Dinner inspires young women with a call from 1976
With the inspiration of the youth of 1976 forefront in their minds, attendees of the Young Women’s Dinner were inspired to make a real change.
“No young person should be on drugs. You must be addicted to life, not to drugs.” These were the powerful words of Gauteng Acting Premier and MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko during her speech at the Young Women’s Dinner held at the Louisville Hotel and Conference Centre in Midrand on June 30.
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Mazibuko spoke directly to the young people present, saying: “When you leave here and return to your various provinces and homes, tell that ‘Snyman’ [drug dealer] to go to Kuvukiland [the land of our forefathers], not here in South Africa. Say to them, enough is enough. As young people, you need to march against drugs.”
To conclude youth month, the Gauteng provincial government hosted this inspiring dinner, bringing together young women from diverse fields such as academia, business, public service, sports, mining, construction, and energy, as well as thought leaders and activists.
The event featured an all-women panel that engaged in a thought-provoking discussion about women’s achievements and challenges, as well as solutions to the socioeconomic imbalances that hinder the advancement and inclusion of women and other marginalised groups.
Among the panellists were High Court of South Africa admitted attorney Nandipha Tselanyane, Rarogang Business Enterprise founder and operations manager Mmasetshaba Makhubedu, Wits SRC president Nombulelolo Chiya, economic analyst Sthandiwe Msomi, and Nomsa Simelane, founder and managing director of Samkelimpilo.
Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Tolashe delivered the keynote address, emphasising the significance of June in South Africa, stating it reflects the actions and decisions of the youth of 1976. “It is a privilege for me to address you on this occasion as we conclude youth month 2025… 49 years ago, the young people of this country made immense sacrifices for the freedom we enjoy today,” said Tolashe.
The dinner highlighted and advanced the agenda of women across all walks of life, facilitating a dialogue with young women whose presence and voices position them as future leaders and catalysts for transforming the social, political, and economic landscape of Gauteng.
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