Mogale women gather to inspire

The Mogale City Social Upliftment Unit within the Department of Social Services recently celebrated International Women’s Day with an event at Burgershoop Community Centre.

International Women’s Day is observed annually on the day to celebrate “the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future”.

The event attracted local businesswomen and women from social and faith-based organisations.

Social worker Patricia Senwamadi addressed the audience first, saying, “We as a department are happy to bring women from all corners of Mogale City together to celebrate this day with us.

“The purpose of the occasion is to create space for women to come together and talk about issues affecting them, and to provide a platform to inspire ourselves. The gist of this event is to make a difference in the lives of other women universally.”

The event covered issues ranging from cancer awareness, to business management, motherhood, and early childhood development.

Pinky Makhutle, a survivor of multiple cancers and member of Cancer.vive, discussed cancer diagnosis and treatment. Cancer.vive members are cancer survivors who raise awareness on early detection and treatment for the disease.

“I’m here to inspire the diva in you,” Makhutle said, “I say this because every woman has a diva in her.

“I am here to inspire you because God has a way of taking charge of situations that are out of our control.”

She added, “Cancer is not a death sentence; it becomes a death sentence when you worship it. I want to encourage every woman to look after her body and take control of cancer.”

Silwa ne Ndlala Women Cooperative’s Nonceba Noxuba discussed how to build successful cooperatives with the audience.

“Silwa ne Ndlala provides assistance to needy families.”

Noxuba said cooperatives do not “survive the test of time” due to incapacity.

“If you are a member of a cooperative and are in it for the love of money, then you are in the wrong venture,” she said, adding that often cooperatives also fail due to members’ lack of training.

She urged the audience to “have love for their work and businesses so they can flourish,” and said, “We are pleased that we have come together to talk about issues affecting us”.

Trudie Naudé, chief executive at the Mug and Tree Community Care Centre in Burgershoop, discussed early motherhood and childhood development. Speaking about the centre she said, “We initiated this facility because we want to raise bright and good children. It is important as parents to play a leading role in teaching our children to differentiate between good and bad.”

The event left attendants and speakers feeling inspired and celebrating their successes.