The sixth edition of the Mail&Guardian Book of South African Women launched.

The Mail&Guardian Book of SA Women was unveiled at a glitzy high-tea at Summer Place in Hyde Park, Johannesburg on Tuesday 31 August 2010.

"The task of the editorial team that worked on the book is by definition impossible," says Nic Dawes, editor-in-chief of Mail&Guardian.

"They set out to capture the dynamism, diversity and critical importance of women leaders in a society that is in urgent need of leadership, and to do so by collecting a brief of portraits," he says.

The Mail&Guardian Book of South African Women is now in its sixth edition and has become the premier guide of all the top women in SA.

It is an easy-to-read guide to the women's network across the private, public and non-profit sectors.

This year's glossy book entails a new design and includes several in-depth profiles, quality portraits.

It is the perfect networking tool for each sector as background information as well as contact details of the various women can be found in the book.

The book comprises of extraordinary women in various sectors such as arts and culture, business and law, civil society, environment, health, media, politics and government, science and education, sport, technology, and tools and resources.

Shirley Zinn, of the Nedbank Group (group executive: human resources), has written the forward for the book.

Arts and culture:

This section is dedicated to various women in the field of arts and culture.

The book showcases the likes of Lira (singer), Sylvaine Strike-Nakar (artistic director and founder of Fortune Cookie Theatre), Precious Moloi-Motsepe (chairperson, African Fashion International) and many other remarkable women.

"I began my career in film after graduating in 1997 and have since worked on a wide range of productions," says Phybia Dlamini, filmmaker and one of the women in the book.

"Fools and Women of Colour were both award-winning productions," says Dlamini.

Business and law:

This section is dedicated to various women in the field of business and law.

The book showcases various personalities, the likes of Sisi Khampepe (justice, Constitutional Court), Nicole Fritz (director, Southern African Litigation Centre), Nunu Ntshingila (group CEO, Ogilvy South Africa) and many other remarkable women.

"I have been a member of the first generation of black professionals to enter the corporate world," says Raisibe Morathe, chief financial officer and executive director of Nedbank, and one of the women showcased in the book.

"With sixteen years of financial services experience, I have always had a soft spot for finance," says Morathe.

Civil society:

This section is dedicated to various women in the field of civil society.

Graca Machel is one of the notable women showcased in the book.

She has been 'first lady' to two presidents from different countries and is regarded in her own right as one of the most eminent political figures in SA.

Other portraits in the book include: Zanele Mbeki (former first lady and co-founder, Women's Development Bank), Sibongile Mazibuko Mkhwanazi (director, Nanga Vutshilo [Choose Life] Positive Living Centre), and Navarenthem Pillay (high commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations).

"Any change must first happen at the level of the individual," says Elsbeth Dixon, CEO, Common Purpose SA.

Environment:

"What's so hard about putting your chip packet in a bin?" asks Kyla Davis, an environmental activist and one of the women showcased in the book.

Others include: Yolan Friedmann (CEO, Endangered Wildlife Trust), Claire Janisch (sustainability consultant).

"After being chased by packs of ferocious dogs, stone-throwing children and a knife wielding madman on the 'friendship highway' in Tibet, she [continued to pedal up] Vietnam's Coast," the book says about Bridget Ringdahl's (national co-ordinator, Wessa/WWF Eco Schools Programme) bravery.

Health:

"We don't just parachute in, do our research and leave," says Linda-Gail Bekker, deputy director, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town and winner of the Royal Society Pfizer Award 2009.

She, and other women in the health sector insist on dedication in their jobs to create a healthier way of living for all.

Other portraits include: Malebona Precious Matsoso (director general, Department of Health), Sheila Mbele-Khama (chairperson, Ekurhuleni Traditional Practitioners' Forum), Eftyhia Vardas (clinical virologist) and others.

"I refer to myself as a science student and a culturalist, my greatest challenge has been discrimination and stigma," says Mbele-Khama.

Media:

Ferial Haffajee (dditor-in-chief of City Press), Khanyi Dhlomo Mkhize (founder and editor, Destiny Magazine and managing director of Ndalo Media), and Terry Volkwyn (CEO Primedia Broadcasting) are some of the personalities showcased in the Media section of the book.

"Make sure you not only pursue profits but also a positive impact," says Dhlomo Mkhize.

The Media are the eyes and the ears of the people, and therefore, these women have an important job to do for the country.

Politics and government:

Lakela Kaunda, (deputy director general for The Presidency), is a woman whom the president trusts more than he does his political and economic advisors.

She, along with other women, the likes of Thulisile Madonsela (public protector), Barbara Hogan (minister of Public Enterprises), and Maite Nkoana-Mashabane (minister of International Relations and Co-operation), are showcased for their contributions, in this book.

"She has shown political maturity in dealing with delicate issues and has often steered away from controversy," the book says about Vuyiswa Tulelo (secretary general of the ANC Youth League).

While about Helen Zille, (premier of the Western Cape), it says, "Younger DA members say she puts them to shame with her work ethic that sees her up at five every morning and still at work late at night."

Science and dducation:

In a quest to save genetic material from extinction, Patricia Berjak (Professor Emeritus, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of Kwa Zulu Natal), collects rare seeds from plants used in traditional medicine.

Other remarkable women in this section include: Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan (Professor of Zoology, University of Cape Town), Barbara Holtmann (leader, Crime and Violence Prevention, Meraka Unit, CSIR) and Merle Constance O'Brien (deputy chairperson, World Future Society SA).

"Schools must be seen as extensions of children's homes," says Mateta Aletta Marokoane (principal Mogobeng Primary School).

Sport:

Nastacia Tsichlas (football administrator) is the iron lady of South African Football, arguable the most powerful woman in the game, and is one of the women showcased in the book.

Others include Caster Semenya (middle-distance runner) and Natalie du Toit (swimmer).

"There's really no line between able-bodied and disabled swimming," says du Toit.

"It is important to swim your own race and not someone else's," she says.

Technology:

"How can I help to improve the accountability of government," asks Ory Okolloh (co-founder and CEO, Ushahidi).

Emma Kaye (CEO, Gate 7), Mamphela Ramphele (chairperson, Technology Innovation Agency) and Heather Ford (social entrepreneur) are some of the extraordinary women you will find in this section.

"I make cyberspace a friendly environment, by focusing on strategy, advice and education, I help companies understand the potential of Internet for business success," says Eve Dmochowksa (Web strategist).

The Mail&Guardian Book of South Africa Women offers invaluable information on some of South Africa's top women and is available at R220-00.

For additional copies contact Madeline Zekkari on 011 250 7300.