2016 — 2026
A decade of moments
2016
Founded by Mariella Di Natale
2018
First interest groups take root
2020
Members stay connected through it all
2023
Paddle, Let's Try & Walking Club launch
2026
10 years of friendship — and counting
IWC DURBAN
EST. 2016 · DURBAN · SOUTH AFRICA
International
Women's Club
A decade of international friendship, culture and connection — built one coffee, one walk, one shared evening at a time.
2016 — 2026
ABOUT THE CLUB
Friendship knows
no borders.
Founded in 2016, the International Women's Club of Durban has grown into a vibrant community of women from every nationality and walk of life who call this beautiful coastal city home.
Whether you've newly arrived from abroad, lived here for decades, or are somewhere in between, the Club is a place to be welcomed warmly, make genuine friendships, and discover Durban together.
Ten years on, we gather for coffee mornings, dinners, walks, talks, paddle matches and quiet hands-on charity — all in the spirit of curiosity, kindness and shared adventure.
10
YEARS STRONG
13
INTEREST CLUBS
∞
FRIENDSHIPS
ONE OF THE FOUNDERS
Mariella Di Natale
"I wanted a place where every woman who arrives in Durban — from anywhere in the world — feels immediately at home."
From a handful of friends in 2016 to a thriving international community today, Mariella's warm, people-first spirit still brings every member together.
Read the feature in Get It Magazine →COMMITTEE 2026
The hands behind the Club.
Ambikaa
President
Belinda
Vice President
Dusty
Secretary
Elisabeth
Treasurer
Ceren
Membership Coordinator & Social Media
Sharon
Organisation & Leadership
THE LEADERS · BRUNCH
Around the table, by the sea
"Where the next chapter of IWC Durban begins — over coffee, conversation and the ocean."
The committee gathers regularly along Durban's coastline — most recently at North Star Micro Hotel in Umhlanga — to plan the year ahead, sharing ideas, laughter and a meal with a view. These quiet moments of friendship between leaders are the heartbeat of everything the club brings to its members.
MEET OUR PRESIDENT
Ambika Kapoor Vij
PRESIDENT · IWC DURBAN
"Warmth, creativity and a strong sense of community."
Ambika Kapoor Vij, President of IWC Durban, brings warmth, creativity and a strong sense of community to the club — helping women connect, support one another and celebrate Durban's rich international spirit.
MOMENTS · 2026
Recent memories
Snapshots from our latest gatherings — from the Get It feature to Korean calligraphy, book club afternoons and everything in between.
FEATURED · MAY 2025
Nine years of friendships
"An evening bursting with colour, cake, music, raffles and dancing."
The International Women's Club of Durban marked its ninth birthday with a stylish, vibrant celebration at Urban 68 in La Lucia. Members from every corner of the world gathered around one shared cake, one shared toast — and nine years of shared stories.
President Ambikaa Kapoor Vij thanked members for the unwavering energy and commitment that has shaped IWC Durban into a home away from home — a non-profit space where women of diverse nationalities connect, exchange cultures, and support charitable causes.
Story by Bronwyn Forbes-Hardinge · Photos: Rachael Dolbey, Doodz Digital Media · Get It Highway & Berea, May 2025.
RAFFLE · PRIZES
A little surprise for every guest
"Hand-wrapped baskets, ribboned and ready — small tokens that turn every gathering into a celebration."
Raffles are a much-loved tradition at IWC Durban events — a moment of laughter, anticipation and shared generosity. Each prize is thoughtfully assembled by members and supports the club's charitable initiatives throughout the year.
RAFFLE WINNER
FEATURED · APRIL 2026
A decade of connection
"A vibrant evening celebrating ten years of friendship, culture and community."
The International Women's Club of Durban celebrated its 10th birthday with a vibrant evening at Surfrider's in Umhlanga. Members gathered to share stories, celebrate cultural diversity, and reflect on a decade of connection, friendship and community.
Among the guests pictured: Jane Lawrence, Yvonne Johnstone, Rita Aliwell, Lynn Maxwell and Rhoda Isack; Jeannie Sarno, Carol Diakogiannis and Rocio Cabanas; and Ambikaa Kapoor Vij with Sharon Chetty and Ceren Tatli — a snapshot of the many nationalities that make IWC Durban what it is today.
Get It Ballito & Umhlanga · Socials · April 2026.
10 YEARS · 2026
Traditional outfits for our 10th birthday
A decade of friendship, celebrated in colour — saris, dirndl, prints and pride from every corner of our community.
OUR HOME
Durban — warm by
nature, by people.
INTEREST GROUPS
Thirteen small circles,
one big community.
Join as many as you like. Members shape every group — new ideas, new clubs and new friendships are always welcome.
01
IWC Chat
Our friendly opening conversation — where new members meet the circle.
02
Book Club
Monthly reads, lively discussion and good coffee.
03
Coffee Club
Relaxed café mornings across Durban's loveliest spots.
04
Cooking Club
Recipes from every continent, shared around one table.
05
Dinner & Supper Club
Long candle-lit tables at members' favourite restaurants.
06
Walking Group
Promenades along Umhlanga, the beachfront and beyond.
07
Outings & Hikes
Day trips into KwaZulu-Natal's hills, forests and reserves.
08
Paddle Club
Padel mornings, trophies and a lot of laughter.
09
Theatre Club
Evenings at the Playhouse, Catalina and Elizabeth Sneddon.
10
Lifestyle & Wellness
Talks, treatments and small rituals of self-care.
11
Yoga
Gentle weekly practice — open to every level.
12
Interesting Visits
Behind-the-scenes tours of galleries, gardens and hidden Durban.
13
Let's Try
A rotating club for trying something completely new — calligraphy, pottery, anything.
MEMBERSHIP 2026
You are very welcome here.
Membership is open to women of all nationalities living in or visiting the greater Durban area. New members are welcomed warmly at every event.
ANNUAL FEE
R450.00
A rolling 12-month membership.
BANKING DETAILS
BankStandard BankAccountInternational Women's Club of DurbanNumber372 317 995Branch057 829ReferenceYour Name, Surname, Membership Fee
HOW TO JOIN
- 01Email us and we'll send the membership form for 2026.
- 02Transfer the R450 annual fee using the banking details opposite.
- 03Send proof of payment to iwcdurban@gmail.com — and choose your interest groups.
- 04We confirm your membership and welcome you at the next event.
IWC Durban will not be held responsible for any injury, loss, or inconvenience while participating in any function, event or activity organised by the Club.