Today, on Women's Day, I'm reflecting on my trials, my triumphs and my perseverance. From the dusty streets of Mdantsane to the majestic views of the Atlantic Seaboard, my parents strived to provide the best education for us, without knowing what purpose this would serve in apartheid South Africa.

I have had to walk through life with the same level of faith my parents had for an unknown future.

I have had to walk through the prejudice and loneliness of being one of the first blacks in previously white public schools (now model C). I have had to persevere through being an “Affirmative Action candidate” because, for all my dad's sins, he dared spend everything he had to support a private school education so his girl child could have access to the best of what the world could offer. I have had to persevere through being labelled a confrontational black woman who doesn’t know her place (the fruit of that private school education was confidence, you see).

Through it all - I've remained standing. But I stand on the shoulders of giants... my parents, my in-laws and everyone who has carried me and supported me (of all races).

I have walked on thorns, and I have healed, and today, I celebrate me: Zimbini intombi zamatshawe ondele Engilane, kwaHill (a girl from the Tshawe clan who is married into an English family, Hill). I am proud of where I have come from, where I am today, and where I am heading. Today, I know who I am:

A Strategic Problem Solver.

A connector of Dots and People.

A wife.

A mother to two wonderful boys.

A child of God.

A natural leader, who champions reconciliation, inclusion and equity.

A master collaborator with a knack for spotting talent, bringing the right people together and building effective teams.

A gifted entrepreneur.

A woman.

Today, I am all of these things - and unapologetically so.

Today, I'm grateful God turns that which is meant for bad into good for those who trust Him.

Today, on Women's Day, I celebrate myself.