Article by Hlengiwe Dlamini and Images by Sibongile Dlangalala
PUNCTUAL ARRIVAL: Guests arrived at the event venue looking bright and beautiful after perusing a popular weather forecast mobile application
MAYVILLE: It was a wonderful day on Tuesday, 29 August 2023, when the KZN Department of Public Works (DPW) ended a cord of Women’s Month festivities by paying a special focus on mandatory Women Empowerment interventions required in the workplace.
The writing was on the wall when scores of women representing various Directorates of the Department reflected on strategic issues around women empowerment initiatives.
This is in line with this year’s theme, “Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women Empowerment," as adopted by Parliament for nationwide government application and standard uniformity purposes.
Speaking at a women-only programme initially hosted by the DPW’s Directorate on Youth, Women, People with Disabilities and Military Veterans, Director: EPWP Provincial Coordination, Ms Charlotte Khumalo urged women to celebrate themselves every day not only during the month of August.
Flowing from the above, Director: Organizational Development Ms Jean Makhaye also unpacked the tenets of her favourite theme as derived from the international women’s day hallways dubbed, “Break the Bias,” which is set for application by each woman on the shop floor.
“As women, there are lot of challenges we face, whether intentional or unintentional. We need to reflect on such matters. “In order for us to break the bias, we must ask ourselves a question, what makes it difficult for us, women to get on top of stumbling challenges affecting our daily lives whether in the workplace or social spaces within the society?
Women believe that, a solid response to the above will provide a permanent solution to any unwarranted setbacks in life.
Guest speaker, Dr Thobile Sifunda who is the Acting Head for KZN Department of Sports, Arts and Culture zoomed into mental health issues as she further equipped women with credible information, tips on how to empower and position themselves for occupational growth in the workplace.
Her presentation also reflected on a number of available employment opportunities including proper filling of a compulsory Z83 application form for employment and applicable processes thereof.
She also mentioned that, it is not by any chance that some women hold strategic occupational positions, but they are there to fulfil a particular purpose and they should deliver on that mandate. She also emphasised that women should continue to educate themselves, always excel in whatever they do and go an extra mile in all their endeavours.
Women were also encouraged to practice self-love, know their worth, follow their dreams and implement long-lasting personal development approaches that will occupy them way beyond the retirement age.
The above images bear testimony to the ecstatic mood which dominated the day’s proceedings as ululation and dance moves take centre stage. Top left, elegantly dressed women dancing to music while Ms Mabongi Magwaza was on stage. Acting Head for KZN Department of Public Works, Mr Siboniso Majola and Acting Head for KZN Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Dr Thobile Sifunda also followed suit
Glamorous guests dancing while enjoying themselves during a Women-Only razzmatazz
The Acting HOD Mr Siboniso Majola asserted that, the relevant management is working around the clock in ensuring that, women receive the necessary support within the Department. He further pleaded with women to also develop themselves and focus more on skills that will sustain them focusing more on those that are in demand.
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY DIRECTED TO ALL WOMEN REPRESENTING THE KZN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
The MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Mr Sipho “KK” Nkosi says, Women’s Month is a very important month in this country and women of today owe their liberation to the struggle demonstrated by women in 1956.
He further mentioned that as men, they also appreciate the role played by these women because as people who nurtured them to be what they are today, and these are women who were very strong whenever they were given responsibilities.
Therefore, in this women’s month he wishes women very well and believes that they are going to continue working very hard and shine at all costs.
The message also alluded to the fact that, the government of the day is convinced that the 50% stake that was taken by some political parties in terms of deployments be given to women because that is what they also deserve.
As men they are committing themselves that, they are not going to abuse women and children and he is also aware that, behind every successful man there is a woman wishing them well.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Standing, the Department of Public Works’ Women SMS Members were captured here while posing for a camera with the Deputy Director General for Corporate Services, Mr PW Duma
The official programme of the day was concluded with a presentation on Financial Literacy Education offered by Mr S. Myeni who presented tips on how to save money during the current sloppy economic terrain.