Launch of Bela – Built Environment Ladies Association in Gqeberha MyZA

An association for women in the built environment launched on Friday 29 April 2022. Their inaugural event was a site visit to the WBHO site at the Boardwalk Mall’s Phase II, and guided by WBHO’s charming representatives, Mr Jacques Nortje and Mr Lenel Oosthuizen.

After the site visit the launch reception was held at Bem Vindo restaurant, graciously attended to by Maria Pereira and her staff.

The attendance exceeded expectations, with sixty-five ladies supporting the Bela launch, with a cross-section of representations from private sector, public sector and academia in many different aspects of the built environment.

The support has demonstrated that there is a niche for women in the built environment to have an opportunity to connect on a social level.

During the presentation by the Bela committee, the concept of Bela was explained: “Bela is a non-profit, voluntary, Community Based Organisation in Gqeberha for women involved in professional and related aspects of the built environment.”, said Claire Crone, Bela president.

Bela’s mission:

To bring together ladies involved in the professional and related aspects of the built environment.
To inspire, uplift and empower women in the built environment.
To promote the meeting of minds and exchange of ideas amongst all its members in a supportive environment.
To promote friendship and a culture of fun, creative and inspiring networking, and the development of skills.

Bela’s commitment:

BELA commits itself to promoting social networking for ladies involved in the professional and related aspects of the built environment… in a non-racial, non-

discriminating and democratic way and to provide equal rights to all members and administrators.

Why no men? It’s no secret that women and men interact and communicate differently on a social level, and the dynamics of a group can change.

This association is not to exclude men, but rather to celebrate women in the B-E & acknowledge our differences.

Bela plans to have monthly events, and each quarter will consist of three themes: one site visit, one professional development presentation and one personal development presentation.

Bela will provide an opportunity for forming friendships and personal growth in a fun environment.

Any women interested in attending future events should join the Telegram broadcast group t.me/BelaOrg for more information or head on to the Bela.org.za web site for more information and to apply for membership.

Bela Launch Image Gallery:

If you view the bela launch Flickr Gallery on a PC then you can direct download any of the images.