“As always, year after year, the August month is regarded as the Women’s month in South Africa. This is with respect to more than 20000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. They were protesting against Pass Laws. Because of this gesture, a good historical encounter was made and this resulted to such a legacy being commemorated.” Miss Charity Sithole (Assistant Director Immovable Assets, Provincial Information narrated the purpose of the day.
On Thursday, 17 August 2023, KZN Public Works Southern Region held a Women’s Day function. This gathering’s focal point was on the health and wellness of the region’s women staff members. This, was evident on the choice of professionals who are specialists in their fields of study who constructed the panel of the event. These professionals varied from Counselling Psychologist to Financial Advisor, a Biokineticist and a Homeopath.
Ms Nokwanda Gcaba (Director, Southern region), in welcoming the audience, she recognised all and advised all women that, it is not a sign of weakness for a woman to be tender, to operate softly and smoothly. In the contrary, she said that it is dismally wrong for a woman to pretend to be strong when challenges are overwhelming. She advised women to be realistic with their problems and to deal with their issues immediately and decisively.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works has made numerous developments in helping advance women, their full potential in our society continues to be realized. A particular focus over the month has been on opportunities that women can access in the different sectors of the economy. Women’s Month 2023 is commemorated under the theme: “Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for women’s empowerment”
Dr Claire Ngcobo is a Psychologist and a mental health specialist. She spoke about the qualities that which women possess. Secondly she spoke about mental problems and illnesses such as stress and depression. Lastly, she mentioned that self-care is impotent as a solution for all mental illnesses and problems. “Sometimes people fear to go for medical help for mental problems because these are related to madness. This is wrongly perceived by the society at large.” Concluded Dr. Ngcobo.
Mr. Msizi Cwele from Old Mutual says that Financial Management is a daily life activity. This is supposed to be planted to us at a young age from our homes. “Due to poor background experience, as black and poor people we are disadvantaged in our financial activities. This is mostly because of black tax responsibilities. Lack of financial planning or budgeting brings along ill-discipline in our financial lifestyle.” Among other topics, Msizi also spoke about risks, investments, savings, retirement annuities and the importance of writing a will.
Dr. Adhieman Adande believes that Homeopathy is the safest form of treatment which is gentle on our bodies. It does not focus on the disease but rather focuses on the patient’s body as a whole. It is a holistic approach to medicine where the mental emotional physical aspect of an individual gets incorporated. It stimulates our life force or immune system to work for itself. The normal medication is very harsh on our bodies. It brings along a lot of toxicity and chemicals not needed by our bodies.
In conclusion, Mrs Zamachunu Ndebele (Employee Health and Wellness Practitioner) led the congregation in reciting the following pledge: “I pledge to stand up to injustice. I pledge to support diversity and equal opportunities for all women. I pledge to challenge prejudice. I pledge to challenge and empower other women to unite in the face of inequality. I pledge to stand up to hate. I pledge to empower women to elevate themselves and others to be courageous. I pledge to empower other women to live their lives as they choose. I pledge to challenge favoritism. I AM ENOUGH. I TRUST MYSELF. I DESERVE HAPPINESS. I LOVE MYSELF. I AM WORK IN PROGRESS.
By Bheki Khawula and Neliswa Nhlabathi.
