Unisan set to thrive on new reality TV show

College of Economic & Management Sciences

Shamila Ramjawan, Lecturer in the Department of Applied Management

As a Unisa alumnus and an entrepreneurship lecturer in the Department of Applied Management, Shamila Ramjawan continues to set the university’s bar high through her social impact initiatives.

Recently Ramjawan was selected to be one of eight "Thrivors" in the Soul Circus First Season Real TV docu-series called "Thrivors – 21 days from survive to thrive" that is taking place from 8 to 28 October 2019.

"I feel honoured that the work I am doing is being recognised. This is so heart-warming to be recognised as one of the leaders," says this philanthropist who is ecstatic to explore the grand journey, travelling from Cape Town towards Cairo to inspire and uplift communities, and embracing the Soul Circus mission of co-creating peace on earth by the year 2030.

From vision to reality

Of the various community projects Ramjawan is involved in, one project that made her stand out is the PrincessD Menstrual Cup launched in 2016 mainly to empower school girls. Available in over 20 countries and 50 pharmacies, health and wellness centres, the product is prescribed by most doctors in South Africa due to its health benefits.

According to the co-creator of Thrivors, Nicola Jackman, Ramjawan was nominated for her remarkable achievements in business. "She is such an inspirational woman, innovative in nature; also her natural inner and outer beauty plays part. We recognise the huge contribution she has made to hundreds of young ladies’ lives globally."

Big dreams

"Our grand vision is to make a Million Dreams that are Win Win Wins come true," says Tahlia Rubin from Soul Circus. "We believe that by inspiring people around the world to act and help making such dreams come true, we can create a tidal wave of upliftment and joy." She further says, "Thrivors TV series project supports the global campaign vision under hashtag #aMillionDreams, which is the ice bucket challenge meant to co-create the world of many people’s dreams."

Realising a dire need to research the menstrual cup as a sustainable solution to impoverished girls missing school for 5-7 days a month owing to menstruation, Ramjawan is currently doing her doctoral studies to research hygiene management.

The news team sat down with Shamila Ramjawan to find out about her aspirations.

What is the nature of the work you were nominated for?

I am a Play Your Part Ambassador for Brand South Africa and have two registered companies, Famram Solutions, a marketing and communications solution co-owned by Caster Semenya, and Famram Foundation, an empowering, uplifting project providing CSI solutions to enhance socio-economic development. My motto is: "The sky’s the limit, Dream Big".

What is the secret of your success?

Dedication, hard work, commitment and compassion. I believe it’s my calling to do what I do, and this notion drives me to give back to communities. Passion pushes me to get involved with the things I care about and that comes naturally.

What is your area of focus in community development?

Women empowerment, particularly focusing on women’s issues. I strongly feel that we all can make a difference in some way or the other. Making sacrifices and getting involved with projects that can shape the future.

What does the future hold for you?

Time will tell. It’s been a phenomenal journey thus far. Every moment has to be cherished and I cannot foresee what’s next. However, I have just wrapped up an acting role in "Who’s My Daddy", a local comedy movie which will be released in April 2020. It’s directed by David Kau and produced by Sans Moonsamy. It was an electrifying experience to be acting with Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, Alfred "Shorty" Ntombela, Sharleen Surti Richards, Dr Victor to name a few. For now, my focus is on the upcoming 21 days of inspiring action in Swellendam, experiencing the community and working closely with them. I find that most decisions we make are shaped by impulses. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life.

* By Lesego Ravhudzulo, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

Publish date: 2019/10/10