International conference in October Terry Hutson THE WOMEN’S International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) launched its International Conference 2003 at a glitzy cocktail party held in Durban last week. The party was not only a success but included some touches of irony - the venue, the former Durban Club, was not so long ago the strict preserve of men only, and only then of the gentlemen variety. Now the club, which fell into financial difficulties, is not only owned by a woman, but a black Zimbabwean lady at that! But that’s all in the past and Durban is a forgiving place. In attendance at last week’s function were many of the region’s shipping personalities, as well as the eThekwini deputy mayor, Cllr Logie Naidoo, and representatives of Durban consular corps. Although the evening had a highly festive note, with suitably lively accompaniment by a live jazz band (another big ‘no-no’ in the past), the main purpose was to showcase the WISTA International Conference 2003, which will be held at the Holiday Inn, Elangeni, from October 8-10. Not only are men welcome at the conference, but also at least half the speakers will be of the less gentle sex. A host of other events are planned for WISTA week before and after the main conference programme, including one day in Cape Town. Further details regarding registration for the conference are available from Nicci Prins, email prinsz@iafrica.com) Making it happen - Thato Tsautse, Anisa Govender, Keren Giladi (WISTA president), Janine Lee and Dusty-Lee Weatherhead.
