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Message of support from the Executive Mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality Cllr Greta Hlongwane delivered on her behalf by MMC for Corporate Services Cllr Khethiwe Ntombela at the Women's Day celebration VUT on the 19 August 2011

Cllr Khethiwe Ntombela VUT Chancellor, Advocate Pansy Tlakula, Vice-Chancellor, Irene Moutlana, Professor Thiri Padayachee, Distinguished guests, All protocol observed.

The Constitution of South Africa states that women are equal in dignity and equally entitled to their freedoms and rights. If I had to describe women in South Africa, I would say women are change makers, motivators, teachers, innovators, mothers, artists, leaders of local communities and wider society. In short, our women represent the diversity of our nation.

 

I am standing here today in support of all women around Emfuleni, especially the nominees for the WOW AWARDS today. These are the people who have taken a lead in poverty alleviation projects, who are at the forefront of community building and leadership.

 

As we all know, this is the month where we celebrating all that has been achieved in the protection and advancement of women's rights throughout our history. The greatest achievements in our struggle for freedom and equality are being met on a daily basis because of the work you do.

This year we are celebrating 17 years of democracy and as I look back I can reflect on the great strides towards gender equality but there is still so much more to do as we see new issues arising day by day. I want to say to all the nominees today, your work provides a daily inspiration to those who are faced with these issues and also suffer from discrimination and racism. Your endurance and perseverance has and will continue to move mountains. As Emfuleni we will stand by you and i want to wish you every success in your endeavors.

Programme Director, our Municipality is taking forward a range of measures to improve opportunities for women in the workplace and wider society, and the role you play is vital in this. Skills training and greater access to financial assistance are but the beginning. We know that a victory for women is a victory for all. It is true that when the weakest link in any society is strengthened, the whole society becomes stronger.

Distinguished guests, let us not under-estimate the work that is being done by these women in our society. They are a vital source of support, learning and encouragement. You will agree with me that if these strong and powerful women did not take the initiatives they took, many women would not have the space to develop their self esteem, skills and confidence to tackle issues of importance to everyone in society.

Programme Director, I want to take this opportunity to challenge local businesses that, let us commit ourselves to empowering these hardworking women with the tools they need to build stronger families, better communities and healthier lives.

And to all of you gathered here, let us each do what it takes to help someone else succeed. Bomme, Mma ngwana o tshwara thipa ka bohaleng.

In closing, let me urge all South Africans to celebrate the life, achievement and dignity of our mothers and sisters. Let us pay tribute and salute the women of Emfuleni and the country. Let us together celebrate what is left of the Women’s Month with love and care.

MALIBONGWE-IGAMA-LA-MAKHOSIKAZI.

I thank you

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