Oceans Mall Women in Business: Cocktails & Connections 2025 Highlights

An afternoon fuelled by powerhouse women who turned vision into magic, that’s the best way to capture Cocktails & Connections 2025. From the stage to the décor, the cocktails to the cuisine, beauty indulgences to designer treasures, and even life-changing coaching sessions, every detail ensured guests felt celebrated.

And the highlight? Together, attendees raised over R12 000 for the Prince Dabulamanzi Foundation, proving once again that when women come together, they don’t just connect—they create change.

Launched two years ago, Cocktails & Connections has quickly become a flagship initiative for women in business. Its purpose has remained consistent: to create a platform where women uplift one another, share their stories, and build networks that extend far beyond a single afternoon.

What began as an intimate gathering has grown into a high-profile convening, blending empowerment with luxury, entrepreneurship with philanthropy. As the organizers summarized: “C&C is proof that when women come together, we don’t just connect, we create change.”

The partnership between Ocean Mall and the Prince Dabulamanzi Foundation also marked an important milestone for the platform. With Sinenhlanhla Hlatshwayo, Vice Chairlady of the Prince Dabulamanzi Foundation, and Natasha Modi, Head of Marketing at Ocean Mall, driving this collaboration, the event showcased the strength of strategic alliances in expanding the reach and impact of women-led initiatives.

The 2025 edition was described as “an afternoon fuelled by powerhouse women who turned vision into magic.”

Programming: Insights From the Stage

The program opened with Zanele Luvuno, author and entrepreneurship coach, whose talk “The future of our careers” set the tone. She challenged women to prioritize education and self-investment, pointing to a critical reality: within the next five years, an estimated 39% of today’s skills will become obsolete. Her message underscored the urgency of continuous learning as the cornerstone of long-term career resilience.

Dr. Parushinee Naidoo, founder of Skin Solutions, spoke on “Confidence Beyond the Surface”, revealing how authenticity and vulnerability can empower women to turn quiet belief into visible success.

Princess Gugu Zulu Hlatshwayo, founder of the Prince Dabulamanzi Foundation, closed the program with her talk “The Power of the Quiet Leader.” She paid tribute to women whose contributions often go unnoticed, yet whose influence transforms communities in profound and lasting ways.

The day’s energy was masterfully guided by Sorisha Naidoo, who kept the room alive with her charisma while moderating discussions on scaling businesses, building financial resilience, amplifying women’s stories in media, and transforming opportunities into growth.

Panelists including Tilanie Grote, Hope Emily Manson, and Kershnie Pillay delivered insights that were as practical as they were inspiring, leaving the audience with both tools and motivation.

Indulgence, Luxury, and Empowerment

The event balanced business discourse with indulgence, creating a hybrid experience of leadership summit and lifestyle showcase. No detail was overlooked. Guests were spoiled with:

• Spa experiences from Umhlanga Laser & Aesthetic Spa

• A radiant Skin Solutions hamper

• A glamorous Amor Couture handbag

• Exclusive coaching sessions

• Signed copies of Beyond Limits from Zanele Luvuno

VIP gift bags overflowed with treasures from Source South Africa, Catrice Cosmetics Africa, Get It Magazine, Norman Goodfellows, Toybah Durban, Discovery, Modism Holding, Lacoste, Miomondo, Alcapone Premium, BOSS, Emporio Armani, Luminance Fashion, Michael Kors, with Cuvée Bev adding sparkle for the VIPs.

Radisson Blu Durban delighted guests with High Tea and Breakfast experiences, The Oyster Box contributed a signature luxury hamper, and Wax It SA surprised the first arrivals with exclusive treats.

Cocktails & Connections was made possible through the generosity of sponsors and partners including Crane & Feathers, Thahlasa Projects, Caroline Celebrations, Flowers on Chartwell, Black Crown, Bukhosini & Co. Caterers, Aunty Caroline, Modern Opulent Gazette, and Roberto Cavalli South Africa who brought extra glow to the day.

Community at the Core

At its heart, this event has always been about more than cocktails and couture. It’s a testament to community, to women supporting women, and to the power of collective action.

As the host shared: “To all the incredible ladies who attended—this event is for you, because of you, and a greater success through you.”

And in the end, gratitude was at the center: “A special thanks to Oceans Mall and all our partners and sponsors. And mostly to God on High for another win.”