in women. 

When it comes to healthcare, avoidance is rarely discussed, but it is far more common than many realise. Across South Africa, young people are delaying or avoiding clinic visits, particularly when it comes to sensitive health concerns. Whether it is sexual health, reproductive care, or early symptoms of a potential condition, the decision to “wait it out” is often influenced by more than just cost or convenience. It is about comfort. And more importantly, privacy. Luvuyo Maloka from Unu Health chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about why so many young South Africans are avoiding clinics and healthcare facilities, even when they know something might be wrong. 

Shannon Benting has been named Miss Supranational South Africa 2026. She will represent South Africa at the Miss Supranational 2026 pageant, which will be held on 31 July in Nowy Sącz, Poland. She sits down with Leigh-Anne Williams about being  a content creator and the founder of Beauty in Action, an initiative that focuses on mentorship, skills development and community outreach for underserved youth. She shares more about how she is honoured to represent South Africa on the international stage, and her hopes on inspiring the next generation of women to be their most authentic self. 

In a world flooded with information, it can be difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. When it comes to skincare, there is plenty of misinformation doing the rounds. From viral TikTok beauty advice to celebrity claims and misleading marketing, the media and social media are filled with advice you shouldn’t be taking. And then there are the trends. It only takes a few hours for a beauty trend to go viral on social media, but if the information isn’t coming from a qualified expert, how can you be sure that it’s safe? Biomedical scientist and founder of Biomedical Emporium Skincare, Dr Judey Pretorius, gives us her professional opinion on some of the biggest beauty trends doing the round.

While women are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, psychiatrists warn that men are far less likely to seek help, often delaying support until symptoms have already escalated into crisis. On average, one in eight men will have depression and one in five men will experience anxiety at some stage of their lives. Dr Zama Dlamini, Member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about Men’s Mental Health Month, and why is seeking help a sign of strength rather than weakness. 

According to a local study, nearly one third (30.2%) of South Africans struggle with nocturnal sleep problems, with far-reaching implications for mood, concentration, productivity and long-term cardiovascular health. While many people dismiss poor sleep as a normal part of modern life, Dr Sarel Theron, Neurologist from Mediclinic Durbanville, cautions that chronic sleep disruption can be more serious than it appears. 

Arlene Steyl, Co-founder of WeThinkCode, and Founder Managing Director of DireWolf, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about how her organisation, which has helped nearly 1,000 people find jobs in the last decade without charging them a cent. She shares more about her incredible story and advice for young women hoping to make a difference in their lives.

Taryn Hunter Sharman is South Africa’s new Entrepreneur of the Year. She is the co-founder of advertising and communications agency Faith & Fear, as well as The Brave Collective, an inclusive women’s empowerment community. She chats to Irma G about her incredible journey. 

As International Skin Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on prevention and early detection, the conversation around skincare shifts from aesthetics to something far more vital: protection, education, and long-term health. Skin cancer remains one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer worldwide, yet awareness gaps still exist, especially when it comes to early detection and childhood sun protection.

Huis Andries Olivier is a residential care facility in Durbanville dedicated to supporting adults living with quadriplegia and paraplegia. Andrew Grobler, from the organisation, chats to Irma G about what they do and how people can assist them through volunteer work or donations.

Talitha Oosthuizen, 1st Princess Mrs South Africa, is doing a host of humanitarian and wildlife conservation work that includes working with children’s homes, fighting human trafficking and rhino poaching. She is on a mission with an initiative to make Matric Ball dreams come true for 1,000 girls in SA, and chats to Irma about how people can donate to the cause and help those in need on their special day. 

We all know how it feels to wake up with your heart pounding and your mind grappling to determine what is real and what was just part of whichever horrible scenario it managed to dream up – was it just a nightmare or was it night terrors? Jolandi Becker, Managing Director at Good Night & Spokesperson for BabyWombWorld, chats to Irma about what a parent should do in the moment, and what should they avoid doing.

During the past 21 years the 1000 Women Trust and Good Hope FM collaborate on the 1000 Women 1 Voice event at the CTICC. Tina Thiart, Co-Founder of 1000 Women Trust, sits down with Irma to share more about the organisation and how people can get tickets for the event in December. 

Reach For A Dream’s cosiest annual fundraiser, Slipper Day, is back on 29 May 2026. Since 2011, Slipper Day has united the nation in support of children facing serious or life-threatening diseases. At the heart of this year’s Slipper Day are Fuzzy Facts, playful, believable claims about slippers that are difficult to prove but offer entertainment while sparking curiosity about the foundation.Julia Sotirianakos, Reach For A Dream CEO, chats to Irma G about how people can get involved. 

Global trailblazer and Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi is one of South Africa’s most celebrated exports. Widely respected for her powerful advocacy on gender-based violence, education, and women’s empowerment, Zozi brings intelligence, authenticity and international prestige to Top Billing, offering a fresh lens on modern success and storytelling. She chats to Irma G about her new TV adventure, married life and what to expect from the future. 

The kids have finally flown the nest, and you have all the time in the world to do whatever you please, but instead find yourself tearful and sad, struggling with a loss of meaning or an overwhelming sense of worry about your child’s wellbeing. The good news is that what you’re experiencing has a name – empty nest syndrome (ENS) – and it’s a common response for parents when their children leave home. But how do you know if it’s simply ENS, or something more serious? Dr. Michele Rogers, Consultant Psychiatrist at Mediclinic Constantiaberg, chats to Irma G about the syndrome, the warning signs it may be more serious and offers practical advice on how to rebuild a sense of purpose and identity after the children leave home.  

It’s no secret that tweens and teens are taking the beauty world by storm. Social media is filled with thousands of videos of children as young as ten rushing into beauty stores to buy the latest skincare launches, then showing off their “haul” for the camera. Dr Judey Pretorius, Founder and Managing Director of BioMedical Emporium, chats to Irma G about the safest, simplest routine you recommend for tweens and teens, and what ingredients should they absolutely avoid.

TIME has named Sabrina Walter, founder of Women For Change, to the 2026 TIME100, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. She sits down with Irma G (who stands in for Leigh-Anne Williams) about her incredible organisation, which mobilised the Purple Movement, generating more than 2 billion impressions in 2025. Together, they brought over 1.1 million people behind a national petition, all of which contributed to the classification of gender-based violence and femicide as a National Disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 20 November 2025.

Janet Pillai is a businesswoman, Certified Director (CD(SA))®, board member, and Chief Operating Officer at Inuversal Group, where she oversees the organisation’s operational strategy, performance, governance frameworks, and execution across business units. In this role, she ensures efficiency, scalability, and sustainable growth: offering rare insight into how high-performing organisations operate behind the scenes. She chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about her extraordinary career and what is in store for her in the future.   

For over three decades, Karen Visagie, PR and On-Air Promotions Coordinator at GHFM, has been a mother figure for all of the staff at the station. She is officially hanging up her headphones and heading into retirement, but before that, Leigh-Anne Williams sits down with her to find out more about her incredible career and what life looks like for her in the future. 

Parkinson’s ZA, a national patient advocacy organisation dedicated to raising awareness, providing support and advocating for improved care for people living with Parkinson's disease.Trevor Lobel, a Person with Parkinson’s Disease and a member of Parkinson’s South Africa group in Kenilworth, Cape Town, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams, about what the very first signs that something wasn’t right, the emotional impact of living with something that people can’t always see or understand and how people can get help. 

The Carel du Toit Centre is based at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, and focuses on early intervention for deaf and hearing-impaired children. Louise Eksteen, CDT Trust Director, and Sarah Lange, Head of Audiology at Carel du Toit Centre, chat to Irma G (who stands in for Leigh-Anne Williams) about the unveiling of CHAT and funding needs of the Centre as well as early intervention and the deaf/hearing impaired.

Lynita Crofford is a seasoned performer with a degree in Drama and over 35 years of experience across theatre, film, radio and television. In 2020, she received a Naledi Theatre Award for her portrayal of Alice B. Toklas in Gertrude Stein and a Companion, a role that also earned her the Best Actress Award at the 2019 International Dublin Theatre Festival. She sits down with Leigh-Anne Williams, who she mentored when she started in the industry, to share more about her incredible journey and what she has to store for the future. 

Conversations around eye health are being shaped by both modern pressures and rapid innovation. Among these advancements, procedures such as permanent eye-colour change are beginning to emerge - made possible by advances in surgical precision and reinforced by long-term clinical outcomes. Dr Rob Daniel, an ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon with over two decades of experience, is the first surgeon in South Africa to receive specialised international training in FLAAK (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Annular Keratopigmentation). He chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about what this operation entails, debunks some of the myths and fears around permanent eye-colour change, and explains how people can protect their eyes in general. 

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the incredible work of the Cape Town Society for the Blind (CTSB), which is an organisation that has been empowering blind and visually impaired individuals since 1929. Sergil January, the Awareness Officer at the organisation, chats to Leigh-Anne Williams about the vital role CTSB plays in the community, from providing training and education programmes to offering assistive resources that help individuals build independence and confidence. We also unpack how the organisation supports people who lose their sight later in life, helping them adapt to a new reality with dignity and hope.