Italian writer, poet, and philosopher Dante Alighieri once proclaimed, “Beauty awakens the soul to act.” The concept of beauty is as amorphous and ephemeral as the waves of the wind—always open to perception but rarely absolute. Recognizing the importance of interpretation in perceiving, feeling, and appreciating beauty in people, Renewal Aesthetics invited individuals from all walks of life to come together and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Hosted at the illustrious Phakalane Golf Estate Convention Centre in the twilight of the month of love and International Women’s Month, the Beauty & Wellness Convention delivered stimulation on all fronts. The event itself is quite unique in that it sought to bridge the gaps between industry practitioners and their potential clientele, all the while introducing the world to the latest constituent of the Kalafhi Medical Group. Under the theme, “Reclaim Your Beauty & Vitality: The Art of Wellness”, attendees were first met with electrifying decorations to pick up their moods prior to engaging with the packed programme.
Carol Kgomotso looked the epitome of beauty and wellness in her bodycon magenta attire, coordinating with the setting and guests in their berry hues, as she steered the day’s proceedings. The convention’s timing aligns with the objective of allowing people to start their years off deeply steeped in intentionality – a reflection of the journey that Kalafhi Medical Group has undertaken over the six years of its existence. In her remarks, the group’s founder, Dr. Matlhogonolo Mongwa-Mouwane expressed how it was through her battles with self-care while preoccupied with establishing their various practices that she recognised the necessity for a space such as Renewal Aesthetics. With services ranging from luxury spa treatments, to medical-grade facials, chemical peels, non-surgical procedures and sexual rejuvenation, the enterprise seeks to bring amenities that clients have long been traveling out-of-country for.
Setting the plane for the broad work guests would have to engage in for the day, Ntombi Setshwaelo called for each participant to mull what makes for holistic health in individuals and at a community level. “Look after the inner self,” she said, reminding that “when you’re broken on the outside, there are easy ways of tracking the healing process; but what do you do to gauge the well-being of your inner self?” The seasoned educator and life coach expounded that for personal goals to be realised, one must work on their malalignments and disorientations, further emphasising that “you can see a counsellor, but their job is not to solve your problems – they help you do that for yourself.” Using herself as an example of living a life in pursuit of impeccability rather than perfection, Setshwaelo encouraged those in the room to invest in empathy, kindness, respect, accountability, gratitude, patience, graciousness, generosity and being in service to others. Similarly, addressing the psycho-social element of beauty and wellness, Mother K Masire held space for mindful self-perception – managing to bring the buzzing room to a contemplative hum.
As it has been said that beauty is only skin deep, South African biomedical scientist, Dr. Judey Pretorius shared nuggets of wisdom while also dispelling myths and misunderstandings. The Biomedical Emporium CEO covered topics such as the impacts of bacterial imbalances on skin health, the current abundance of allergy conditions among children due to dietary intake, and the place of anti-aging regimens and regenerative cell therapy in one’s beauty journey. In talking about sunscreen and skin care, Pretorius alerted the audience to the fact that products made for the northern hemisphere are ill-equipped to guard against ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays that are more prevalent in the southern hemisphere. Additionally, she debunked the popular belief that the ubiquity of sun in countries like Botswana doesn’t guarantee that dwellers will have sufficient vitamin D levels, further clarifying that some of the problems people experience at a superficial level could be readily solved by managing vitamin levels.
The duo of Patlo Kgosidialwa and Ndiko Giddie of Snap Back Fitness and Omnicare Nutrition respectively, charged up the gears in talking about the nuances of body care, nutrition and fitness. Both speakers sharpened visions of what makes a beautiful body; challenging the often-lauded Western ideals of beauty and the instant gratification trends that lack the staying power for the long haul of aging. In the line of services primarily targeting womenfolk, attendees were also offered opportunities to engage with retailers like Nomlu Nail Bar, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Shedol Skin Care, Setsong African Tea Crafters, and Anue Spa. Busti Bras founder, Lotti Makhubalo served as sprinkles on the cake of enlightenment as she detailed the art and science of brassiere fitting. Often seen as more functional than comfortable, undergarments – especially for fuller-bodied women – rarely strike the balance of both these characteristics and aesthetic appeal. Makhubalo’s gospel of ensuring that no woman she can contact should ever suffer an ill-fitted or unattractive fell on welcoming ears to much applause.
Tefo Paya’s performance act set the scene for the event’s honoured guest. Actress, businesswoman, motivational speaker and philanthropist, Connie Ferguson’s address followed on where Paya had affirmed that in finding one’s way to their unique path, they are better suited to engage in the nitty gritty bits of life. Radiant as ever, Ferguson’s being is a testament to the ethos of the convention. With a face that has represented beauty brands such as her own, a smile that beams joy into the room, her effervescent laugh, and a 53-year-old body that is the envy of people half her age; she continues to live an exemplary life. Speaking on aging gracefully and navigating the modern world, seeing a substantial number of guests being either Ferguson’s age-mates or elders, it was encouraging that Mongwa-Mouwane’s initial apprehensions that “people might not fully understand what we are trying to create space for here” were sufficiently kept at bay. Speaking to Gwen Lebo Issacs – millennial wellness and transformation coach at The Wellthy Life – she celebrated the convention’s offerings, testifying that “self-care is the hill I will die on, and that’s because I know that if you dedicate time to it, you will see transformation in all areas of your life.”
As Kalafhi Medical Group continues to grow through its various constituencies and offerings, Mongwa-Mouwane’s dream of changing the way health and wellness are administered in Botswana. The business that puts people first is a thing of beauty, and befitting of admiration. While it is uncertain when the next instalment of the convention will be mounted, the palpable enthusiasm among the guests is confidence enough that they will return for more renewal.