​Gauteng Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment MEC Mbali Hlophe celebrated and honoured 150 women achievers in various sectors during the high tea at Avianto Hotel, Muldersdrift in the West Rand region last Thursday.
This was a collaboration between the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (GDARDE) to commemorate Women’s Month and also as a commitment to women empowerment. This was by recognizing women achievers and participants of gender equality in communities that are served by both departments to support the theme of “Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for women empowerment”.

Hlophe admired the courage of women who went through hurtful tribulations and turned them into positive stories.

“You contribute to the growth of the economy and are making a difference in this world with great zeal and skill. You have broken barriers in a society that consistently reminds us that we can’t, we are not supposed to”.

Delivering a keynote address, she acknowledged that women with disabilities and in the LGBTQIA+ community have been discriminated and excluded from the mainstream of society and have thus been prevented from accessing fundamental social, political, and economic rights. Both GDSD and GDARDE have made strides and continue to implement inclusivity and that leaves no one behind, particularly women.

From GDSD, women were acknowledged in the following categories: entrepreneurs in tenders; creation of sustainable businesses under skills development programmes; volunteers impacting lives with developmental and care approach; beneficiaries who turned their lives around under Rehabilitation, GBV/Shelter programmes; women with disabilities who are high achievers in any field; entrepreneurial interns; exceptional achievements outside the department; student Social Workers in research/published material; and those supporting departmental events with their skills and talents without billing the department.

One of the beneficiaries, Thompo Kone, said through GDSD, she was able to study Business Management and today owns and manages a hair salon.

GDARDE acknowledged women who owned abattoirs, farmer mentors, provincial and regional executive committee chairpersons and secretariats; young farmers; recipients of entrepreneur awards; former GDARDE bursary holders in biotech and executive managers in transformation.

GDARDE has been instrumental in the success of Bontle Mosweusweu being an agripreneur in beekeeping and accessing the international market.

Zuleika Patel, a youth activist, and guest speaker emphasized self-love and the act of self-love as revolutionary acts in the success of women. She further made utterances that women need to choose themselves, nurture their inner being so they can be of service to others and that true success lies in holistic wellness.

Head of Department, Matilda Gasela, said acknowledged contributions made by the women of 1956 and how Women’s Month celebration provides an opportunity to carry on the baton to make room for future generations to have the same access to opportunities . “Let’s celebrate our achievements, develop ourselves but also develop others so they can understand that their dreams are valid and we must be intentional in accelerating socio-economic opportunities”.