On a bright sun-shining day weather, while August, the Women’s month approaches its end, as the warm season announces itself, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Public Works eThekwini region comes together to celebrate the Women’s Day in style. On Thursday, 25 August 2022, in Durban, Mayville the Women’s Day celebration was held, giving the women employees of Public Works the special recognition and attention they deserve on their very special day.
First of all, Mrs Z.M. Mdunge welcomed all who attended on behalf of Mr G.S. Blose (Regional Director of eThekwini region). When detailing the purpose of the day, she stated that it was the unity of all women from all races who stood against General Strydom in 1956, protesting against Pass laws and the injustices of the Apartheid regime and that this was a statement on the wall to the effect that the power possessed by women must never be undermined. She sad that the struggle and success of one woman always positively affect all other women.
Furthermore, she said that this gathering is not for disputing against one another but to share knowledge and information. She encouraged women to always unite at all times and stop fighting against one another for unreasonable, senseless and selfish reasons. “Women must always support each other. Senior women at work as colleagues are supposed to impact positively on young women who come to work as interns.” Concluded Mrs Mdunge.
Mr Mthokozisi Ngobese is a South African Police Service (SAPS) personnel member. His responsibility in this gathering was to address the burning issue of Gender Based Violence (GBV). He encouraged women to always report or tip-off police about cases of GBV. He asked them to speak out and let police know about unhealthy and violent situations and conditions in their love or marital relationships. He asked them to immediately stop tolerating unhealthy relationships.
Mr Ngobese proceeded by advising women to immediately move out and run away from such unhealthy and violent marriages or relationships. He discouraged them form hoping for improvement of those unhealthy relationships. He said that statistics depict that once violence begins in the relationship, it never stops but instead it exacerbates.
Mthokozisi said that part of the result of so many kids in our streets and drug and alcohol abusing children is the GBV that which is taking place in our homes between parents. He asked the women to please become a support system to their fellow friends who make a decision to move out of their violent and unhealthy marriages or relationships.
Mrs N. Mlotshwa (Assistant Director: Employee Health and Wellness) facilitated on “women of purpose”. She said that women ought to appreciate and acknowledge themselves and one another for all the good qualities they possess. She said all their dislikes in their bodies cannot be removed or changed, therefore, women must learn to accept it and live with it. She encouraged women to think positively about their lives. This will bring them to their realisation of their vision.
Mrs Mlotshwa continued saying that a woman of purpose understands herself and always run her race at her own pace with success but the woman who lacks a purpose will always have issues with other people and is not able to cooperatively work in peace and harmony with other people. “Women must shy away from cycles without a value. These are not beneficial as they are also not constructive.” Emphasised Mrs Mlotshwa. “No one owes women anything but women owe everything to themselves.” She concluded by mentioning that life is about making choices. Being sad and being happy is a decision which a women is entitled to make.
Miss Nomfundo Zungu from the audience said that as a young woman, on behalf of other young women, she is asking adult women to respect them, include them in the resolution of probvlems and not instruct or shout at them. As young women, they also want to be listened to. Even at work, they are asking to be treated with dignity. Sais Nomfundo Zungu.
Ms Nomfundo Khuzwayo shared hints on “raising a child”. She said women have to ask themselves what are the reasons children that don’t belong to them grow improperly without sufficient basic needs. She asked older women to please share some light and do good deeds to the generation coming after them. In this way, even parentless children will get love and care which they deserve. Concluded Nomfundo Khuzwayo.
Ms Khosi Ngcobo also came from the audience and stated that raising a child starts from home. She said that as parents, we must raise children with love and teach them morals. She said that when correcting the children, one must use a manneristic approach. She also asked the young generation to please listen and be obedient to the advice of the older generation.
Tholakele Xaba said that raising a child is a responsibility of all women. She asked her fellow women to reframe from jealousy, greed and selfishness. She asked them to share opportunities such as job opportunities, internships opportunities, learnerships opportunities, bursaries opportunities and scholarship opportunities with those children also who are not their biological children.
Women are associated with beauty and purity. Such could be told for the dress-code of the day in Mayville. A white dress and a doek vividly projected the beauty of the African woman. They are mothers of our nation. They play a most important role in our lives. At work and in organisational leadership, there they also deserve crucial positions. In conclusion, Ms Thembeka Mkhulise thanked the program director and all the speakers who participated in the program. She also thanked all women for having been a spectacular audience.
