Page 10 - KZN Top Business Women 2022 Powed by DRG & BusinessFit SA

The three finalists were chosen out of more than women are the backbone of a community and
CHERRY ARMSTRONG, FOUNDER OF 1000 entrants in their category. In 2018, Cherry my inspiration.”
‘CELEBRATE LIFE SA’ was recognised by the SA Chamber of Commerce
UK’s Annual Business and Community Awards When asked who has inspired her on this
for Serving Community in South Africa. In 2017, journey, Cherry commented, “I think I probably
HERRY ARMSTRONG is the director she received the Durban Solid Waste ‘Clean inspired myself on my journey, as I’ve learnt
and founder of the NPC, ‘Celebrate Communities’ Award for Empowering Women in so much along the way. There are so many
Life SA’, where the key focus is on Disadvantaged Communities. inspiring people, one of which for me is Dr Thuli
Cthe empowerment of women in rural Madonsela, who is so humble. I am also inspired
communities locally and nationally. Another successful achievement close to the by the amazing women in the communities, who
heart of ‘Celebrate Life’ is that of their ‘Ubuntu are so grateful for what we do with them and the
Cherry was born in Nairobi, Kenya and moved to Micro Bakery Project’. This is a national project difference these projects bring into their lives.”
South Africa at the age of three with her family. that changes the lives of hundreds of women

Her passion for people led her into the field for the better, every year. The project consists EDUCATION IS INTEGRAL
of nursing, where after matriculating from of a wood fired oven with two drawers and a The challenge most experienced in the
Pietermaritzburg Girls High School, she trained chimney that can be put into any rondavel or communities, has been education, simply
to become a professional nurse. For the past 18 home in the middle of nowhere and includes because our young people in general, have not
– 20 years Cherry has worked in communities as training women to become entrepreneurial been taught to be entrepreneurs. Cherry believes
a project manager in the field of clinical trials in bakers. ‘Celebrate Life’ fundraises for the oven that this skill should be taught from a young age
oncology, neurology, rheumatology, TB, and HIV. and baking utensils, down to a wooden spoon, so that individuals can be self-sufficient, look
and the training. The women are trained for a after themselves, earn their own income and not
She said, “My nursing career took me into period of three days to a week, and then are rely on government or handouts. Education is
palliative care, which enabled me to care for mentored for a year. These little ovens produce therefore an integral part of this initiative.
many people dying from cancer and HIV, while an amazing eight loaves of bread per hour. The
working in the communities.” women also make muffins, pizzas, cinnamon Being a leader that surges forward with what
buns and more and in so doing, build their she believes in, Cherry has not encountered too
In 1994, long before ‘beauty spas’ were own bakery businesses which are so beneficial many personal challenges. The main challenge
established, she opened the first Anti Stress to the communities where often there is as with any NPO, is keeping it going with ongoing,
Clinic called Stresstique. Cherry then ran her not even a spaza shop. The income from the consistent fundraising, applying for grants, and
own company – Global Clinical Research (Pty) Ltd, bakery is therefore, recirculated in and by the the admin that accompanies this.
which she closed just before the Covid lockdown community.
in March 2020. PAVING THEIR OWN JOURNEY
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
In between managing her clinical research Cherry advises young people to empower
company, Cherry, together with a group of twelve The main purpose of ‘Celebrate Life’ is to themselves by doing something they love and
adventurous and motivated ladies, decided make a tangible difference in the lives of rural are passionate about. “They don’t necessarily
to climb Mount Kilimanjaro together to raise communities by empowering women who need to study at university to achieve,” she says,
one million rand for Hospice. This adventure previously felt hopeless and helpless, feeding “they can upskill themselves as entrepreneurs
with a cause, led to the birth of the NPC called children who haven’t had a solid meal, and and pave their own journey forward.”
‘Celebrate Life SA’ which she registered in 2005. implementing projects that are sustainable
and uplifting. Looking to the future, Cherry’s goal is keeping
Since climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2005, the Ubuntu Micro Bakery Project going on for
the group have taken on several challenging The benefits of the bakery empowerment posterity because of its impact. She is also in
endeavours such as climbing Mount Kenya, initiative extend beyond merely earning an the final stages of writing her book on cancer,
running a marathon, paddling around Mauritius; income. There has been a noted reduction called ‘Just Breathe’, which is filled with practical
all to raise funds for the rural community of household gender violence in these areas information for the patient, and will hopefully be
initiatives of ‘Celebrate Life’. Each fundraising where the women are earning an income. The published soon.
initiative involves a different mix of women children become involved in delivering items
wanting to contribute to upliftment. and learn new skills, and most importantly, To relax and unwind, Cherry heads for the
these bakeries provide food for people, creches outdoors. She enjoys ocean paddling, running,
Celebrate Life SA continues to surge forward and feeding schemes. hiking and water skiing.
with its women empowerment and sustainability
programmes in rural communities, both local INSPIRING WOMEN In conclusion, Cherry says, “It would be wonderful
and nationally. if each one of us, no matter what our business
Cherry says, “Africa is embedded in my soul. is, were to teach others, by working together, to
In October this year, Cherry was one of three I am passionate about all that “Celebrate Life go forward and forge their own journey. We, in
finalists in the “Santam Woman of the Future”. SA” achieves in the rural communities. After all, South Africa, can make it happen.”

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