Picture this: A precocious 10-year-old girl sits at a dining table, drafting a contract to lend her father a mere R5. It’s not just about the money; it’s the principle of the matter. That same spirit, combined with an indomitable character and an intrinsic sense of fairness, would guide this young girl into the world of labour law. Today, that girl is Porthri Blauw, a resilient and adventurous Dispute Resolution Official at Consolidated Employers’ Organisation (CEO).
Born and raised in the serene Garden Route town of George, Porthri learned early on about responsibility. As the eldest of two in a working family, she donned the mantle of leadership, ensuring her home ran smoothly in her parents’ absence. While many children bask in the free-spirited days of youth, Porthri had contracts on her mind, especially when it involved her father’s pocket money.
Porthri’s parents, pillars of strength and resilience, instilled in her the value of education. They might not have had vast estates or overflowing coffers, but what they could promise their daughter was the gift of knowledge. And she embraced it, journeying from Dellville Park Primary and Pacaltsdorp Secondary School to North-West University and UNISA. All the while, Ally McBeal, that quirky TV attorney with an even quirkier sense of humour, served as a beacon of inspiration.
It’s no wonder, then, that Porthri’s friends describe her as someone who is both guarded and adventurous. She’s the kind of person who, after a long day of battling in the courts, would treat herself to a delicious lamb shank at 101 Meade in George. Or perhaps she’d take a hike, exploring the breathtaking vistas of the Garden Route. And when she’s not out adventuring, she’s at home, enjoying the aromatic allure of candle-making.
Her downtime might also find her swaying to the timeless beats of old-school music, from sultry jazz to the energetic melodies of disco. And should she ever need a jolt of inspiration or an escape, the dark allure of Stephen King’s “Needful Things” or the toe-tapping rhythms of James Ingram provide the perfect backdrop.
But what about the future for this dynamic labour lawyer? A house of her own, more stamps on her passport, and undoubtedly, more unique adventures with friends. Of course, all this powered by the tantalising trio of coffee, dark chocolate, and good wine. After all, what’s a journey without some delightful companions?
In a world often dominated by hard facts and stern faces, Porthri Blauw stands out as a testament to the power of embracing one’s quirks. A girl who once penned contracts for pocket money is now a beacon of justice in the labour law realm, all while dancing through life with an infectious joie de vivre.
Cheers to Porthri, the attorney with a twinkle in her eye and a contract always at the ready!