Joburg council speaker and founder of My Life Matters, So I Spoke Out, Margaret Arnolds, recently hosted the Ambassador of Ukraine to South Africa, Dr Olexander Shcherba, for a high tea event centred on conversation, creativity and cultural exchange at the Eldorado Park Hub.

The event created a platform for engagement between the local community and international guests, using storytelling and performance to bridge cultural divides.

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Independent strategist, consultant and storyteller Judy Norkeri said the initiative was designed to connect people through shared experiences and artistic expression.

Norkeri explained that she brought a group of theatrical cabaret performers from Ukraine who use their art to reflect on their lived realities.

“These performers tell stories of their struggles as women, and particularly as Ukrainian women, through their art,” she said.

She added that the visit formed part of a broader collaboration supported by the Ukrainian, Austrian and Norwegian embassies.

“The idea was to create a space for conversation through creativity, to build community not only in Eldorado Park, but also connecting South Africa, Africa, Ukraine and the rest of the world,” she said.

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Shcherba was also supporting performing artists, Dark Daughters from Ukraine, who were set to perform at the Joburg Theatre.

While addressing attendees, Shcherba reflected on the ongoing war in his home country.

Shcherba said Ukraine remains resolute in its fight for freedom, citing the strength and resilience of its people, particularly women.

“We in Ukraine are big believers in girl power. Ukrainian women have been central to holding our country together during these past four difficult years of war,” he said.

Shcherba shared the harsh realities faced by civilians, describing the war as “hell” and recounting traumatic experiences endured by families during the invasion.

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Despite this, he said Ukraine remains determined to overcome the challenges.

“We are fighting for our freedom, and we are confident that we will succeed,” he said.

He also drew parallels with South Africa’s history, saying the country’s victory over apartheid serves as an inspiration.

“You fought against injustice and won your freedom. That gives us hope as we continue our own struggle,” he said.

Shcherba thanked the community for its support and for hosting the delegation.

The event also offered survivors of gender-based violence and recovering drug users a platform to share their journeys of transformation.

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Arnolds said the high tea was created to give women in Eldorado Park access to spaces and conversations often beyond their reach, while also providing a platform for healing and shared experiences.

“Our women don’t often get opportunities to attend events like this. Many cannot afford spaces where important conversations happen, so we decided to bring that experience into the community,” she said.

Arnolds shared her personal journey of surviving abuse and hardship, saying it shaped her commitment to supporting other women.

“I have lived through pain, abuse and trauma, but speaking out changed my life. It lifted a burden and gave me strength to help others do the same,” she said.

Arnolds added that art and storytelling remain powerful tools for resilience and unity, drawing parallels between South Africa’s past and global struggles.

“We understand the power of storytelling and creativity. It helped us survive, and it continues to connect us with others facing their own battles,” she said.