ROSEMARY ROYEPPEN A Virgo by birth, I was born in the
northcoast town of Stanger, KwaZulu Natal (KZN), South Africa.
I spent most of my childhood days in Shaka's Kraal (I guess you can
call me Shaka's daughter), which is beautiful little town between Tinley
Manor and Umhlali, surrounded by fruit, veg, flower and sugarcane farms
with the Umhlali River runnning thru. I spent the best moments of my
younger days as a free spirit, open to the elements that enveloped me.
This allowed me to treasure the memories of my childhood days so fondly.
My dad was a lab technician at the local mill. He had great hobbies
such as keeping bees and rabbits, and those memories and smells are
still with me today.
My mum was a home executive, the finest chef indeed! I have six siblings,
five sisters and a brother. A confirmed Catholic, my family and I attended
a lovely little church on the hill called St Anne's. I recall fellowshipping
with Penny Ray Coellen and the De Chamoy families, participating in
all the regular activities. My family relocated to the South Coast of
KZN. I was educated in Durban, really enjoying my teenage years to the
fullest. I was actively involved in all arena's, both religious and
social.
Post matric, I qualified in Personnel Management, Perceptive Management,
Public Relations, Marketing Management, and I'm an Accredited Facilitator
with SA Host. I conduct training in the Hospitality Industry in Customer
Care. I'm also a consultant in PR and Marketing, and I'm an acccredited
Member of Integro International (Perceptive and Marketing Management)
and PRISA (Public Relations Institute of South Africa) I'm a board member
of SADC (South African Disabled Community), and I served on the Miss
India South Africa management committee for the pageants, as well as
on Worldwide Pageants.
Project references include:-
ZONTA International 2000 Khanya Project
Independant Newspapers
Masakana Project
Greek Orthodox Archbishop's Mission
Cosmos House
VIA Ambasador (Visionaries in Africa), and I am a recipient of the VIA
Award in Honour of Humanitarian Work on the 5th December 2005. (United
Nations International Volunteer Day).
Social realities need to be attended to on an ongoing basis. My work
with the Archbishop's Mission allows me to fulfill this role thru the
distribution of food and clothing to the needy, especially in the impovrished
areas of Alex, Soweto, Eldorado Park, West Turfontein and Orange Farm.
These provisions are sourced thru the kind donations of the Greek Community
and live on Air Blood Drive, administered by Maria Dzerefos, whom I
partner.
My special interests are networking with previously disadvantaged Women
in Business, Social Projects, Black Empowerment and Rural Development.
I work closely with NGO'S FBO'S and CBO's with their primary objectives.
I'm currently working on a project to supply a full meal replacement
to school learners who have no proper nutritional meals. I also prospect
for donors. (Thank you to Mr Richard Elerman of Elerman's Gearbox and
Engines for his keen interest in the project!).
A question is asked: "Am I my Brother's Keeper?" I say YES,
and I receive immense joy and self-fulfilment in caring for the needy.
I present and produce lunchtime and (jazz) evening shows, and Jozi Today
(Magazine Programme, regeneration of the innercity of Joburg), news,
views and interviews on 1485am Radio Today, and I also do voice-overs.
I enjoyed listening to all genres of music from a young age, and I thank
my parents for allowing me freedom of choice. I started off by listening
to Sergio Mendes, Chicago, Uriah Heep, Grand Funk Railroad, Deep Purple,
Led Zeppelin, Frank Zappa and a lot more.
Make no mistake, there was also Choral, Jazz and Contemporary music
that grabbed me in many ways. I enjoy sharing my music with everyone
I come into contact with and I always maintain that I cannot live without
music.
Do not take that away from me, for I will die a painful death.
I attribute my success and drive to my family and friends, and I would
especially like to thank Edgar, Avril, Ronelle, Kevin and Mark - the
man in my life (forever) - for believing in me. Thank you to my buddy
Leon Economides and my new found friends - guys, you know who you are
(the brunch gang) - for your continued support and the laughter you
generate.
The network will grow.