Brackenhurst Library hosted a Women’s Day event on August 7, aimed at giving women more than just a day of celebration.

The event created an opportunity for women to gain practical information from professionals while connecting with organisations that can assist them with important aspects of their lives.

Event organiser Kgahlisho Chuene said the inspiration behind the event was to position the library as a community hub for empowerment, learning and meaningful connections.

“The goal was to host an event that went beyond a simple celebration, one that actively equipped attendees with practical knowledge, renewed confidence and tangible resources to thrive in their personal and professional lives,” said Chuene.

Financial knowledge for a stronger future

Financial wellness was one of the main focus areas, with representatives from Capitec and Absa sharing advice on budgeting, saving, credit, debt, investments and retirement planning.

Capitec representative Musa Bhengu explained the importance of having a savings plan and making responsible financial decisions.

He discussed various savings options, including notice accounts and fixed-term savings.

Bhengu encouraged attendees to budget carefully, borrow only what they can comfortably repay and maintain a good credit record.

He also warned women about the growing threat of financial scams and encouraged them never to share their passwords, card details or one-time PINs.

His message was that financial literacy is not simply about earning more money, but about making informed decisions with the money one already has.

Encouraging women to consider homeownership

Homeownership was another important topic discussed during the event.

Veronica Gouws from Absa Home Loans encouraged women who do not own homes to find out whether they could qualify instead of automatically assuming that homeownership is impossible.

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Veronica Gouws from Absa Home Loans encouraged women who do not own homes to find out whether they could qualify instead of automatically assuming that homeownership is impossible. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za

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She explained that prospective buyers can get a pre-qualification assessment to determine how much they may qualify for before looking for a property.

Veronica also stressed the importance of maintaining a good credit rating, saying it can have a significant impact when applying for finance.

She highlighted that there are products available for first-time homebuyers, including possible assistance with certain costs, subject to approval and the applicant’s financial circumstances.

Understanding the bond process

Elmari Pieterse from eBond Gallery also spoke about property investment and the role of bond originators.

He explained that bond originators can submit a home loan application to different banks, allowing buyers to compare offers and potentially secure a better interest rate.

Pieterse encouraged attendees to understand the property process and to consider property as a possible long-term investment.

His message was that owning a home should not automatically be viewed as something that is out of reach.

Health and wellbeing

The event also placed attention on women’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Bracken Clinic provided health and wellness information, while Clicks supported the event with health screenings.

Dis-Chem contributed gift bags for attendees.

Chuene said addressing health was important because women often put the needs of their families before their own.

“Dedicating time to preventative health, mental wellness and self-care reinforces the vital message that taking care of oneself is essential, not secondary,” she said.

Local businesses give back

Local business Rocky Peak Spur Brackenhurst also supported the event by providing refreshments.

Operator Fransie Booyjens said the business wanted to give back because it forms part of the Brackenhurst community.

“We’re part of the community in Brackenhurst, so we always want to give back to the community and assist where we can. The library approached us to ask how we could assist with the event, and Rocky Peak Spur decided to contribute refreshments. Supporting community events also provides businesses with an opportunity to connect with residents and encourage them to support local businesses,” said Fransie.

Partnerships make a difference

Chuene said the involvement of the various organisations transformed the event into a practical resource for women.

She said the library could provide the venue and create the platform, but professional partners brought expertise that the library could not provide on its own.

“Each partner brought something the library alone couldn’t offer, and together they turned a single day into something women could walk away from with real tools, not just inspiration,” she said.

She thanked Absa, Capitec, Dis-Chem, Clicks, Bond Gallery, Bracken Clinic and Rocky Peak Spur Brackenhurst for their support.

“Your expertise, generosity and time gave the women of our community something far more lasting than a day of celebration: real tools, real answers and real reasons to believe in their own growth,” said Chuene.

The event highlighted the important role community libraries can play in connecting residents with information, professional services and local organisations while creating spaces where women can learn, grow and support one another.