Sep 2019 - Lowveld

Jenna Clifford is one of
the Lowveld’s gems, and
visiting her is quite an
experience. We chat to
her about turning 60 and
her life’s passions.
Text: LIEZEL LÜNEBURG
Jenna’s exquisitely designed jewellery
pieces are a feast for the eyes and
provide for a mesmerising look into
a world of colour, style and glamour.
The precious gemstones she uses
are renowned for their quality and
you cannot help but ponder on the
fact that this may also apply to Jenna
herself...
The word “diamond” is derived from
the Greek “adámas”, which means
“unbreakable” and the high dispersion
of light gives the gemstone its characteristic
“fire”. Jenna certainly seems
to be invincible and she shines with
a fire for life that will not easily be
extinguished. And just like a diamond
is born from exposure to immense
pressure, this stunning woman has
not been crushed by circumstances,
but has rather emerged victorious.
Jenna was born in the 1950s into a
world where patriarchy ruled and
women were deemed second best
to men. Her father was a strong male
figure and she grew up under his
strict authoritarian rule.
As a child, she was under constant
pressure to excel in sport and she
spent many hours training. “My
father’s high demands could have
made or broken me,” she says. “But I
have not until now and never shall go
down without putting up a tremendous
fight.”
This is exactly what Jenna is known
for - not only in the world of business,
but also in her personal life and her
ceaseless battle for women’s empowerment.
Over the years she has made
a huge difference in the plights of
many a woman and parity is one of
her passions.
Jenna herself has experienced disparity
because of her gender many
Chanelle Clifford-Kotze, Shayna McAllister, Jenna Clifford, Summer Clifford-Kotze and Ebony
14 Get It Lowveld September 2019
September 2019 Get It Lowveld 15