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Rochelle Robbetze: Making waves in politics and women empowerment

In International, Politics
October 07, 2025

VIKAS SHARMA

DURBAN, OCT 7: ​Rochelle Robbetze, a name resonating with influence and impact, is redefining what it means to be a humanitarian, politician, and businesswoman in South Africa.

As the Leader of VF Plus KZN, National Chairperson of Women’s Affairs for VF Plus, and a dedicated Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Councillor, Robbetze is not only shaping the political landscape but also standing as a tireless advocate for women’s empowerment, body positivity, and mental health.

In an exclusive talk with IMCSD Herald, Robbeteze spoke aboutnher life journey and experiences.

​Robbetze, who has been celebrated as one of South Africa’s Top 100 Influential Women, is a formidable blend of professional expertise and passionate advocacy.

“If you see my qualifications are extensive: a certified International Life & Neuro Coach, Trauma & Bullying Support Practitioner, qualified Somatologist, and Internationally Qualified Nail Technician Educator. I am thankful to the Almighty for this unique skillset”, said the beauty diva.

​The recognition of her leadership and dedication is evidenced by an impressive list of recent accolades. Robbetze currently holds the title of Mrs KZN 2024 and is a Mrs SA Curve 2025 Finalist, a platform she is using to amplify her core message.

In 2023, she received the prestigious Supreme Queen Global Earth Africa Women Empowerment Award. Her influence extends internationally, recognized by the 2024 Commonwealth Business Excellence & Leadership Awards, and locally with the 2024 Imbokodo Women of South Africa Leadership & Politics Award.

​”My message is very clear and unwavering: No to GBV (Gender-Based Violence), No to Bullying, and No to Body Shaming. I am committed to equality and justice, striving to ensure every woman in South Africa “feels seen, heard, valued, welcomed, and enough”, the inspiring lady maintained.

​With her recent Mrs SA Curve Finalist status, political leadership roles, and a growing list of awards—including the 2025 Icon Women Gauteng Mental Health Award—Rochelle Robbetze is clearly an unstoppable force.

She is a powerhouse who seamlessly blends public service with heartfelt social activism, making her a true inspiration and a pivotal figure to watch in South African politics and women’s affairs. Her mission is clear: to lift, inspire, and empower the women of the nation.

Senior Journalist / Published posts: 60

Vikas Sharma is a senior journalist with 20+ years of experience and Editor-in-Chief of IMCSD Herald. He is also the Founder & Managing Director of the Institute of Mass Communication and Skill Development (IMCSD), mentoring students through media education, internships, and skill-building initiatives. His journey in journalism began in 2005 with Early Times, followed by his role as Sports Correspondent with Daily Excelsior (2006–2012), where he covered national-level sports, events, and inspiring achievers’ stories. From 2012 to 2020, he served as Staff Correspondent with The Tribune, reporting on education, youth affairs, and sports from the Jammu Bureau. He currently works as Sub Editor/Senior Correspondent with Greater Jammu, continuing his contribution to credible journalism. An alumnus of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology with a Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC), Vikas has also earned 11 international journalism certifications from AFP, Reuters, Thomson Foundation, UNICEF, and WHO, strengthening his global perspective on reporting and media practices. Through IMCSD, a Startup India-recognized institution, he has trained and guided over 1,000 students from colleges across Jammu under media internships, workshops, and certificate programs. His initiatives such as School Media Clubs and college collaborations have provided young learners practical newsroom exposure, helping them develop career-oriented skills in journalism, communication, and creative writing. As Editor-in-Chief of IMCSD Herald, Vikas Sharma combines his decades of newsroom experience with his passion for media education. He envisions the platform not only as a source of accurate, balanced, and impactful news but also as a training ground that inspires the next generation of journalists and communicators.

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