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My time at CDH had been an incredible journey for me. I'm truly privileged to be part of CDH. I have learnt a great deal over the past four years and have received extensive training from my line manager and colleagues. I want to keep learning so I can demonstrate to the deaf individuals out there that we can work in any industry just as long as the respective entities provide us with the necessary communication tools.

Our deaf personnel have CDH's full backing and support. They consider our requirements, such as offering an interpreter at events or meetings. CDH really celebrates what is shared and different about each of us; it is one of my favorite things. It is the finest feeling knowing that I am finally treated like a normal person, there is no discrimination whatsoever.

Last year I decided to study to become a counselor for the deaf community because there are so many deaf people that have problem (GBV, depression, abusive, rape etc) and they struggle to communicate effectively with hearing counsellors. Since they do not know SL (Sign Language) and the deaf people do not have money to afford an interpreter. The average hourly rate for interpreters ranges between R500 and R800. Thus far, we have 3 deaf counselors (including me) in Johannesburg.

Being a counselor has been an eye-opening experience for me. I spent a year taking an online course (LifeLine). I have gained so much knowledge from this course that it has changed my life. I must admit, the course is difficult, it was really emotional. In order to properly assist others, one must first examine oneself. First and foremost, we MUST have self-acceptance and love. We also MUST be empathetic and willing to listen to others without passing judgment.

There have been a lot of deaf people reaching out to us and seeking assistance. Knowing that we can assist them, when necessary, makes us joyful. The fact that we can now assist deaf people genuinely makes my heart sing. My hope for the deaf community is that there will be more deaf counselors.

I completed my articles at a top law firm in South Africa. Several years later I established a niche Oil & Gas practice on my own. I joined CDH in 2015 as a Director and Head of the Oil & Gas Sector. Being a woman of colour and being exposed to a big law firm as a Candidate Attorney influenced my decision to specialise in the niche oil and gas area of law so early in my career. 

I trained as an upstream M&A lawyer and, for the past decade, I have been fortunate to have a fulfilling and fast-paced career in this unique area of law. As an oil and gas lawyer in the upstream oil and gas sector, I work with frontier energy companies, major and supermajor energy companies, as well as national oil companies and regulators with upstream mandates. An upstream oil and gas skill set is cross-border and translatable, and I have had the opportunity to work on M&A transactions and oil and gas development projects in over thirteen countries, and across four continents.

My message to women is that if there is no seat at the table, build a bigger table. Embrace the discomfort and the inconvenience that comes with change and be your authentic self. Whether you are passionate about a new venture, or passionate about bringing about change or growing within your existing business, you must sign up for the inconvenience and discomfort that comes with it. Leap into the discomfort so that you imprint yourself on the world. You must plan to be there; work to earn your place and be prepared to fail. As you leap, remember that failure is a pitstop on your journey and never your permanent destination. The greatest lesson I have learnt on my journey is not to shrink away from my greatness or shy away from my imperfections, but rather to give myself permission to learn every day, to make mistakes every day, and to break down new barriers every day. Give yourself permission to live in the duality of your brilliance and your imperfections.