By Asnath Morethe
BIC, the manufacturer of stationery, lighters and shavers, has announced their new BIC Soleil brand ambassadors for the year 2021/22, who will be empowering South African women and youth.
The three new ambassadors (BIC Soleil Squad) are Mandisa Makunga, Khona Dunjwa and Anarzade Omar.
For the first time ever, BIC Soleil has selected a person with albinism to be part of this year’s squad.
Makunga (35) from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape has albinism. She entered the competition because it was seeking authentic, ambitious and compassionate women. “I felt like it was talking to me, so I quickly made the video and uploaded it on their website,”she told ThisAbility.
Entries opened on September 15 2021, inviting fun and confident women who are passionate about inspiring others. Applicants were required to submit a short video and a photograph, along with a bit of information about themselves at za.bicworld.com/MissSoleilSquad.
This year’s winners were selected from a total of 600 entries.
In her entry video Makunga, who holds a National Diploma in Internal Auditing from Nelson Mandela University said: “I am the light of the world. I shine my light through serving at home as a sister, daughter, friend and as a cousin. I also serve at work and in the community at large. I believe that we can be a community that lives happily ever after by accepting diversity. I do play the part by being the change that I would like to see.”
Makunga, who is a philanthropist and motivational speaker, is passionate about diversity and community service. She works closely with Khanyisa School for the Blind in Gqeberha to encourage learners to reach their best potential and follow their dreams, against all odds.
“My purpose is to live a life of impact through inspiring and motivating the next generation and to show up as their authentic selves. I want young girls/boys to look at me and believe in themselves and be inspired to reach for their dreams and conquer the world.
“Believing in myself is my superpower. I want to live a life of service and impact so I can inspire young children and women to always believe in themselves,” said Makunga who also won the Ambassador title in the Miss Albinism South Africa pageant on October 30 this year.
The BIC Soleil Squad initiative was launched in September 2020 with the aim to empower South African women by supporting communities it operates in and empowering the younger generation. The ‘Shine Your Way’ campaign was launched under this movement and is now in its second year.
With the help of the brand, the BIC Soleil Squad will connect with schoolgirls and young women looking for inspiration and guidance, connecting with them through media opportunities, events, motivational talks and BIC’s social media platforms.
The 2021/22 ambassadors will take over from Tumelo Matela, Sherri Andreas and Amanda Nchukana, who have spent the past year learning, growing, inspiring and empowering other women.
Sharing her experience, Nchukana (25) said, “It has been a life–changing experience for me. As a plus- size woman, I was surprised that BIC chose me, and the year has been amazing. Being selected as a BIC Soleil Squad member has not only helped me on my journey of self-discovering but also helped me connect with different people through campaigns and events.”
Lilian Henderson, marketing director of BIC, Southeast Central Africa, said “The BIC Soleil Squad initiative is one that we pride ourselves with as it touches young women who will be the future of our country. At BIC, our culture is centered around diversity, inclusion, integrity and empowerment, and we are committed to bringing those to life in the communities that we operate in.”
To learn more about the BIC Soleil Squad initiative and ‘Shine Your Way’ campaign, visit za.bicworld.com/MissSoleilSquad and follow BIC Soleil on Facebook @BICSoleilSA or Instagram @BIC_SA. Join the conversation using #ShineYourWay.
