August is a special month in South Africa, as the nation honours the women whose courage and conviction have played a crucial role in shaping our past, present, and future. Women’s Month is both a commemoration and a celebration: a time to reflect on a moment of extraordinary bravery nearly 70 years ago, and to recognise the remarkable women who continue to shape our country today.
At Ellerman House, we are privileged to count a number of inspiring women among our wider community, and we pause for a moment to salute their leadership, vision, and passion for shaping South Africa.
To understand the importance of Women’s Month, we turn back to 9 August 1956. In some of the darkest days of apartheid, more than 20,000 women gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest the extension of the hated pass laws, one of many pieces of legislation that entrenched racial segregation. United in defiance, the women carried petitions and sang what would become an iconic refrain: “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo”.
“You strike a woman, you strike a rock”.
The march is remembered as a pivotal moment in the fight against apartheid, symbolising the strength and unity of women. Today, Women’s Day is celebrated nationwide on 9 August each year, honouring the legacy of those brave women who stood against injustice. And although Women’s Day itself is marked on a single date, the entire month offers an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across every sphere of society.
Ellerman House has always been about more than celebrating considered luxury and fine art in an extraordinary location. At its heart – the real magic – are the people. From pastry chefs to room attendants, management to waiters, the women of Ellerman House bring leadership, artistry, and purpose to every aspect of world-class hospitality.
That ethos is driven from the top by CEO Carol Kohne, whose guiding star has always been to lead Ellerman House with both vision and warmth, creating an empowering environment for women.
“My philosophy to Lead with Love,” says Carol. “In essence, this creates the space for people to feel safe enough to be their authentic best self, inherently allowing them to shine. Furthermore, acknowledging their achievements and instilling the belief that they have it within them to become the star they were born to be!”
Carol has been integral to the success of Ellerman House for more than 20 years. Under her stewardship, Ellerman House has cemented its reputation as one of Africa’s most distinguished luxury properties – renowned not only for its blend of location and elegance, but for the sense of authentic hospitality that defines every stay.
Art and philanthropy are central to the ethos of Ellerman House; values that come to the fore each November with the annual ArtAngels auction.
A highlight on Cape Town’s social calendar, ArtAngels supports Click Learning, a pioneering non-governmental organisation founded by Nicola Harris. A former investment banker, Nicola now dedicates her energy to this organisation that partners with under-resourced schools across four South African provinces. By using online educational programmes, Click Learning enhances foundational literacy, numeracy, and digital skills among primary school learners.
“South Africa’s educational challenges are immense,” says Harris, founder of Click Learning. “Many schools lack critical resources – both in technology and in teaching support. By providing device hardware, internet access, individualised learning software, and dedicated facilitator support, Click Learning has already made a difference for over 220 000 learners.” It is just one way in which Ellerman House gives back to communities most in need, while celebrating the talented women in our wider circle.
Another pioneer guests may come to know is winemaker Erika Obermeyer. In a career spanning 25 years, Erika has earned her reputation as one of South Africa’s most accomplished winemakers. A member of the respected Cape Winemakers Guild, she founded Erika Obermeyer Wines in 2016, producing small-batch, terroir-specific wines from select vineyards across the Cape Winelands. Today, she applies her prodigious talent to crafting The Ellerman – a Rhône-style red blend made exclusively for Ellerman House. There is perhaps no finer wine to have in your glass this month as we raise a toast to the remarkable women who shape Ellerman House.
Continue exploring perspectives from Ellerman House and beyond through stories centred on design, cuisine, wine, culture and place. Each article offers a deeper connection to the people, landscapes and experiences shaping contemporary life in Cape Town.
