Meet beautiful Christine. From the moment Christine and I first spoke, we instantly hit it off. And this 40 over 40 campaign just resonated with her. Christine has a young and impressionable daughter, and I think that plays a role in changing how we see the world. And possibly how we approach life. You never know what kids are going to pick up on. It sometimes appears to be easier for parents to live a fuller and more authentic life to show their kids what they can do, that it is to live a fuller life for themselves. 

What drew you to this 40 over 40 campaign?

What drew me to the campaign was an urge to share my story for my children to one day read and reflect upon- to convey that at 40, one still doesn’t live ones life, completely on one’s own terms and that the challenges of life, learning and growth do not automatically come to an end once you reach that magic number. Trials, tribulations and transformations remain, but there is a courage to be more comfortable in your own skin and for me that means focusing on personal relationships , friendships and the things that make me feel more alive.

If you could go back and tell your 20 year old self something that you think would change your life, what would it be?

I’m a WIP (work in progress) until I RIP (rest in peace) and this is an opportunity to pause and reflect.

What are you post proud of yourself for?

Being a loving mom. I always knew that I would be a liberal and pragmatic parent, rather than a traditional one with a firm hand, but the amount of affection I show my babies, how I think mostly only the best of them and how their happiness is my number one priority, still surprises me. I didn’t know I had it in me. And I am proud of myself for sharing and embracing the very same qualities, my own mother still has with us, her children. Some say it is to a fault, but 44 years in and I can honestly say my mother’s unconditional love, is the kindest, sweetest experience I have ever had.

What are some goals or things you still want to do?

I have achieved most of my goals, by God’s grace, or perhaps I have been unambitious, but there are many things I want to do. And the list changes and grows and then is reduced or simplified as and when I reflect on where I am in my life. Building a Cape-Dutch home on land next to my father’s home in Mbarara, Uganda is something that has been on my to do list for 14 years now. It would be the perfect marriage of both my Ugandan heritage with the architecture of a home representing my up-bringing in South Africa.

“live and let live”

Has there/is there anyone in your life who has made a massive impact, if so, how?

My father. Professor John-Owange Iraka. You know what they say about a father and daughter bond. In my case, it is absolutely true. I resemble him, physically and when I turned 40, I realized I resembled him in many more ways. The impact has been massive because my father fostered in me an independence but also, I think I inherited my sensitive nature from him. The personality trait stands me in both good and bad stead as I feel things strongly, whether positively or negatively. The upside to that is I am delicately aware of the attitudes and feelings of others.

When we talk about empowerment in the true sense, the person who has empowered me most in my life, is my father. Not necessarily in claiming my rights as a woman, but certainly in his support, encouragement and sometimes criticism, he allowed be to become stronger and more confident in controlling the direction of my life. My self-determination and self-worth, is largely thanks to him.

My friends and family describe me as:

Fun-loving, loyal, family oriented, straight-talker and depending who are speaking to, fiery and no-nonsense!

Thoughts on aging?

Mixed feelings to be honest. Whilst I have never dyed my hair since I started going grey about 15 years ago , I find myself panicked about my seemingly more brittle bones and cracking joints. I am more acutely aware of the lifestyle choices I make and the impact they may have in my future . I have never popped more supplements in my life. I’m on it all, sea moss, moringa and the list goes on. That being said, I can’t be more grateful to be alive and wish for many more years ahead – mostly to watch my children continue to grow.

What do you think some of your best qualities are?

I recently overhead a friend say that my super-power is being friendly/ sociable. And whilst I had never looked at it that way, it is true because it has allowed me to have diverse friends who have helped me discover fresh points of view and life-choices. I have an interest in novel points of view and my sociability has really helped me with that.

What has gotten easier for you since turning 40?

Recognising dishonest, deceitful, manipulative people. Distancing myself from unsupportive relationships. Dancing when no one and everyone is watching!.

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📍Johannesburg, South Africa 

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