University of Johannesburg Academy high tea brings local women together for inspiration and fundraising
Mothers, daughters, aunts and friends gathered at UJ Academy for an afternoon of delicious food, connection and inspiring stories from speakers Ayanda Ndlovu and Deidre Hendricks, with an auction raising funds for the school.
Laughter, delicious food and inspiring stories filled University of Johannesburg (UJ) Academy as local mothers, daughters, aunts and friends came together for the school’s inaugural high tea on October 10.
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The event offered an opportunity for women to connect, share a special occasion and support the school, with a fundraising auction adding to the day’s purpose. Following the success of the first gathering, the school hopes to host the event again.
Guests also heard from two inspiring speakers whose personal journeys highlighted the power of perseverance, hope and making the most of opportunities.
Chartered accountant Ayanda Ndlovu spoke about her journey from growing up in a rural community with a single mother to qualifying as a chartered accountant with the support of a Thuthuka bursary.
Now a Thuthuka board member, she encouraged women and young people to recognise opportunities and take the steps needed to achieve their goals. “The door can open, but are you going to walk through the door?” she asked, reminding guests that opportunity and determination must work together.
Deidre Hendricks shared a more personal message through her talk, ‘Gracefully Broken’, reflecting on difficult chapters in her life, including loss, an emotionally abusive marriage and her stage-two breast cancer diagnosis in February 2015. Her story of treatment, remission and renewed perspective centred on the importance of faith and hope in the face of adversity. “Choose hope over despair,” was among the messages she shared with the audience.
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Beyond the talks, the high tea celebrated the value of women coming together – whether as family members, friends or members of the wider community. The shared meal, conversations and auction helped create an occasion that combined connection with a contribution to the school.
With the inaugural event bringing people together around inspiration, community and fundraising, UJ Academy hopes the high tea will become an occasion women can look forward to attending again.
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