Celebrating Zena
Women’s Month Spotlight
This Women’s Month, Mondia Health proudly celebrates the women in our organisation who embody resilience, courage and the power of personal growth. Today, we honour one of our occupational therapists from Mondia Vereeniging, whose achievements in Taekwon‑Do reflect the strength that comes from belonging, routine and showing up for oneself.
Competing in the International Taekwon‑Do Federation South Africa Championships, she stepped onto the mat not only as an athlete, but as a woman representing discipline, connection and emotional grounding. She returned home with two medals, a bronze and a silver, each symbolising countless hours of practice, balance and commitment.
A Historic Moment for Women Veterans
Her team earned a bronze medal in the Veterans team pattern event, but the achievement goes deeper. Their group became the first all‑women veterans team ever to compete in South African Taekwon‑Do history. A new category had to be created for them because they were trailblazers.
Facing mixed‑age, mixed‑gender teams made up of colour belts alongside black belts was intimidating, yet they stood tall.
“Being in a team is incredibly fulfilling. You lean on one another. You grow together. You show up for each other.”
Her silver medal in the Veteran Women’s Individual Patterns reflects her personal discipline and deep commitment to her craft. For her, Taekwon‑Do is more than a sport. It is a sensory regulator, a brain organiser and a way to stay emotionally centred.
As a mother of two sons and two daughters‑in‑law living overseas, Taekwon‑Do has become a meaningful way to bridge the distance.
“Taekwon‑Do is a family experience for me. Belonging to my team fills the gap between me and my children who live far away.”
This Women’s Month, her story reminds us that belonging is a form of strength, and women often build their strongest communities outside of traditional family structures.
The Discipline Behind Her Success
Balancing work, family and training is no small task. To prepare for competition, she incorporates qigong, tai chi, yoga and meditation, practices that strengthen her body, prevent injury and regulate her nervous system.
Her philosophy is simple and powerful: “It’s the small workouts, 15 minutes done regularly, that add up.”
This routine is her anchor, her discipline and her pathway toward her dream of earning a black belt and one day competing at Worlds.
Why She Continues
Taekwon‑Do keeps her grounded. It helps her regulate her emotions, organise her thoughts and stay connected to her Taekwon‑Do family.
“The exercise is a sensory regulator and brain organizer. It makes me feel centred.”
A Women’s Month Champion
Her journey is a celebration of what Women’s Month stands for: resilience, routine, emotional regulation, courage and the communities women build around themselves.
At Mondia Health, we honour her not only for her medals, but for her spirit. She is a reminder that wellness is holistic. It lives in connection, discipline, empowerment and the courage to keep showing up.
Congratulations. Your Mondia Health family is incredibly proud of you.