National Women’s Month Tablo id
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WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN IN THE MARCH TOWARDS GENDER EQUITY, POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND JOB CREATION! ugust 9 is Women’s Day. It marks the anniversary of the great Women’s March of 1956, where women marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the carrying of pass books. On 9 August 1956, about 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against legislation aimed at tightening the apartheid government’s control over the movement of black women in urban areas. This year our country and province hold various activities to celebrate the significant strides made by our mothers and daughters. Events also focus on the hardship still faced by women and girl children. Such challenges include poverty, homelessness, HIV/ Aids and domestic violence and rape. Women leaders agree that women have come a long way in those sectors previously closed to women especially sectors such as business and politics, but believe that a lot more has to be done to improve the lives of all women, especially those in rural areas. In a recent survey undertaken by the Business Woman’s Association (BWA) of South Africa it was particularly obvious that while government was far from perfect, the private sector was still way behind with more than 37% of the 335 companies investigated having no women on their boards. The percentage of women employed in government positions across all salary levels totals 54.76%. The census revealed that government’s advancement of women in terms of employment equity was higher than in other sectors traditionally measured in the census, namely JSE-listed companies and state owned enterprises. On the corporate side, the census showed that although there had been a steady increase in the employment of women in top executive positions, women were still lagging behind their male counterparts within corporate South Africa. “The results are positive but they also
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show that we still have a long way to go. In most of the corporate categories, there has been a very slight increase over the previous years and whilst we are encouraged we cannot allow ourselves to become complacent,” added Yvette Montalbano. “People opposed to Women’s Abuse (POWA) say the issues challenging women’s access to rights remain problematic. “Inequality, unemployment, poverty, lack of housing, domestic violence and rape still affect our women,” says Tiny Moloko. She called on government, the corporate sector and women leaders themselves to do something “urgently” to alleviate the hardships. “Government must begin to hold hands with NGOs that know and understand the plight of women. There are organisations offering women the critical support that they need but with very little resources. Government can assist by funding these organisations,” she added. She says it is also important for the corporate sector to prioritise “women” in their CSI initiatives. “Create opportunities for women to develop their skills so that they can become employable. The economic empowerment of women will help alleviate problems associated with domestic violence and gender discrimination, because women who are unemployed are dependent on their abusive partners and husbands.” She also urged women leaders to “support other women.” She added that women leaders must focus on “creating opportunities for other women”. “As women we are prone to the pull her down attitude. We must work together to support each other.” She says the focus in assisting women must shift away from the urban areas and into the “rural heartlands” where women are “most forgotten”. Women leaders in general agree that advantaged women can do a lot to promote disadvantaged women. Women leaders have a duty to promote other women. Gabi GumbiMasilela, the administrative head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs says there is an unwritten expectation in being a female leader - the responsibility to champion the cause of women in the work place! She adds that this is understandable considering the fact that women have been for so long denied their due place in leading positions and as a result they have been fighting for their emancipation. “We have come a long a way and we need to keep the focus and consolidate the gains to empower all women who look up to us,” she says.
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Women leaders also believe that the perception of women in society must change for women to take their rightful place in society. This includes how society views the role of women and how media portrays women in their respective roles. Kwazulu-Natal businesswoman May Mashoko says society and especially the business world must forget viewing women as “appendages of their partners or husbands.” She said it was important for decision makers in society to wake up to the fact that men succeed because their partners and wives makes sacrifices to allow them to succeed. Mary Papayya Secretary-General of the SA National Editor’s Forum says the messages that the media carry on women are also important to how society in the end viewed the role of women. She says if stories run consistently show women as victims and being inferior to men then the perception is lasting in the mind of the reader/listener/viewer.
MY BODY OUR SOUL Standing by the road side Sitting on the darkened sofa In a darkened lounge Braving the weather and the stares You look into me You look into your soul Face plastered To hide my pain My body is my sole ware My lips though red are pale Pale of emotion For this I must do I massage your soul As you touch my body I massage your ego As you want ‘it’ on the go
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I watch as you smile A smile of conquer I smile because maybe I will have some to eat
Bone of my bones Flesh of my flesh “Woo! Man!” Adam was never the same.
By day I am despised By night I am loved My limbs you lust My life you bust
You are so beautiful Everyone wants to touch you Everyone wants to have you To own you To keep you Forever
My body ‘Tis your soul ‘Tis in the soul That we all are
But you belong To you! You are You! Magical Mystical Emotional Spiritual You are You!
I am a soul brother I am a soul sister I am a soldier Dying in the line of duty Dying in the line of passion The passion of love The passion of life I am a soul cistern You break me because I’m discarded You break my body, you break our soul. Xijekana
KwaZulu-Natal Ingcugce Commem Office of the Premier
BUSINESS UNUSUAL: Ingcugce Comm ALL POWER TO WOMEN values enshrined in our Constitution; Ingcugce C Commemoand to push the boundaries of the
KwaZulu-Natal Premier: Mr Sibusiso Ndebele
The KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Government’s annual commemoration of National Women’s Month reafKwaZulu-Natal firms the power of women to work together to bring about fundamental change in society.
our victories and defeats, to draw inspiration as we chart the way forward towards gender equity. As we commemorate Women’s Month we should bear in mind the heroic sacrifices of women who struggled for democracy, socio-economic progress, equality and opportunity for all.
progress achieved in the 14 years of democracy.
Ingcugce Commemoratio
2008 National Women’s Month marks the 52nd anniversary of the 1956 march which coincides with the 90th anniversary of the Bantu Women’s League and the 50th anIn our quest for a better life for all the niversary of the Zeerust anti-pass march – iconic moments of the role challenge of gender equity remains of women in shaping the history of one of our cornerstone priorities, our country and plight of our people. and this agenda for social change requires a firm partnership among Today, the freedom and rights we government, the private sector, civil enjoy are directly linked to the role of society institutions and civil society women in the struggle for liberation. itself. We have a patriotic duty to actively participate in further entrenching As a nation we must use this opour democracy; social cohesion and portunity to reflect on our past,
In doing so we must seek to banish all forms of gender oppression, free women from the chains of poverty and ensure that the rights we enjoy are enjoyed by all the people of our province and country. “Our vision of a truly non-sexist society is dependent on our collective effort. Our freedom is not complete until the women of our society are free and equal”.
A better life for all.
Masisukume Sakhe. Ingcugce Commemo-
National Women’s Month 2008
CELEBRATING THE AGELESS SPIRIT OF WOMEN THROUGH THE ARTS elebrating the ageless spirit of women, Women of Dzonga, a powerhouse stage musical presentation, is also featured South African Women’s Arts Festival. The production, which has won acclaim with audiences in Gauteng, and in the Netherlands, is directed and choreographed by multi-award winning dancer and choreographer, Portia Mashigo. Women of Dzonga (Women of the South) features a vibrant cast of 12 women who sing, dance and drum in a colourful and highly energetic show that embraces a wide variety of performance genres. These include mbaqanga music, domba dance, accapella singing, contemporary dance, kwasa kwasa, and even items from Sophiatown, among other styles. The production, whose cast members
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span three generations ranging in age from 19 to 55 years, stands as a striking celebration of the joy and strengths of black women in South African society as they meet its challenges in the 21st Century. The production portrays the way women celebrate important moments in their lives both in traditional and modern culture, supporting each other in the process. Casting includes Hlengiwe Msibi, Malebo Rakgokgo, Mapula Tele, Matshidiso Mokoka, Mbali Nkosi, Mpumi Gumede, Nichollete Hlatshwayo, Pauline Nkosi, Thandi Sesi Nkwanyana, Thembeka Mavuso, Thoko Madontsela and Thuli Radebe. New Classics is also another key feature at the festival. It features the choreography of acclaimed dance luminary, Desiré Davids. The work was created
on five leading Durban-based dancers, Zinhle Gumede, Liselle Sproull, Louise Fraquet-Golding, Quinton Ribbonaar and Davids herself. The work’s creation involved collaboration with the dancers, utilizing their strengths by incorporating elements of contemporary and African dance as well as classical ballet in this piece. Building on their individual strengths proved an exciting process. While New Classics does not pursue a traditional story line, it is accessible to audiences all ages. The participation Zulu traditionalists, Omama Boxolo (The Mothers of Peace), infused a vein of authentic Isigekle performance into this highly unusual fusion of styles. Also on show is Duma Ndlovu’s acclaimed stage drama, The
Women artists that performed at the South African Women’s Art Festival
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Game. Directed by Ndlovu himself, the production’s all-female cast features a dazzling line-up of top South African stage, movie and television stars. These include Leleti Khumalo, Cindi Dlathu, Mary Twala, Londiwe Mthembu, Lucia Mthiyane, Phumelephi Mthombeni, Simpiwe Ngema, Jo-Anne Reyneke and Thandazile Soni.
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WOMEN’S ARTS FESTIVAL he Playhouse Company’s 12th South African Women’s Arts Festival (SAWAF) is underway at The Playhouse in Durban. It ends on Sunday 16 August. This annual showcase of the impact women make on the lives of South Africans enjoys a national profile on our arts calendar. True to form, this year’s festival comprises cutting edge productions of poetry,
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music, drama and dance, and features the talent of noted women in their fields of performance art. The musical production, Women of Dzonga (Women of the South) ran from 6 – 9 August in the Loft theatre. This featured a powerhouse line-up of women performers in a mixed medley of show-stoppers from a variety of genres. These include mbaqanga music, domba dance, acapella singing, contemporary dance, kwasa kwasa, and even items from Sophiatown, among other elements. The production portrays the way women celebrate important moments in their lives both in traditional and modern culture, supporting
WORLD WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT MOVEMENT MEETS IN CAPE TOWN p to 1,500 women’s rights leaders and activists from around the world will converge in Cape Town from November 14-17 for the 11th Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) International Forum to discuss the power of movements. AWID is an international membership organisation that works to strengthen the voice, impact and influence of women’s rights advocates, organizations and movements internationally to effectively advance the rights of women. The event will bring together women’s rights leaders and activists from around the world every three years to strategize, network, celebrate, and learn in a highly charged atmosphere that fosters deep discussions and sustained personal and professional growth. Delegates to the Forum participate in four days of plenary speeches, interactive sessions, workshops, debates, and creative sessions geared to powerful thinking on gender equality and women’s human rights. Delegates also participate in informal caucuses, gala events, cultural activities, and social and political events geared to global and regional networking and alliance-
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building. According to the organisers participation in the AWID Forum is open to anyone who works or has an interest in women’s rights, international development, and social justice. AWID particularly welcomes women and men from the Global South, young women, and marginalized groups that have had difficulty getting their agenda heard on a global stage. The conference aims to enlighten, provoke and inspire. There will be lots to learn and an abundance of new skills, new knowledge, new colleagues, and new ideas for the long road ahead. The theme of the 2008 forum is “The Power of Movements”. Some of the goals of the forum include: Taking significant steps to overcome the fragmentation within women’s movements To advance the thinking on how to develop comprehensive political agendas to address the multiple structural dimensions of women’s oppression To contribute to the process of building strategic alliances with other social movements and Continue multi-build the overall capacity of participants For more Information: www. awid.org/forum08
each other in the process. SAWAF’s 2008 Gala Concert features two of South Africa’s most enduring music legends, Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya, and hot-property music star, Durban’s own Swazi Dlamini, providing a triple act with phenomenal box office appeal in this year’s SAWAF Gala Concert. A much loved audience favourite in this country and abroad, Letta is a South African Music Awards for Lifetime Achievement honoree, whose performances fill her listeners with joy. Caiphus Semenya like-
wise has built a hugely popular following second to none with music lovers over the years. Local star Swazi Dlamini adds her own considerable box office pull to this not-to-be-missed, Big League event. The concert’s Celebrity Programme Director is the acclaimed South African poet, Lebo Mashile Other SAWAF attractions include an Open Mic Poetry session in the Grand Foyer on Saturday 9 August at 16h00 with Gcina Mhlophe as the anchor artist (admission free), a youth seminar presented in conjunction with the Office of the Premiere on Sunday 10 August from 08h30; and an allstops-out Battle of the Women DJ’s in the Grand Foyer on 10 August from 17h30. This celebrates young women who have made their names in the local and national music industry as DJ’s. Featured celebrities in this field will include DJ Sindo, DJ Zinhle and DJ Sem. Desiré Davids’ groundbreaking dance fusion piece, New Classics, makes a welcome return to the Drama from 14 to 16 August. This challenging stage work features the choreography of one our leading dance luminaries, and has been cre-
ated on five leading Durban dancers who have each won acclaim at home and abroad. They are Zinhle Gumede, Louise FraquetGolding, Lucile Sproull, Quinton Ribonaar and Davids herself. The production also features guest appearance by Zulu traditionalists, Omama Boxolo (The Mothers of Peace). Booking for all SAWAF productions is through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or The Playhouse Box Office on 031-369 9540. For further information, contact the Playhouse Company’s Marketing Department on 031-369 9456 or alternatively by email at marketing@playhousecompany.com
10 NEGOTIATION TIPS FROM WOMEN IN THE TRENCHES The Mars/Venus relationship needs to be top of mind in business negotiations. Communication styles between men and women are different and as a result, negotiations can be complex. Our advice: keep your communication style direct by sharing plans, not concepts. Think collaboration not confrontation. Use mentors to help refine your negotiation skills. Given that you will be negotiating with both men and women, pick a mentor from Mars and Venus to get perspective from both sides of the communication spectrum. Practice makes perfect, so our advice: Practice, practice, practice. Women tend to think of getting along vs. getting what they want. Be clear about what you want and practice asking for it in a calm, direct manner. Our advice: don’t be confrontational. Getting fired-up and emotional may have an adverse reaction.
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Negotiation is a conversation and you may risk getting off-track. Our advice: stay focused; remain on point and on course to avoid a negotiation disaster. Gaining buy in along the way will get you closer to your goal faster. Making sure that the other party is being heard is a sign of respect and will be appreciated. Our advice: repeat the points of the other side and use language such as “Let me make sure I completely understand your point.” Successful negotiating requires preparation. Be prepared with a strong understanding of your needs and motivation’s, as well as the other side. Our advice: do your research, gather together relevant information and if it’s complicated, get outside expertise from a mentor or colleague. Creative solutions are well respected, especially if they demonstrate a strong understanding for the
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goals of the business. Our advice: Most points are negotiable and remember; it’s not always about money. Think add-on’s, better terms or additional services. Starting with your bottom line may close the door on negotiations. Our advice: be prepared to compromise and expect the other party to compromise as well. Being fair is not a loss. It shows that you are willing to adjust your expectations to meet the needs of the other side. Our advice: ask the question, “Why don’t you tell me what you think is fair.” You may be surprised at the answer. Negotiating is a process not an event. One conversation may not culminate in a final decision. Our advice: be willing to say, “Let me think about that and get back to you in 24 hours.
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- CareerWomen.com
National Women’s Month 2008
INTERNATIONALLYACCLAIMED SOPRANO PUTS THE PLAYHOUSE BACK INTO THE FRONTLINE
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all sectors of the community, thus firmly establishing herself as one of South Africa’s (and Africa’s) foremost arts administrators. Bukhosini has achieved a dramatic turn-around in the operations of KwaZulu-Natal’s premiere performing arts complex since taking up her present appointment in December 2003. In less than a year, she has chalked up an ongoing series of artistic successes with productions that have put The Playhouse Company back into the frontline of South Africa’s performing arts arena. Under Bukhosini’s directorship, Playhouse productions that have earned widespread praise and healthy box office returns have included: the youth oriented Hip Kulcha festival; the South African Women’s Arts Festival (which she played a leading role in establishing nine years ago) ; the first ever International Traditional Arts Festival to held in South Africa; a strongly supported revival of the Mbongeni
Ngema classic, Asinamali; two seasons of New Stages representing theatre from the New South Africa; a highly popular Playhouse Festive season programme; a sold-out schools education and development season in March; as well as a revival of the Playhouse’s Arts Disability programme in April. Other bench-mark events have included the triumphant return of Opera as a performing art form to the Durban stage after several years, with Bravo Night at the Opera in April; and the dance comedy-drama, Chalo Cinema, showcasing the Nateshwar Dance Company in a glitzy Bollywood style extravaganza that drew a 100% capacity attendance. On the international arts administration circuit Ms. Bukhosini formed part of a highprofile South African delegation that attended the International Society of the Performing Arts Conference in New York during January 2005 (SEE BELOW FOR FOLLOW-UP).
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Zizi Lethu, the major new concert piece in iziZulu that received its premieres in London and Germany last November. PREMIER CHALLENGES KZN GROWTH COALITION TO TAKE GENDER EQUITY SERIOUSLY
The following is an extract from Premier Ndebele’s address to the Growth Coalition
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espite the strides made in the political and economic climate, it is critical and crucial to point out the strides made towards the advancement and empowerment of women and also list the challenges we have faced. Currently in KwaZulu-Natal we have four out of ten Members of the Executive Council (MECs) who are women. We have 14 provincial government departments, 8 of which are headed by women. As early as 2004 we decided we would do everything which was aimed at changing the circumstances in which women found themselves. In particular we have placed emphasis on unemployment and the ideological problems facing women. Gender equality is taken very seriously by the state. The parastatals attached to the state have also made strides and have appointed women in critical positions managing budgets worth billions of rands. Our ACSA Chief Financial Officer is, Priscilla Mabelana, our Post Office Chairperson is Ms VF Mahlati, our Post Office CEO is Ms MM Lefoka, our chief Operating Officer for the Public Investment Corporation is Albertina Kekana, our Transnet Group CEO Maria Ramos, and our Airports Company of South Africa Managing Director is Monhla Hlahla. The businesses these women run are very big and are growing rapidly. Despite what the doomsayers say, this does not mean that we have sacrificed efficiency or have put women in position as window dressing. All the women appointed are recognised for their commitment and their smart and savvy approach to business. Our task as government is to create a non racial, non sexist and democratic SOCIETY. And together we ask ourselves, have we done enough in the boardrooms or have we only created a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic Government.
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Masters graduate from New York’s Juilliard School, Durban-born Linda Bukhosini brings to bear considerable professional skills and hands-on experience in her chosen career, both as an arts administrator and as a leading arts practitioner. She holds an honoured place in the SA Theatre world. She is the Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director at the Playhouse Company in Durban. She has brought ongoing distinction to the organisation. Her most recent triumph being the June 2008 International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) Conference, Ubuntu the Cradle of Humanity, was hosted by the company. This marked the first ever ISPA conference to be held on the African Continent. As the Artistic Director of the Playhouse she has played an invaluable role in establishing an equitable distribution of performance opportunities for artists and art forms expressive of
In the performance arena, Ms. Bukhosini is recognized internationally as one of South Africa’s leading lyric sopranos, noted for her highly evolved performance skills. She has appeared with leading conductors and worldrenowned musicians in South Africa, the UK, Brazil, Germany, the United States, Russia, India, Malaysia and Algeria. Ms. Bukhosini’s operatic engagements have included, among other roles, Marguerite in Gounod’s Faust; Clara in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess; the title role in Monteverdi’s L’Incoronzaione di Poppea; and, as a notable addition to her repertoire, the critically acclaimed Lives of African Women in which she performed the gruelling role of Nomzamo, a survivor of political violence, as portrayed in this chamber opera written for her by the gifted Chicago-based South African composer, Bongani Ndadana. As a guest artist, Ms. Bukhosini has performed before many leading dignitaries including President Thabo Mbeki; former President Nelson Mandela; His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelethini; Kofi Annan; HM Queen Elizabeth II; and Achbishop Desmond Tutu. On the South African concert platform she has performed with the Johannesburg Philharmonic, the London Chamber Players, and regularly with the KwaZuluNatal Philharmonic orchestras, appearing in a wide-ranging repertoire that has included, among other works, the soprano solos in Mahler’s Symphony No 4, Orff’s Carmina Buirana; Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and Mozart’s Exultate Jubilate. A notable success in 2004 was Bukhosini’s portrayal of the principal role of Marzelline in Beethoven’s ‘freedom’ opera, Fidelio, staged with an international cast on Cape Town’s Robyn Island as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of South Africa’s democracy. In November 2004 the soprano took part in several celebratory concerts in London and Germany, also marking 10 Years of democracy in South Africa. In 2005 she shared the stage with a line-up of top South African stars, appearing as Sophie in the final act of Richard Strauss’s masterpiece, Der Rosenkavalier. She appeared in the 2005 African Renaissance Gala Concert in Durban, alongside Bongani Tembe and the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, reprising
Women in Arts, Culture and Tourism Development through Arts, Culture and Tourism As South Africa celebrates Women’s Day tomorrow, the Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism in KwaZulu-Natal joins the majority of people who observe such an important day in the history of our country. We salute women who stood up against the injustices that were perpetrated against humanity. We owe these noble women a lot in terms of ensuring that their dream of a better world and a better South Africa is realised. Those of us deployed in state institutions need to utilise all resources at our disposal to uplift women still lagging behind in terms of development. I am proud to mention that the Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism has risen to the challenge of ensuring that women do enjoy a better life. Most of co-operatives that we work with are women. 39 percent of senior management in the Department is made up of women and we are working very hard to ensure that we achieve the 50 percent threshold.
Mrs Weziwe Thusi, MPL MEC for Arts, Culture and Tourism
Mrs Stella Khumalo Head of Department
I am proud to present to you the women team from Deputy Director to Deputy Director General levels who are the movers and shakers in the Department. This is the team that supports me on a day to day basis to ensure that I deliver on the mandate given by the public. This is the team that ensures that the Department responds to the challenges facing the people of this Province. I wish all women a happy Women’s Day. Weziwe Thusi, MPL MEC for Arts, Culture and Tourism in KwaZulu-Natal
Ms Nelly Bhengu PA to the MEC
Ms Sibongile Nzimande General Manager: Public Libraries & Archives
Ms Lindi Gwala General Manager: Corporate Services
Ms Kemi Pillay Acting CFO
Ms Thandi Sokhela Manager: Zululand Cluster
Dr Fikile Biyela Manager: Ukhahlamba cluster
Ms Nobom Dube Head of Ministry
Ms Funi Makhanya Manager: Special Projects
Ms Khululiwe Majola Parliamentary officer
Ms Ncumisa Fandesi Media Liaison Officer
Ms Nomthetho Sibisi Deputy Manager: Zululand Cluster
Ms Thembi Mahlobo Deputy Manager Pietermaritzburg Cluster
Ms Nosisa Ntuli Deputy Manager: Ethekwini Cluster
Ms Bongeka Mjwara Deputy Manager: Library
Ms Thembi Khumalo Deputy Manager: Library
Ms Phumzile Radebe Deputy Manager: Communication
Ms Judith Hawely Deputy Manager: Archives
Ms Banele Mthalane Deputy Manager: Legal Services
Ms Bongi ChirwaMzoneli Deputy Manager: Language
Ms Karen Van Rensberg Deputy Manager: Finance
Ms Phumzile Mwandla Deputy Manager: Archives
Ms Sindi PatonNyandeni Deputy Manager: Ukhahlamba Cluster
National Women’s Month 2008
DRESS FOR SUCCESS ressing for success includes more than just choosing the right outfit. To complete your professional look you must also consider accessories and personal grooming.
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You should always dress to impress clients, investors, and customers, because a winning sales pitch is sometimes not enough to seal the deal. A woman’s professional appearance needs to support her professional accomplishments. If your business attire is distracting because it is too sexy,
drab, or colourful, your business contacts may focus on how you look, not on your business skills. Simple, but Important Grooming Tips for Business Women * Perfumes, Scents, and Odours in the Work place: Do not let the first impression you make about yourself be your personal scent preferences! Avoid wearing perfume and heavily-scented products in all business settings. You might like them, but they have no place in a business environment. Scents can trigger asthma, overpower a room, and are often more offensive than pleasing to others. Never smell like smoke (if you smoke in a car, your clothing will always pick up the odour). * How to Present Professional Looking Fingernails and Hands: Women often use their hands to talk with so they become a focal point. It is important to have hands and fingernails looking professional -- not like you are heading out for a wild night on the town. Nails should be clean, and trimmed or sculpted. Avoid wearing unusual or shocking nail colours. Nail art and nail jewels are not acceptable for business meetings. * Hair styling Tips for Business Women: Style should be neat and conservative, and preferably off the face. With few exceptions, hair colour should not be shocking or unusual (leave blue hair for Halloween). Hair sprays and gels that have a strong scent
or odour should be avoided. * Business Make-up Advice: Keep it simple and appropriate for daytime. * Appropriate Jewellery for Business Women: Jewellery should not be noisy (no metal bangle bracelets), too large, or costume jewellery. Keep earrings small, simple, and above the earlobe. It is better to wear no jewellery at all, than too wear too much jewellery. But all business women should at least wear a nice, conservative wrist watch. * Demonstrating that you care
about your personal appearance communicates to the person you are meeting with that they are important to you. Paying attention to the details of your appearance sends a message to others that you will also pay close attention to business details, and the needs of your customers and clients.
FLOWER SOLDIER (In beauty there is strength) You cried at birth There was joy in the home Names are many but few that fit The person that is you. What a beautiful child What a beautiful girl What a beautiful woman Filling the hearts and minds Of parents and family; Of young men and strangers. Your swing sways the heart Your glow fills the mind Many loose their path As they gaze at your beauty! All wishing to share moments everlasting With you in eternity. You are a soldier For the nurturing of a future generation You are a soldier Who fights where others fear to tread. No gun can achieve what you create No weapon can recreate life You are the source of light You are the designer of minds and ideas You are the architect of the future. Without you, there is no future. Single or not, you are a mother Single or not, you are a woman Single or not, you have dignity Single or not, you have the right to be! Walk with pride Material medals you do not have; Material medals you do not need. Medals we have in our hearts. Forever we cherish you Soldier and flower! You guard and you create Seed for the future And hope for the future For tomorrow Flower soldier. Eddie Mhlanga
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KWAZULU-NATAL
VIVA MBOKODO VIVA MNOTHO VIVA!! The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development is the custodian of the province’s economic advancement and hence it’s also fully aware of socio-economic disparities still marring our society. This has it’s roots from the discriminatory laws of the past. However, these socio-economic inequities are evident in terms of gender divide since the majority of women are still hovering on the basement of the social strata – making it imperative to be classified amongst priority groupings for accelerated economic empowerment.
Dr Zweli Mkhize, MPP MEC for Finance & Economic Development
Many of the projects pursued by the Department within the scope of empowerment are inclined towards women and other categories of the society such as youth and the impaired. This is reflected in the profile of the cooperatives and SMMEs funded or assisted by the Department. In demonstration of pushing for women’s socioeconomic agenda, the Department had partnered with various women based organisations, including SAWEN. Numerous initiatives, including skills training in various sector specific business operations for women had been supported by the Department in partnership with other stakeholders such as The dti and this will continue until women are meaningfully affirmed in the country’s economy. The Department therefore believes that the celebration of this year’s Women’s Month should be used to mark the successes being made by women in business in all levels of the economy. Their unwavering efforts should be highlighted to inspire many more women still trapped in poverty and other scores of socio-economic deprivations to come forward to seek support towards establishment of their own enterprises. With their internalized resilience, women have all the attributes of seizing the opportunities that could transform their lives and of the nation as a whole. The Department therefore salutes all the women of the province and urge them to remember that as we all partake in the celebration of their deserved 31 days of August 2008 they should not remove their feet on the accelerator pedals towards their real economic freedom.
Women Power @ DED
Mrs Carol Coetzee Head of Department
Mrs Carol Coetzee Head of Department
The Department is also making progress in terms of exposing women in positions of responsibility within its ranks as reflected in the content of this page. The whole process of women empowerment enjoys full support of the MEC for Finance & Economic Development, Dr Zweli Mkhize who has been an inspiration to many women, including those in the outlying rural areas who had since formed their own co-operatives and SMME enterprises after launching the co-operatives movement in the province three years ago.
Ms Fikiswa Pupuma General Manager for Trade & Sector Development
Mrs Gretta Mthethwa Executive Chairperson of Liquor Board
Mrs Smangele Manzi Senior Manager for Co-operatives
Ms Navelene Thavar Senior Manager for Legal Services
Mrs Lindiwe Zondi Senior Manager for Trade & Logistics
Mrs Amanda Mhlongo Senior Manager for BEE
The Department is proud of many women that had heeded to the call to consider establishing their own enterprises to be able to overcome the rigors of unemployment, poverty and perennial dependence on government social grants. Some of them have their undying desire to rise above poverty muddied water shown in the images of this publication having been afforded an opportunity to showcase their products and services during the annual Royal Show under the auspices of a joint trade exhibition between the Department and the private sector.
TOGETHER, BUILDING A WINNING PROVINCE!!
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Department of Economic Development Umnyango Wezokuthuthukiswa Komnotho
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National Women’s Month 2008
WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD oxolo Ndzo is breaking career gender stereotypes by boldly venturing into the realm of danger. She is a frontline firefighter with the eThekwini Emergency and Rescue Service and has the physical strength “muscle” to do the job as well as her male colleagues. Ndzo, 30, has been working in the unit for almost two years and has no qualms about the hazardous job she is in. She is one of a few women firefighter’s in her unit. She says her experience shows that most women when signing up for the department prefers an “office set up” but she and her woman colleagues prefer the thrill of fighting big flames. “It is a tough job and very demanding and leaves no time for make up and beauty routines or hairdos.” She is the first to concede that doing what she does is not child’s play. “I have to work out in the gym. Eat well and stay fit mentally and physically. It requires dedication. We have a gym on the premises and also attend outside health centres.” The uniform she wears is heavy and made of fire protective materials and fabrics. In addition the equipment used weighs a ton.
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“We carry heavy tools. But being mentally and physically fit helps me overcome the hazard.” Ndzo loves her job and enjoys being in the company of her male colleagues. “They support me. But don’t think they are there to help me carry the heavy gadgets. I do so myself.” She says despite the heavy workload and the demands on the body women must not be put off from making fire fighting their career. “There are many rewards in this job. Helping people and saving lives is a great honour. Women should not be scared to be exposed to dangerous situations. There will be times when you cry but the important thing is that we save lives.” Ndzo says there are many women in the unit but there is room for more. The job is not easy. She has attended numer-
ous scenes where people were trapped in burning buildings and vehicles or seriously injured in shack fires. “My job is a calling. The pain and trauma I witness is replaced by the joy of having saved a life”. She deals with the trauma by acknowledging it, talking about it and sometimes crying. Asked how she made it in a field dominated by men, she is quick to pit out that it is about one’s mindset. “There are so many opportunities for women. To succeed we must want to succeed and have positive attitude.” She
says gone are the days when certain jobs were the preserve of the male preserve. “The opportunities are there and we can have them if we want it.” “I am content to know that the kind of job that I do is critical and important to this nation. When we attend to fires, the community out there appreciates us. I can honestly say that my job is not about the money. It is about saving lives.” Ndzo believes in herself and she thought that her job was calling. “It’s an important weapon for women out there to believe to themselves.” She says with her job to serve people lives she also feed her family and send her sibling to school. She is the last born in her home and her parents are very proud of her success in the emergency service. During our interview with her, the fire alarm is sounded and in one minute she is kitted out and ready to go.
Noxolo Ndzo – a firefighter with purpose and determination
HITTING BRICK WALLS IN THE PROPERTY MARKET COULD BE A THING OF THE PAST
Property owner Nokuthula Shabangu says women are disadvantaged in the property sector.
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t is a tough world out there for women in the property industry, but this could be the thing of the past for women landlords after the intervention of the ministry of public works in KwaZulu-Natal to empower the previously disadvantaged women and the youth. Provincial MEC for public works Lydia
Johnson recently met with the landlords in the province to discuss the opportunities that are out there for grabs and to engage with the women landlords on the challenges that they are facing. What transpired in the meeting is that the property industry is still in the hands of the few and that there was still a lot to do in
spreading the business and sharing opportunities. The department with an aim of promoting transformation in the industry has established a property charter. The charter basically serves as a mechanism, which seeks to address the imbalances of the past by closing the gap between first and second economy. Johnson said it is undisputed that well-established institutional investors, listed property entities and large private owners currently dominate the property ownership.” Transformation encompasses various interventions and achievement of specific objectives”. “The benefit to the established is that they gain skilled artisans, which is currently a scarce skill across the construction spectrum”. She urged all stakeholders in the sector to strive for the enhancement of skills in the field. “The department has also initiated a programme called izandla ziyagezana which is aimed at ensuring clearance of vacant land. “In this
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programme the labour absorbing methods are used to ensure that short term job opportunities are created.” Nokuthula Shabangu coowns a block of flats in KwaMashu and in Mandeni. She is one of the women up and coming landlords that attended the meeting. She and other women landlords present were there for an opportunity to engage with Johnson about the problems that prevents them from achieving their dreams in the construction industry. Shabangu and most women complained that making it in this industry is very tough and that the best way is to have a male counterpart on the forefront. “Through all the problems that we have been through in this business, I would not have made it if it was not for the fact that there is a male involved,” said Shabangu. She said getting funding is a huge challenge and getting a loan from a bank is very difficult for women starting out in this business. “When approaching a bank for a loan they require
proof of previous achievement and a guaranteed proof that you will be able to repay the loan,” said Shabangu. The Charter: · The charter promotes skills development and allows the department to engage established companies to make use of the NYS learners on their projects including private developments to advance their skills and ultimately form co-operatives. · Promotes preferential procurement with a view to closing the gap between the first and second economy and · Ensures that the gender composition of ownership is given attention as women are prioritized · Promotes and encourages transformation in the industry · Promotes employment opportunities for unemployed youth
KZN Legislature
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Speaker for KZN Legislature Mr Willies Mchunu
This month, our province and indeed our country commemorate the struggles and sacrifices of South African Women against the evils of colonialism, apartheid and gender oppression.
We use this month to reflect on how far we have gone in upholding the values of a democratic society, free from the injustices of inequality, sexism and subjugation of women in our society. As KwaZulu-Natal Legislature it is with pride and contentment that I report that we have made significant strides towards gender equality. We have set up mechanisms aimed at ensuring that issues affecting women are at the mainstream of our agenda.
When I became Speaker of the Legislature in 2004, I, together with the leadership of our institution introduced the concept of Women’s Parliament. We did this because we wanted to give women a platform where they could freely determine the cause of gender equality and women empowerment without being dictated to by male voices. The initiative has been an overwhelming success and is now a common feature of our annual calendar of activities. We have also gone further by bringing more and more women into leadership positions at our institution. We are fully conscious of the fact that we cannot advocate gender equality when our house is not in order. Under the administrative leadership of the Secretary of the Legislature, Ms Nerusha Naidoo, we are piloting gender mainstreaming as another tool of sensitizing Members and Staff on the principle of gender equality.
As we celebrate women’s month, we salute our unsung heroines for their determination of achieving equality. We will continue to explore ways of making our institution more sensitive to gender equality. We also call upon the people that we represent, especially men out there to also respect our heroines and desist from women abuse, rape and violence against women and children
Mr Willies Mchunu Speaker of KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
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KZN Legislature
t Secretary for KZN Legislature Ms Nerusha Naidoo
The theme of this year’s Women’s Parliament is “The Legislature empowering women of KwaZulu-Natal for poverty eradication”. Our institution introduced the concept of a Women’s Parliament to help deepen the debate about issues that are pertinent to women empowerment and gender equality in KwaZulu-Natal. As the KZN Legislature we have made every effort to put issues of women empowerment at the top of our agenda of social change. Our efforts, programmes and interventions have been guided by the strong conviction that if you empower women you empower the nation. As we celebrate Women’s Month, we dip our banners in honour of our women. We have it in our power to improve the lives of women in our province; to improve the lot of women in the workplace, and we will not falter in our pursuit to achieve full women empowerment. However, in spite of all these interventions, years of subjugation of women by colonialism, apartheid and deep-seated gender-stereotypes have elongated gender inequality, thus forestalling us from achieving our goal of equity. It is on these grounds that we continue to explore innovative ways of achieving gender equity. Since the launch of the Women’s Parliament in 2004 issues such as poverty eradication, economic empowerment with a particular emphasis on access to funding, gender equity in the workplace, and rural development continue to dominate our agenda of social change. We therefore urge women together with all community stakeholders to participate in this process of social change and to use the various platforms of social dialogue, such as the Women’s Parliament, to participate in initiatives and programmes that seek to bring about a better life for all women in South Africa.
Nationa
l Women’s Month 2008
KZN “CLEAR-UP” PROJECT TO CREATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES he provincial Department of Public Works is embarking on a project to clear all government properties in KwaZulu-Natal, bringing numerous job opportunities to the unemployed, particularly women in the province. The Izandla Ziyagezana Project, meaning “hands help each other”, is aimed at addressing the challenge of poverty in the province. MEC for Public Works Lydia Johnson said: “One of the core businesses of our department is the management of government properties which includes vacant land.
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“Given the fact that some of this land is within our communities, we felt that it was crucial to ensure that it does not pollute areas or become overgrown,” said Ms Johnson. She further said they had resolved to “hit two birds with one stone” and ensure the vacant land is cleared by local residents thereby creating jobs. “The government is trying by all means to use labour absorbing methods in its projects, with the purpose of creating as many jobs as possible for the people. “We hope that this project will grow and be sustainable. The communities cooperation is
KZN PROMOTES SEXUAL, REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS OF WOMEN he KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has launched a campaign to promote the sexual and reproductive rights of women during the month of August. The campaign, which is themed “Respect women’s rights to be responsible”, will provide information to couples and individuals (specifically women) on family planning and the right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. It will also highlight the right to make decisions concerning reproductive choices, free of discrimination, coercion and violence, as expressed in the human rights framework of the Constitution. According to the department they hope that the information and services they provide to the communities will ensure that these rights are respected and recognised at all times. The campaign will be implemented in four districts of the province namely, eThekwini, Uthungulu, Umgungundlovu and Amajuba. According to the department men will also be educated about sexual and reproductive health, as it takes a partnership to have a family. “Women have a right to health, but protecting that right often depends on a partner’s support,” the department said. Women will also be educated about the choice of termination of pregnancy, which is a health imperative.
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The International community has recognised that unsafe abortion is a major threat to women’s health. “By liberalising restrictive abortion laws and investing in abortion safety, we can save the lives of tens of thousands of women every year,” the department said. Communities will also be educated on protecting and respecting women’s sexual and reproductive health. According to the department, reproductive health is determined not only by the quality and availability of health care, but also by socio-economic development levels, lifestyles and women’s position in society. “These core values, respect, rights and responsibility, underpin a vision of a society where women are valued and sexuality is viewed as a normal and healthy part of being human, of being young, of being alive,” the department said. Social change is always difficult, particularly when the basic relations between men and women in families and society are involved. The past decade has seen greater attention and progress towards the empowerment of women. There has also been a growing recognition of how the rules governing men and women’s opportunities, social endowments and behaviours affect the prospect for accelerated development and justice.
therefore critical in this regard,” said MEC Johnson. One of the beneficiaries, Zesuliwe Mbeje from Hammarsdale, said she has been struggling to find employment after the death of her husband in 2005. She said she was more optimistic that her life would change for the better with the project. “I will be able to save some of the money, so that I can buy the tombstone for my husband,” said Ms Mbeje. The department appealed to the communities in the province to work with them and protect government properties. “It
is our responsibility to ensure that our buildings are not turned into white elephants,” said MEC Johnson. Due to the increased number of people participating in programme their campaign to encourage community participation and involvement was becoming a reality. The department also said for development initiatives to make an impact in the lives of the communities both rural and urban municipalities, it must be communities themselves who play a leading role in their development.
NATALIE DU TOIT: ABILITY OF MIND
eijing - South African swimmer Natalie du Toit, whose left leg was amputated below the knee in 2001, is to compete against and hopefully beat - able-bodied swimmers at the highest level. She will become the first amputee to compete in the Olympic Games this year when the 2008 Beijing Olympics commences. Ms du Toit’s achievements at international events for athletes with disability are outstanding enough. She won five gold medals and a silver at the 2004 Athens Paralympics, and followed that up with three gold medals at the 2005 Paralympic World Cup in Manchester. At the 2006 International Paralympic Committee World Swimming Championships in Durban, Ms du Toit won six gold medals, including an incredible third
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place overall in the five-kilometre open water event. The swimmer is the owner of numerous disability world records, including the record for the 50m, 100m and 400m freestyle, 100m butterfly and 200m individual medley. Her greatest achievement, however, has been bridging the gap between able-bodied and disabled athletes. At the 2003 All-Africa Games, Before she lost her leg in an accident, Ms du Toit narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. As an amputee, she failed to qualify for the Athens Olympics in 2004, but she never gave up on the dream she had carried with her since she was a child. In May 2008 she booked her place in the women’s 10 kilometre marathon swim at the Beijing Olympics by finishing fourth in
the 10-kilometre race at the World Open Water Swimming Championships in Seville, Spain. But Du Toit reckons there is no magic recipe for success; it is all down to hard work and determination. In Manchester in 2002, Ms du Toit told journalists that that by swimming in both disability and open races, she felt she was forming a bond. “If this can tie a bond, if it can help disabled people to believe in themselves, if it can bring them to a better understanding with able-bodied people, then that’s great, if it helps.” When Ms du Toit had her left leg amputated below the knee following a scooter accident in early 2001, she ended up encouraging tearful family members while recovering in hospital - and within a few months of leaving hospital was back in the swimming pool.
National Women’s Month 2008
WOMEN IN ALL SECTORS ARE VULNERABLE TO THE AIDS PANDEMIC iona Scorgie coordinator of the Durban-based Gender Aids Programme (GAP) says a large cluster of women including young girls still at school continue to bear the brunt of the HIV/Aids virus. She says the time has come for women’s movements to unite to assist this marginalized sector. She points out that it is important to note that regardless of their HIV status women have similar demands regarding the realization of health, well-being and rights and can stand in solidarity to fight for our rights, but HIV infection brings on another dimension to the challenge. “Women living with HIV and AIDS face different realities and specific and unique challenges that needs to be clearly stated and advocated for. Economically disadvantaged women, girls at school, women in rural areas, those living in informal settlements and refugee women are among the marginalized cluster of women who remain the most vulnerable to the pandemic.” She said it was important for women to first support each other. “There is so much that divides us women. In addition we have a scattered women’s movement in this country and organizations geared for women work in isolation. We need to acknowledge our each other and stand together.” She says among the many challenges, the failure by stakeholders to appropriately deal
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with gender-based violence and properly address the stigmas associated with the pandemic are among the many reasons why there is a failure to curb the increase in the spread of the disease. “We do not have an enabling environment for women to speak out. When get raped and the widely held belief still exists out there that she asked for it - based on what she was wearing be it a kanga or a short mini skirt. This preponderance of myths around gender violence makes women more vulnerable to attacks. It also makes it difficult for women to speak out about their HIV status when they have been raped. She said one of the biggest challenges is that women are also being denied their rights to bear children when HIV positive.” She said while local government appeared to be committed to fighting the pandemic; the structures of government don’t make it possible. “Service delivery challenges overtake the programme to educate and empower communities. In rural areas traditional structures are not open to interventions of community based organizations. They see organizations such as ours as a threat. They see the empowerment of women as a threat.” She said a greater
need role models and leaders who send out clear messages. The media must also play its role in reporting pertinent issues in a balanced manner to educate the public.” She said men and boys had to also be part of the bigger program. “We need men to be part of the solution. A lot of work has to be done on how the behaviour of men is really furling the disease. A refusal by men to wear condoms and continue to have multiple partners is a major contribution to the spread of the pandemic”. She said recently GAF introduced a Positive Women’s Caucus bringing together a diverse range of women living with HIV and AIDS, to know, understand, assert and demand their health, sexual and reproductive rights and are able to articulate these to other women living with HIV and AIDS and to policy makers. The Positive Women’s Caucus will:
commitment from all leaders across all sectors, government, religious and business to be outspoken and clear in their messages related to all aspects affecting women and the HIV/Aids Virus. “We
• Build a cadre of women living with HIV and AIDS leaders in five Provinces • Ensure the voices of women living with HIV are
heard in our advocacy work and organisations • Ensure women living with HIV and AIDS know and claim our rights • Demand the promotion of positive women's autonomy, dignity and equality • Lobby and advocate for an HIV/AIDS treatment agenda that addresses the realities of women living with HIV and AIDS • Lobby for investment in better informed health care workers that can respond to the special needs of women living with HIV and AIDS in an informed and respectful way • Demand access to female condoms, women friendly health care services, especially for contraceptives, STI treatment • Ensure the inclusion of women living with HIV on the microbicides research and development agenda in ways that respect and advance the rights of women participating in these clinical trials The forum brings together women from a cross range of backgrounds and sectors so they can go back and implement the strategies in their communities.
WORDS OF INSPIRATION
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s we celebrate yet another month dedicated to women, we pay tribute to our mothers and daugthers in this beautiful province. MediaCom SA, the publishers, dedicate this editorial supplement to women leaders everywhere in this land of rich diversity and talent. Here are some insightful words from some of our greatest women...
Marianne Williamson “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented & fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automat-
ically liberates others.”. Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, leader of Burma’s democracy movement. The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all. Mother Teresa, social worker We think sometimes that pov-
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erty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty. Marian Wright Edelman We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily
difference we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee. Helen Keller Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.
Nationa
l Women’s Month 2008
WOMEN SUPERVISING MEN omen generally tend to emphasize the value of equality when they communicate with co-workers and those they supervise. The value of the relationship is generally more important than who is in charge of the other person. Women tend to emphasize this relationship style of equality and stability whether they are talking to men or women. Men, on the other hand, tend to emphasize the “pecking order” in a relationship. Men want to know if the relationship is equal (friendship), conflicting (wrestler), or superior/subordinated (coach). In addition to wanting to know the “pecking order” of the relationship, men want to determine the “pecking order” first before any effective problem solving work is started. When a man supervises another man he naturally knows this “pecking order” determination must take place
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before real problem solving communication can take place. However, women generally are not taught this important communication skill. When a man has a female supervisor who directs his work, makes decisions that affect his income, and provides discipline; problems can occur if she is not aware of what’s important to communicate. If a female supervisor approaches a male subordinate emphasizing the importance of equality of the relationship, she is likely to create a “pecking order” of equality or friendship with the man she supervises. It’s nice to have a friendship with a man you supervise, but a woman losses valuable supervisory power when she takes this position. She may find that the men she supervises do not listen to her, listen to another male supervisor instead, or even end up giving her orders. After enough frustration has built up within the
female supervisor, she may try to regain her power by establishing her superior one-up position. The men react to his change negatively by labelling her “dragon lady,” “witch,” “bossy,” or even “mom.” The other mistake that a female supervisor can communicate with the men she supervises is to not establish the “pecking order” of the relationship. Remember, that men want the “pecking order” establish. So, if the supervisor does not take the lead the man will do it for her. The end result is that a conflicting or wresting relationship will develop. This leads to a needless power struggle where the majority of time is spent in conflict over who is in charge versus being productive. Women supervisors who communicate a “pecking order” of supervisor/subordinated or coaching style of communication tend to be the most effec-
tive supervisors when it comes to supervising men. Women who establish a coaching style of communication derive their power from their position within the company and the amount of support the company can provide them. The woman may also use her age, experience, or educational background as additional tools to in establishing a coaching style of supervising. Many women may believe that by taking this style of communication she will only create a conflicting relationship with the man she supervises. Not so, because it is only when the “pecking order” is left undetermined that the man she supervises will wrestle her for power. Women supervisors who take the “coaching style” to determine the “pecking order” tend to: * Find their power in criticising the man’s work and not the man
* Assumes the role as the expert, with more knowledge than the people they supervise. * Use a higher authority, within the company to back their power and position. This might be upper management, HR department, or even the company policies. * Develop a team of supervisors who support each other. * Speak assertively and not aggressively or harshly. * Dress for success by wearing appropriate business attire.\ * Accepts negative feedback and communication from the workers that they coach. In fact, a good coach is a good listener who uses the input to better be able to direct and leader the team. Employer-Employee.com
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Community Safety & Liaison Women’s Day message from the MEC for Community Safety and Liaison: Mr Bheki Cele Women should not only wait until it is another Women’s Day of the following year until they celebrate their womanhood and all the achievements they have made as women. Women should be celebrating their womanhood everyday of their lives because they are themselves a celebration. As a nation today we really need to keep on honouring
women’s day as it is a day that brought so much change in MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison: our Country. We cannot afford as a nation to have a situation where young women and young boys are liquor and substance Mr Bheki Cele slaves, are not educated and are criminals. When they look back, the women of ’56 need not feel ashamed of the people who came after them because of the unacceptable behaviours and ways of living they have chosen for themselves. They should rather feel proud that today’s generation took after them and are looking forward to the better South Africa that is full of opportunities where women are seen as a great creation God ever Created, a group that contributes to the economy of our Country, are peace keepers and crime fighters, are seen as important members of their families not victims of rape and torture by their own children and grand-children. Women need to continue from where the women of ’56 left off and liberate themselves financially, be self sustainable and not to depend on the state grants and welfare system for survival. Women
of Africa won’t be beaten. This is the slogan that women should always sing to themselves and to one another. It will give them hope and courage to fight for a better life for themselves and for their children. It is therefore up to men to also love and respect the women and see them as our equals that God created for us because he had realized that we need them as equals. Men do not have a right to see women as punching bags, to see women as sex objects. If a woman says no to sex men have to understand that she is saying a big and bold NO. Men have to start seeing women as people with integrity, who are talented in various ways, who are capable of doing things that were once thought to be men’s only things. It is for reasons stated above that the Department felt it owes it to the women to make sure that wherever and whenever women are meeting to discuss issues that are of concern to them that we bring men on board as well. We have come to realize that unless men are on board we can never win the battle against domestic violence including the abuse of women and children. Since August 2007 the department has invited men during the women’s month to give them a platform to share their anger, joys and experiences as men. This year is no exception with celebrations planned for the 28th August in partnership with the Umsunduzi municipality. We are saying “Injobo enhle ithungelwa ebandla” where matters affecting us as a people all are discussed openly where everyone’s ideas count.
To all the women of South Africa, Happy Women’s day.
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National Women’s Month 2008
CHIEF AMONG HER PEOPLE!
nkosi Thokozile Ndlovu is a leader who likes being among her people. She lives the same way they do. A simple life, eating off the earth by planting fresh fruit and vegetable. She lives in a modest rural house and wears the same clothes as those around her. “I am no different to my people in the Ndlovu clan. I believe in working hard. It makes me stronger.” At age 50, Ndlovu has the characteristics of someone half her age. A smile that makes anyone feel welcome and a youthful face that hides her experience. But the wisdom is noticeable. She is highly intellectual yet extremely humble. She is one of a handful of traditional leaders in this province and she says her motto is “to unite her clan, lead with dignity and put culture first”. Her rise to the Inkosi throne was not easy. In 1991 her husband Chief Jerome Dingizwe Ndlovu was slain by unknown attackers. His death led to further feuds over who should take over his position. But because the couple had a young son who is today still at school the Ndlovu family eventually decided that has the mother it was her “duty to hold the position for her young son.” ‘In the beginning it was hard. People doubted my leadership skills because I was a woman. I had to prove myself to my fellow leaders and the community. At times I felt humiliated and doubted myself because there were those among me who did not want to be instructed by a woman. But then I decided that to succeed I had to be honest to myself and those around me.” She said she had trouble filling the “big shoes left by her late husband”. She began her task by learning everything she could about her people and their needs. “I began by setting goals for myself and those around
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me. It paid off because I proved those who did not believe in me wrong” Today she is accepted by both men and women. I also have the respect of other traditional leaders. I think it is because my culture comes before everything else I do. I believe that no matter where we come from our cultural beliefs must be held dear.” She said after the death of her
husband she also has to quickly learnt he skills of ploughing. “I would not dare ask the community to do chores for me so I learnt very quickly how to plough, plant and tend to my gardens.” Despite being a traditional leader Ndlovu still says her role does not make her any different to other women. “I do not believe I need to be regarded as being someone exceptional. I participate in all community events, I mingle with other women because I am a woman. In the beginning some in the community reacted with shock as if I should not be there and not attend some of the events that are considered less important.” Overtime people have come to understand her simple and humble ways. “Now they understand me and what I am about”. Apart from attending events and contributing to the upliftment of the people in her authority, one of major roles is to resolve disputes. She says this aspect of her work is not easy. “There are many things to consider when I sit in the traditional court to oversee disputes be it domestic or other. It is not easy dealing with people under these circumstances. I have to strive for
fairness. I have to ensure that I look at all sides of the issue. The people I serve must come first in whatever I do.” She says one of the greatest challenges she faces in her position is that people do not have a proper understanding of the role of traditional structures. ‘There is always the threat of people wanting to contest traditional court decisions in a court of law. Some have legitimate reasons, others want to do it to make a point.” She says most of the things she has had to learn has been self thought. “”There are no schools to train traditional leaders so we have to educate ourselves. We have to learn about local government and how it works. My task is made a lot easier by the existence of the traditional leadership structure that is recognised within our local government system.” She however remains optimistic and says life is full of promise and one has to look beyond the difficulties to succeed. Most of all being a woman is something she is proud of. “If given the chance women can do so much for other women and others in the community. I want to develop those around me and help improve
lives.” Ndlovu’s family and friends hold her in high regard. Those in the community acknowledge that her greatest leadership quality is her quest for unity and peace. She also believes in participation and communication. She agrees that her role is to lead but says this does not mean making all the decisions. “As a leader I have to consult my people. To ignore their input means treating them with disrespect.” She works with government agencies and departments to fight poverty and develop the skills of especially women in the community. She is busy with a latest project with the help of the department of agriculture to develop the skills of women in the community. “Women must be given opportunities to develop their skills so that they can raise their children and hold their families together. We are equal and must equally as a community face the difficulties. My major task is to bring peace, stability and unity among all my people”. When you ask the people of the Ndlovu clan what makes their leader special they add that it is her smile, warmth and humility.
Inkosi Thokozile Ndlovu of Ufafa in Ixopo is a small woman with a big hard and an even bigger task.
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KZN Housing uMnyango: wezeZindlu ISIFUNDAZWE SAKWAZULU-NATAL
“Ensuring job creation for women through housing delivery” EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS INITIATIVE The departments EPWP projects include the promotion and development of the women, and employment opportunities have been created for more than 300 women in the supply of goods and services; • • •
currently using provincial suppliers database Process to accredit own service providers started Work to the value of R8.3 million awarded to women service providers from June 2006 to June 2007 Women to be allocated 40 % of the total expenditure Database for women and youth contractors has been developed.
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Beneficiary approvals per gender : 1994 to June 2007 Subsidy instrument
Male
Female
Total
Consolidation Subsidy
49%
51.4%
23.665
Individual Subsidy
49%
51%
16 923
Institutional Subsidy
41%
59.3%
19 476
Rural Subsidy Informal Land Rights
31%
69%
57 175
Project linked Subsidy
43%
57.1%
215 741
Capacity building workshops Aim: • • • •
Entrenching women participation in housing delivery through skills development Promote accessibility and tendering Facilitate access to finance Facilitate a grading programme for women enterprizes through CIDB and NHBRC for the progression of women from emerging to fully fledged developers.
Women’s Month Activities The Department of Housing will partner with Isolezwe in celebration of the Women’s Month to be held at ICC on 9 August 2008-the target is 350 women in the field of construction. The event will also target members of Intandokazi Women’s Club. Three capacity enhancement workshops will be held in three regions with an aim of mobilising the available resources that will benefit women entrepreneurs in the field of housing construction. This will be done in partnership with NHBRC, Umsobomvu and CIDB.
WOMEN IN HOUSING MANAGEMENT Zandile Nyandu Head of Department The role of women in the liberation and development of this country should not be forgotten. The sacrifices that were made in 1956 provide the impetus that allow us to talk about the role of women in service excellence today. It is therefore appropriate that during this month we unleash women’s potential through excellent service delivery and development facilitation. As we celebrate Women’s Month, we must ask ourselves serious questions about how to enhance the roles of women in spheres of government. We must look into all managerial opportunities in the public sector in general in which the energies and the exuberance of women is greatly required. We need to find ways of retaining and enhancing the women’s managerial skills that are already harnessed while at the same time ensuring that we attract the young people of the future into public service. We have enormous challenges in the area of service delivery. We are therefore faced with mammoth challenges that are not dissimilar to the challenges faced by the women in 1956, and we need to respond aggressively in order to ensure that the majority of our people to look back at the sacrifices of 1956 and agree that the benefits in the advancement of the quality of life are commensurate too the losses suffered.
Nobanzi Ngqangashe Manager: Human Resource Management
Bongekile Khoza Manager: Supply Chain Management
I salute the women who have fought in the struggle and sacrificed everything they had to ensure that the ordinary women like me are recognised today with equal rights. The struggle of women has evolved over time and still continues. The plight of the women today is that of fair treatment, both in and out or formal employment, being given opportunities both in business and areas that are otherwise male dominated. It is also important for women who have given these opportunities to be strong, resilient and empower other women as they rise. ‘A luta continua.’
Victories often occur after you have thought there is no way to succeed. In the past, construction was considered a men’s job but the Department of Housing has turned the impossible possible by allowing women contractors to have a meaningful contribution in the development of sustainable human settlements. Let us not mourn about the imbalances of past but grab the opportunity and make our mark as women of South Africa
Zandile Myeni Manager: Financial Administration
Odette Anderson Manager: Legal Services
It is said God created women to be strong for they don’t shy away from their many and varied responsibilities. These pillars of society and the household accept and carry out their duties with inherent pride. It is this pride that pushes them to greater heights and can ensure that every family has a decent place that is not only a house but a home.
My message to the women of KwaZuluNatal is to set your mind on achieving your goals. You become what you think of the most. It is now the time for us to believe in the power that is within us and to focus on achieving the goals that our mothers, sister, aunts and grandmothers fought so hard for. Now is the time, our time. If you believe it you will achieve it.
Simmi Naiker Manager: Subsidy Administration “ It is a tribute to our democracy that we are seeing so many strong and independent women as leaders in business and Government in our country today. It is therefore a duty for those women to, in turn, help empower and assist other women to realise their full potential - to pass it on! Women looking to explore careers must consider paths that few women have entered thus far, such as the construction industry, thus becoming home-builders in addition to being home-makers”.
Martie Milne Manager: Product Development Women be bold! Let our passion unfold... Let it nurture the foundation to heal our rainbow nation! Seize the day - Carpe diem! But wisely use our freedom. Take courage to lead, to sow the seeds we need. To grow and stand tall. Build a better life for all.
LUTE THE WOMEN OF SA SA G IN US HO N KZ OF N ME WO THE
Women Empowerment = Service Delivery
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he empowerment of women is a crucial prerequisite for poverty alleviation and job creation, says Gabi GumbiMasilela, the administrative head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs. An optimist by nature GumbiMasilela believes in strong leadership, a clear vision, and a focus on valuable outcomes. “These are my benchmarks for success.” She admits that local government faces many challenges, but says despite this “there is no room for compromise”. “I look for quality and dedication in everything I do and I expect the same from my team. I expect commitment, honesty and the highest ethical standards. At the same time I believe we need to recognise the efforts of our staff in order to boost morale. We are at present implementing a recognition system within the Department that will highlight the efforts of staff who go beyond the call of duty,” says Gumbi-Masilela. “Our Department has grown in strength and stature. It is at the coal face of service delivery. We are an institution that is closest to the people. As a Department we work directly with local government institutions at municipal and district level to make certain that the presence of local government is felt at the heart of the community.” Gumbi-Masilela adds that the Department has made a significant impact in improving the lives of the people in the Province. This has been done through creative programmes, practical community initiatives and the unwavering effort on the Department’s leaders to reassess its systems and improve on existing
targets and deliverables. Linked to this has been a plan to improve on its support for municipalities. “We are at the point where we are fully aware of the challenges faced by municipalities. We are currently developing strategic interventions aimed at addressing various challenges in municipalities,” she adds. Recently a ground breaking symposium on Good Governance was held to restore credibility and improve on service delivery. The event also equipped the Department with some clear ideas on how to move forward. One of the key strategies in the Department has been the monitoring of the role and participation of women traditional leaders in local government. Gumbi-Masilela says great strides have been made to provide opportunities for women to gain access and entry into all structures. This was made possible through national and provincial legislation that clearly set definitive targets regarding the participation of women in traditional structures. “If you check the executive committees of most local houses of traditional leader’s women are fairly represented,” she adds. The Department also empowers women through targeted projects, such as community participation and community development initiatives. Through community participation, women are encouraged to meaningfully participate in their ward committees. One of the pre-requisites is that a seat is reserved for a woman in each ward. The committees encourage women to participate meaningfully in the affairs of their areas. “This is done through ensuring that a seat is reserved for women in each committee at a ward level.
Mr M Mabuyakhulu, MEC for Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs with the Head of Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ms C.G. Gumbi-Masilela and some of her women Managers in the Department
This is a structure recognised by law and in which issues of concern among women in that particular ward are communicated in a structured manner to the relevant stakeholders via their respective municipalities”, says Manager, Community Participation, Nomthi Zwane. Another success by the Department to develop women has been the introduction of the Community Development Worker programme (CDW). According to Thembisile Mavundla, provincial co-ordinator for CDW programme, the programme is key to the development of the entrepreneurial skills of women. “There are 230 women recruited for the CDW programme. These women have been empowered with information and skills on local economic development and how to register and manage co-operatives.” The programme is designed to provide women with practical entrepreneurial skills so that they can benefit their communities, she adds. The Local Economic Development (LED) programme is intended to address the economic inequality and the effects of persistent poverty in communities. “More than 60% of the rural population is dominated by unemployed women. This programme targets women and ensures that eight out of 10 projects are led by women,” according to Manager, Rural Development, Nozipho Dlomo. In 2007 the Department hosted Ondlunkulu - Women in Traditional Governance Conference. “The Department is engaging in a cooperative support programme for Ondlunkulu,” says Dlomo. Focusing on her Department, GumbiMasilela points out that she is blessed with committed personnel who are passionate about what they do. Yet in every workplace there are some with skills and others who need support to develop their skills. “Our sector and work environment is highly regulated and very technical and this is a challenge for some people in the Department. We are putting in place capacity building processes for our staff to provide adequate skills and high capacity to deliver.” Asked about the obstacles she faced as a woman leader, she openly admits that the challenges she faces are generic and not that unique to her being a woman. “The challenges I face cannot necessarily be attributed to me being female. These are challenges of leading and directing people. It usually requires ongoing strategies, people management skills and proper team support. These are challenges generic to anyone in a leadership position – man or woman.” She however admits that there is an unwritten expectation in being a female leader - the responsibility to champion
the cause of women in the work place! She adds that this is understandable considering the fact that women have been for so long denied their due place in leading positions and as a result they have been fighting for their emancipation. “We have come a long a way and we need to keep the focus and consolidate the gains to empower all women who look up to us,” she says. To improve on the status of women within the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, senior woman managers recently took time to evaluate the role played in the Department. They also focussed critically on the empowerment of women in various positions within municipalities and traditional affairs structures. The women managers within the Department agree that significant inroads have been made as far as women empowerment goes, as a number of women now hold different senior positions in municipalities. However their main concern is that out of 61 municipalities only three of them have women municipal managers. Manager, Municipal Performance, Aah Sekhesa, says the key to success is having the tools to survive. “It is imperative to have survival skills in order to cope with the work environment. In local government the skills needed are so diverse and thus giving room for each and every one to showcase ones abilities regardless of gender,” she adds. All the managers unanimously agreed that the road to success in their respective portfolios depended basically on knowledge and competency, coupled with an unflinching commitment and hard work. Personal commitment and ongoing development was also another pre-requisite to their achievements. “Don’t underestimate yourself because you are already judged by the virtue of being female.Be confident and maintain a high self esteem though learning new skills and meeting challenges with courage and determination,” said General Manager, Municipal Finance, Joey Krishnan. “The municipal finance arena is dominated by males with less than eight percent of women being represented in management. Hence the Department is in the process of implementing a municipal finance learnership programme which will promote gender equity,” she added. The Department has also taken initiative to commemorate the women’s day on the 14 August. Staff members will come together to celebrate their successes and achievements. The Department has made pledge to focus on the wellness and health issues of all female employees 24/7 and 365 days a year.
UMnyango WezoHulumeni baseKhaya neziNdaba zoMdaba • Departement van Plaaslike Regering en Tradisionele Sake PEOPLE CENTRED SUSTAINABLE LOCAL GOVERNANCE WHICH FOCUSES ON EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITIES
National Women’s Month 2008
“SAWEN” A GROWING WOMEN BASED HELP CENTRE L
indiwe Ngcobo is a woman of simple tastes coupled with a boundless energy and empathy to help a sister in need. She is the head of the KZN Chapter of the South African Women Entrepreneur’s Network (SAWEN). The organisation represents and supports entrepreneurs within the provinces small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) sector. It is a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Trade and Industry to help start, grow and sustain their own enterprises. When you meet Ngcobo for the first time it is amazing to see that behind the pin stripped suit of a powerful business leader is someone with such dedication and compassion to empower others. And it shows because in just 12 months the membership of SAWEN has doubled from 200 to 400 members. “I believe that women have the potential to help other women. Clearly a lot needs to be done in this respect because the sharing of skills is becoming the exception rather than the norm.” She adds that SAWEN understands the sector of the economy that remains largely out of sight of when one discusses the economy. “Our members meet every three months. There are workshops have meetings every one of them to assist our members and provide them with the skills they need in their respective business enterprises.” She is a streetwise business graduate. “I come from a background where nothing was easy. I learnt very quickly that as a woman you have take the little opportunity you have and make it work for you. Ongoing training
and learning new skills is what made me succeed.” She is very proud of SAWEN’s role because it provides an excellent networking platform for women starting out in business. “There are many avenues for women in our province and country but our organisation is small enough to cater for the specific needs of those behind the corporate curtain. We provide basic and advanced business training for our members.” She says a popular forum for their members if the breakfast forums. “We choose noteworthy leaders in business to come and share with us their skills. This is not a talk shop but a powerful opportunity for our members to get first hand important and life tips and ideas to help them grow their businesses.” The organisation’s success is depends large on the support it gets from the provincial government, both the department of the premier and that of the department of finance and economic affairs. The department of Trade and Industry nationally also plays its role. “I see the advances women make but there are many obstacles that still keep us away from the corporate boardrooms. The environment in which business operates is dominated by a culture that makes it difficult for women to enjoy their fair share. It requires women to work much harder than their male counterparts and break through brick walls and push open many doors before they can really enjoy the investment and development opportunities available in the province.” She says while the provin-
cial government is committed to improving the lives of women, obstacle in the path of such progress us being hindered because the implementation is in the hands of inexperienced officials within government departments. “Such individuals hinder the progress of women especially when it comes to tenders that are there for women. There is a sense that opportunities for women are based on patriotism rather than equal opportunity.” She said private sector also needs to play a bigger role in developing and supporting organisation that are committed to empowering women run and owned entities. “Women must be given their space now. The private sector can play its part to make sure this happens. Financial and other private sector institutions can create an enabling environment to help women run entities succeed.” For more information call: 033-3450863.
RESPECTED SENIOR JOURNALIST RE-ELECTED GENERAL SECRETARY OF SANEF
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ell respected Kwazulu-Natal journalist Mary Papayya has been overwhelmingly re-elected for her third term as secretaryGeneral of the SA National Editor’s Forum SANEF.This makes Papayya the longest serving SG in Sanef to date. She has served on the SANEF Council since its inception in 1996. Papayya is a former Natal Technikon now Durban University of Technology graduate and is the Bureau Chief of the Sowetan in KwaZulu-Natal. She
also served as founding Editor and News Manager at East Coast Radio having launched the news product Newswatch. She served as News Editor and Executive producer at the SABC and has worked in both mainstream print and radio for the over 20 years including that of being Durban Bureau Chief of the Witness in the early 90s. Papayya lives in KZN and is a well respected media leader known for her dedication and commitment for protecting the rights of the news media and
developing working journalists. Her role on Sanef according to colleague Judy Sandison who was also elected on the Sanef council and is from KwazuluNatal is that of a “consummate professional who inspires and leads Sanef with distinction”. Papayya served as Sanef regional convenor for three terms before being appointed SG. Papayya is also the senior judge of SABC News & Current Affairs Awards, Regional/National Judge - Vodacom Journalist of the Year Competition.
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During a sabbatical from the newsroom April 2002 and March 2004 Papayya worked as a news media Trainer/consultant on the African Continent. She is a registered News/Media Trainer with the Southern African Training Trust (Samtran) and board member of the Midlands publication Edendale eYethu. “My passion is for the empowerment and development of young and talented journalists especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sanef believes in media freedom and
transformation. I also believe in the empowerment of women in our newsrooms and have made certain that the gender agenda is key to Sanef’s plan of action. There are many challenges facing our media industry both internally and externally and my hope is to work towards alleviating that pressure for the promotion of good story telling, uncovering the truth and sustaining balanced news reporting in our media,” says Pappaya.
Nationa
l Women’s Month 2008
THE SWEET REWARDS OF SUCCESS FOR LOCAL SUGARCANE FARMER
ueenie Hlongwa is an achiever and an entrepreneur. She is seen as a role model and a decisionmaker in her chosen field and is making a tangible difference to the lives of others. “I always knew I wanted to own my own business – even when I was nine years old I was selling scones and sweets at school”, says Queenie. Since then, she has determinedly set about achieving her goal. After matriculating in Eshowe at Zwelethini High School, Queenie was employed as an Administration Clerk with the Department of Justice. After three years working behind a desk, “pushing papers” she realised that this
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was not for her. In the meantime she had met her husband, Nathi who is an agriculturalist and this tweaked her interest in working in the field. She resigned from her job and registered as a full time Community Extension student at the Mangosutho Technikon. Whilst working for the Department of Agriculture as an Agricultural Technician providing advisory services in vegetable and sugar cane farming and home economics, Queenie saw an advert calling for applicants to participate in the Government Land Redistribution and Agricultural Development Programme (LRAD). Soon Queenie was the proud owner of ‘Kuhlekonko Farm’ (all
is good and well) - a 115 hectare sugar cane farm in Darnall, North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Farm life was lonely and difficult to begin as Nathi remained in Nkwaleni whilst Queenie lived on the farm. That situation soon changed and now Nathi and their four-school going children are also living on the farm. Nathi’s help and support on the farm has allowed this entrepreneur to diversify her business interests. In August 2007, Queenie purchased a bed manufacturing franchise, Brothers Mattress Factory in Richards Bay. She laughs when she recalls how little she knew about beds but, being a risk taker, she saw the opportunity that this business would pro-
vide in providing much needed income during the three month off crop when sugar cane growers receive no income. “Do you know how easy it is to make a bed?” she asks, “it takes just seven minutes and I am currently producing 25 beds a day. I have five employees and will soon be expanding as I have big orders coming in.” Future plans for Brothers Mattress Factory include the opening of stores in shopping centres. Whilst it is evident that Queenie is revelling in these time consuming businesses she says, “I don’t know how I would cope without Nathi. When I have to stay over in Richards Bay, Nathi looks after the farm, sees to the children’s needs and homework.” Nathi is not the only person who has helped contribute to Queenie’s success. Neighbouring cane grower, Kim Hagemann, proved to be an excellent mentor. In addition to agronomic advice, when she had no water he gave it, when she needed his help he immediately came round to the field to show her what to do. In fact, Kim was so impressed with her farming acumen and dedication for her business, he gave her a tractor and trailer. Today, they are firm friends and, since January 2008 , Queenie has been mentoring two of her neighbouring emerging farmers. Through the CANEGROWERS mentorship programme, she is employed to provide mentoring for four hours per day per mentee. Prior to this formal arrangment, Queenie provided mentoring to various other farmers and is very proud to say that one of them was a widow whose husband had passed away. At that time the farm was run down and the widow was at risk of losing everything. With Queenie’s help, the farm is now in tiptop condition. In 2006, Queenie was 2nd runner-up in the Top Producer for National Markets category of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture’s Female Farmer of the Year competition. Whilst yields on Kuhlekonko
Farm have improved from 4 500 tons cane to 6 500 tons cane, “income from the farm is not great at the moment as I am repaying my start up loan and I do not draw a salary. Any profit that I make on the farm I put back into the business. Input costs have increased dramatically since I came onto the farm whilst income from sugar cane has not increased in the same proportion.” Despite the poor economic climate facing farmers in general, Queenie still sees a future in farming in South Africa and has applied to the Department of Land Affairs for another farm which will increase the total area under cane. Many of her friends have gone out of farming she says, “the bed manufacturing business can come and go, but the land will always be there. Farming provides a stable income and allows me to employ others, which is important to me.” During the harvesting season, the farm provides employment for approximately 20 people. Technology is an important part of the business. Computer packages are used for cane management solutions and CaneFarms, the computerised VAT and accounting service provides financial advice and reporting as well as financial training seminars. Development and empowerment are important aspects to Queenie. In addition to the joy she gets from creating employment, she is also a counsellor in the Woman’s Ministry. Saturday mornings are devoted to counselling young women in the church on topics ranging from HIV/AIDS to drugs to marriage guidance. She says on an average day more than 100 woman attend these sessions. Queenie’s advice to other women : “Women, don’t sit and wait for help, go and find something for yourself. The days of women waiting for husbands are past. Don’t be afraid to take risks and it is important to network as this helps you grow and market your business.”
THE THIRD GENERAL AND MEDIA SUMMIT ender Links (GL) in partnership with the Gender and Media Southern Africa (GEMSA) Network and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), will be holding the third Gender and Media (GEM) Summit from 1012 August 2008 in Johannesburg,
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South Africa. The theme of the summit is: “Whose news, whose views? Critical citizens, responsive media”. The summit will bring together media practitioners; trainers; gender activists and all those who subscribe to the GEMSA slogan “making every voice count, and
counting that it does” to share best practices in creating a more responsive media. The summit will feature the third Gender and Media awards expected to attract a record number of entries. These will include the Media Action Plan (MAP) HIV and AIDS and Gender awards for progressive
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institutional practice on promoting diversity in the work place and media content. New features include the Gender and Media Diversity Centre (GMDC) launched in March 2008 and its work in building the capacity of ordinary citizens to engage critically with the media through
media literacy projects across the Southern African region. Partners in the GMDC include knowledge institutions and media development NGOs from Southern Africa and around the world committed to more diverse and responsive media that promote an informed, critical citizenry.
National Women’s Month 2008
CALLS FOR A STRONGER SASDC PROTOCOL ON GENDER M
embers of the Southern African Gender Protocol Alliance have called on all those involved in preparations for the Heads of State Summit in August in South Africa to put forward a stronger draft of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development. Spokeswoman Coleen Lowe Morna said that while significant advances have been made in strengthening the watered down draft that Heads of State sent back for further consultation in 2007, the current draft is “strong on development; weak on rights that women have gained through successive processes culminating in the African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights.” Key issues raised include: Some of the pertinent and core issues addressed in the
SADC Gender Declaration and Addendum have been eliminated from the current draft. Examples include legal protection from marital rape, and a broad definition of disability rights to include issues of dignity, security, and employment rights, not just in the area of health. These are already in CEDAW and the AU Protocol which most governments in SADC have ratified. In a number of instances the Protocol has watered down obligatory language like “ensure” to “endeavour”, even where there are existing firm commitments; for example to achieving 50% representation of women in decision making by 2015. Whilst the current draft cross references key provisions with existing SADC Protocol’s many of these are themselves gender
blind (for example education; HIV and AIDS; media and information). There is need for the critical gender issues in these sectors to be drawn out in the Protocol The draft does not address the issue regarding the rights of cohabiting couples. We note that national consultations in various countries have identified this as a growing trend and a critical gender issue. Gross violations, in particular children’s rights and the property rights of women are occurring daily with little or no legal protection. This is a critical gap that can no longer be ignored, in view of some credible studies that have been carried out indicating that the family has changed in SADC, and the need for policy and legislation to respond to this change. It is necessary to clearly artic-
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ulate women’s sexual and reproductive rights in the draft in order to enhance their promotion and protection as already encapsulated in the AU Protocol. The current draft is weak in this regard, for example, it does not address the right of women to control their fertility, their rights to decide on whether to have children, the number and their spacing, the right to choose any method of contraception, and the right to self protection against STI’s, including HIV and AIDS. The definition of rights must extend to the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups. This is absent from the current draft and needs to be explicit, otherwise this leaves a gap in the draft. The SADC Gender Protocol Alliance comprises the Botswana Congress of NGOs
(BOCONGO); Federation of African Media Women (FAMW) – SADC; Gender Links (GL); Gender and Media Southern Africa Network (GEMSA); Justice and Peace (Lesotho); Malawi Council of Churches; Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA); NGO Gender Coordination Network Malawi; SAFAIDS; Society for Women and AIDS in Africa Zambia (SWAAZ); Women in Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF); Women in Law in Southern Africa (WLSA); Women, Land and Water Rights Southern Africa (WLWRSA); Women in Politics Caucus Botswana; Women’s Leadership Centre Namibia; Young Women’s Christian Association Botswana (YWCA); Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre (ZWRCN).
PROVINCE OF KWAZULU-NATAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ISIFUNDAZWE SAKWAZULU-NATALI UMNYANGO WEZEMFUNDO
Mrs. Ina CronjĂŠ MEC for Education
Women behind KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education
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Ms. R.H. Mcuma Chief Financial Officer
Ms. L.C. Mbobo (Acting) Senior General Manager: Planning and Support Services
Ms. L.C. Mbobo Senior General Manager: HR and Admin Services & (Acting) General Manager: Office of the MEC & SG
Mrs. J. Dlamini General Manager: ESDM (Coastal Cluster)
Ms. N. Maikoo General Manager: Supply Chain Management
Ms. G. Madlala General Manager: Human Resource Support Services
Mrs. N.L Ntuli Mrs. C. Mpati General Manager: General Manager: Infrastructure Masifundisane Adult Management Literacy Campaign
Mrs. M.M.L.S. Mkhize Manager: Demand and Acquisition
Ms. N.T. Nkosi Manager: Othukela District
Mrs. T. Sifunda Manager: Special Needs Education Services
Mrs. J. Khoza Manager: Strategic Management
Ms. B.T. Dlamini Manager: Curriculum Grade 10 -12
Ms. F.K Dubazane Manager: Education Library Information Services
Ms. H.B. Khumalo Manager: Financial Cluster D Ukhahlamba
Ms. JMS Mbuli Manager: Resources Planning
Ms. T.A. Gumede Manager: Office of the SG
Ms. M. Visser Manager: Umfolozi FET College (Acting)
Ms. T.B Mthembu Manager: Logistics, Assets & Disposal
Mrs. G.M.P. Sidaki Manager: Empangeni District
Mrs. N.S.M. Manqele Manager: Accounts, Payments and Salaries
Mrs. N. Ndlela Adult Basic Education Training
Dr. R.R. Bridgemohan Curriculum Grade R Grade 9
Mrs. J. Bhengu Manager: Special Programmes
Ms. M.E. Dlamini Manager: Human Resource Support Services (Zululand Services Centre)
Ms. N.N. Muthwa Manager: Co curricular SS
Ms. Mbali Thusi Media & Citizen Liaison
Ms. Palesa Majozi Manager: Examination Administration
Mrs. N.A. Ngcobo Mrs. T.P. Sithole Manager: National Manager: School Nutrition Quality Assurance Programme
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GETTING KWAZULU-NATAL LEARNING WHATEVER IT TAKES!
National Women’s Month 2008
WHAT OUR FUTURE WOMEN LEADERS HAVE TO SAY | Carly and Sne are future leaders in their occupations | arly Bernadete is Grade 8 pupil at Marist Brother’s in Durban. She believes that women role models are important because “they send out positive messages to encourage young women to succeed”. “Young girls like myself need to learn from those older and more experienced than us. We need our mothers and other leaders to show us that we can make something of our future. They need to lead the way.” At 14, Carly is the co-editor of a newsletter called Teen News. It is a publication that hits the streets monthly and focuses on teenage issues. “I got the idea of starting Teen News after reading about the Sapref School Entrepreneurs Programme, which takes place in schools every year. I am very proud of our newsletter, which is distributing at a number of schools in greater Durban.” Recently I featured in a discussion forum on SABC’s YoTV Blue Couch on making friends at a new school, and we have been invited by several other representatives to submit a proposal on how Teen News might be used for conveying valuable material to teenagers like us.” Carly says she is proud to be South African. “We have a
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democracy that gives women a chance to go out there and live their dreams. Sometimes it is difficult because not everyone sees a woman as someone who can lead, take decisions and also achieve like boys or men can”. She says there are several areas where women need to be given a chance to be recognised. “We need more women priests to lead our churches. I think a women president for our country will also be a good thing. Women are in business but need meet more with younger women so that we can also learn how to do what they do.” Carly says she has a picture of herself at pre-school that was signed by Madiba. His message read: “Best wishes to one of our future leaders” and signed Nelson R Mandela. “This message means so much to me. I think there are lost of women who are like Madiba. They are just not seen or heard.” Carly says her mom is her role model.” She is smart and knows so much about so many important things. She guides me into understanding the real meaning of things. She has taught me about our country’s past and why we must protect what we have today. I get to talk to her about
Aids/HIV, and other important stuff that affects teenagers. Most of all she teaches me to have dreams and goals and to respect myself.” Asked what her dreams were she answered: “When I grow up I want to be an actress here and abroad. It will give me a platform to express my thoughts about all that is important. It will give me a chance to help others.” Asked what leadership qualities she expects from women role models she adds: “They must listen, be understanding, work with all types of people - races and religion. They must give support, motivate and inspire. They must share their skills and their love.”
ne Masuku is a media graduate from the Durban University of Technology. At 24 she says she has seen enough to know that women need to be recognised for their worth, their contribution and their role as mothers and daughters. “I come from KwaMashu. I am one of the lucky one’s to have escaped a hard and harsh future. This is
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because of some strong women around me who have given me a chance to succeed. I have a full time job, a young daughter and I want to give her a better future.” She owes her success to her mother who is a nurse. “You know when you grow up with a health practitioner, you are taught at an early age to take care of your body. This instills a sense of respect for myself. I was also taught about how to take care of myself - from washing my hands before I eat to washing fruit before I eat it. There were strict rules about how girl children should behave. These may be little rules but they matter in the long run. We need to start small. Make small strides before we can get to bigger
things.” Masuku believes that too many girl children do not have the supervision of a well respected female adult and that is why they end up having “terrible lives and no dreams”. She said it is also important for girl children to be brought up in homes where the mother is recognised as an important role player. “This allows a girl child to grow up to be independent, confident and to have respect for herself.” She says women have important roles to play in society. “We do not give women the credit and recognition they deserve. Media needs to write about it some more. Our communities need to respect our mothers more and rape and violence must be condemned by all.”
KZN Agriculture and Environmental Affairs UmNyango WezoLimo NezeMvelo isiFundazwe SakwaZulu-Natali
Babalwa Bodlani Manager: Internal Control & Risk Management
Boni Nkosi GM: South Region
Nonkonzo Molai Chief Business Officer
Mpume Mtshali Manager: Finance South
Nana Shange Manager: Macro-Planning
Sarah Allan Manager: Environmental Management Services: South Region
Pinky Mofokeng GM: Corporate Services
Thuledu Khumalo Manager: finance: North Region
Nishi Seegobin Manager: Legal Services
Phumla Vilakazi Manager: Policy Monitoring & Implementation
Thoko Shezi Manager: Massification Projects
Lani Wepener Manager: Inter-governmental Partnerships and Co-operation
Mr Siddiq Adam Acting HOD
Mr Mtholephi Mthimkhulu KZN MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs
Nonhlanhla Mkhize Manager: Invasive Alien Species
Ladies behind the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs
MESSAGE FROM THE MEC FOR WOMEN’S DAY
The tide is turning with greater speed in favour of women in all sectors of our society. The inequities and imbalances faced by women have been highlighted in recent years and this has gained women further impetus towards empowerment.
My Department takes seriously the role that women are playing in Agricultural Development, Administration, Conservation, Environmental Management and Vetenary Services. This is borne out by the fact that the overwhelming majority of the Senior Managers in my Department are women. We are one of the few Provincial Departments that has a Directorate specifically tasked with Women and Youth Affairs. Key Positions of Finance, Corporate Services, Legal Services, Risk Management and Environmental Management are headed by women Directors, among many others.
Women are key drivers, participants and beneficiaries in our programmes viz; Invasion Alien Species, Co-operatives, Landcare, Coastal Management and Farmer Support. Women drivers, participants and beneficiaries are from communities, municipalities, other state departments, beneficiary groups, agri-business and non-governmental organisations. The empowerment of women in leadership roles in my Department, and externally will be an ongoing focus area. Women in agriculture, environment and conservation have developed communities, created jobs and wealth and are an asset to the sector.
Therefore I would like to take this opportunity to join and salute the women of our department, province and country as we celebrate women’s day.
National Women’s Month 2008
AT THE AGE OF 91 MNCANE IS THE OLDEST WOMEN LEARNER IN KWAZULU-NATAL
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t the ripe old age of 91 – Mncane Radebe of Inkandla has made her dream of learning to read and write come true, showing that you are never too old to succeed. She is one of over 14 000 adult learners who have escaped the curse of illiteracy before dying. She was among the many from deep rural areas of the province who graduated at a ceremony held at the Royal show grounds in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday. They were part of the Masifundisane programme, an initiative by the provincial department of education to reduce the high rate of illiteracy by teaching people of all ages how to read and write. Radebe speaks of her new achievement as if it is a miracle. She shed tears of joy when the provincial MEC for education Ina Cronjé awarded her with a certificate. When it came to her moment to say how she felt, she laughed and cried like a little child. “I always knew that although
I was deprived of a right to education in the past, my dream has always been to be able to write my name.” Her story although sad instils hope in those around her. Under the apartheid system life was hard for black people but the added burden of traditional values also meant women had no role to play in the home. “To go to school and learn in the community would have brought disgrace to my family. I had to herd the cows and my duties were to fetch water.” She said these and other chores made it difficult for her to learn how to read or write. But she bears no grudges or animosity – instead she shows a deep sense of gratitude despite the loss of education for the past 90 years. “My enrolling with the Masifundisane classes has taught me to read, write and count change. I can now sign my own signature at the bank”. “I am so excited that I am now able to help my grandchildren with their homework,” she said with pride.
Masifundisane project manager Cynthia Mpati said when they started the project in 2006 the province had an illiterate population 1.2 million, since then more than 75 000 people have graduated in the programme. “Today there is about 80 000 people in this province that cannot read and write and with Masifundisane we can fight illiteracy, “she said. The learners during these classes are also taught the “language of the economy.” They get the skills of how to create their own business plans for developing community projects. These include plans for small agriculture and farming projects like growing vegetables farming and selling craft work. “These skills help them put food on the table and they are not left sitting at home after obtaining the reading, writing and counting skills. They are able to make a difference in their home and communities”. Last year’s oldest graduate on the programme was 101 years-old.
KZN’s oldest learner, Mncane Radebe of Inkandla on the northern KwaZulu-Natal finally achieved her dream of reading and writing at the ripe old age of 90. Gogo Radebe was one of over 14 000 adult learners from all over the province who are now able to read and write, thanks to the Masifundisane programme, a project developed by the Provincial Department of Education.
The Msunduzi Municipality
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The City oof Choice
Msunduzi women yesterday, today and tomorrow
National Women’s Day is a day to commemorate women’s struggle for change, to celebrate the progress, which has been made towards improvement of quality of life of women. It is the day for reaffirming our commitment to the work towards the liberation of women. As we celebrate the National Women’s Day, we acknowledge that we have come too far and still have a long way to go to achieve full emancipation of women from the hardships they have experienced because of their race, gender and social class. Many women were part of the selfless contribution to the struggle of emancipation of women, bringing about a free and democratic country. Today as we celebrate let us remember those twenty thousand women who took part in the 1956 march, and also the struggle of all South Africans, let us pay tribute to the heroines of our struggle: Lilian Ngoyi, Frances Baard, Helen Joseph, Ellen Khuzwayo, Winifred Kgoare, Rahima Moosa, Sophie Williams de Bruyn, Florence Matomela, Martha Mothlakoana, Bertha Mashaba, Charlotte Maxeke, Florence Mkhize, Ida Mntwana, Rita Ndzanga, Dorothy Nyembe, Annie Silinga,
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City Mayor Cllr Zanele Hlatshwayo
Albertina Sisulu, Dora Tamana, Ray Alexander, Ruth First, Victoria Mxenge and many others who dedicated their lives to the struggle for women’s emancipation and the freedom of South Africa’s people. These women inspired the struggles of later generations and women’s organizations which helped to finally bring apartheid to its knees. As we celebrate this day, let us remember those women who fell during the struggles against apartheid and oppression of women. Let us not forget about those women whose husbands died, and left them widowed. Let us remember those women who died as a result of husbands or male partners shooting at them and their children. There is nothing so sad and painful than being deprived of the love and care of a mother. As we celebrate this day, we shall at the same time honour those women who made an immense contribution to the social development and advancement of the rights of women. Today we say: women’s rights are human rights. Freedom is indivisible. Our society is not free until women are free. Our society is not truly democratic unless women are able to meaningfully participate in that de-
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mocracy at every level - in government, parliament, all governing structures, and business, at work and indeed in the home. We must also fight for equality between men and women in all areas of life. Equality means an end to domination and building mutual respect and self respect. For every child born of a woman, the duty is set to honour, protect, encourage, uplift, respect and befriend their female counterpart for their selflessness, their creativity, their love, their commitment to the country, as they continue to work for their full emancipation, through their words and deeds, in their daily lives.
Equal power and glory to the Women of South Africa! Wathint ‘abafazi! Wathint’imbokodo! Happy Women’s day!!!!!!!
Building a lasting legacy for generations to come - 25 -
DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC WORKS KWAZULU-NATAL
Building communities through construction
Putting women in the forefront of service delivery Ms Lydia Johnson MEC for Public Works
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works under the stewardship of MEC Lydia Johnson firmly believes that the issue of women empowerment must be a priority in all its programmes to ensure transformation that would result in women taking a lead in their communities. The transformation process also includes the promotion and active participation of women in senior management positions. Last year the Department had seven women employees in senior management positions and this number has increased to nine in 2008. Within its broad transformation agenda that includes women, the youth and the disabled, the department has embarked on a series of interventions to ensure that women remain the primary focus of its efforts to address gender imbalances on both social and economic level of society. The Department has demonstrated this by ensuring that its policies are in line with Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment agenda of government - with emphasis on women empowerment. Our broader aim is to increase the level of participation of women in the economic sector of our province. During the 2007/2008 financial year, the department awarded 36% of tender contracts to women contractors. This figure represents a total investment of R360 million.
Dr FB Madlopha Head of Department
Ms NB Mnconywa Head of Ministry
Mrs L Linda General Manager: Real Estate
Mrs D Raichund Manager Supply Chain Management
Ms Xoli Ngiba Manager Human Resource Management
Ms L Moorosi Manager Legal Services
Ms W.N. Mhlongo Manager Operations Coordinations
Mrs T Khuzwayo Midlands Region’s Acting Manager
Mrs J Makhaye Southern Region’s Acting Manager
One way of ensuring that women in KwaZulu-Natal are afforded equal opportunities is through transfer of professional skills with the aim of increasing the pool of skills within the fields where there is a serious shortage of such skills within the built environment. In addition, the department also encourages women to become involved in the property sector not only as employees but also as property owners to bridge the existing gap in the industry. Among other programmes of the department aimed at encouraging women and youth participation in the property sector is the Property Incubator Programme. Its main objectives are to facilitate the transfer of skills from the emerged to the emerging markets in the property sector; provide a platform for the development of a holistic approach to the property industry; and contribute to the generation of skills within the property sector. Other programmes of the department aimed at encouraging the maximum participation of women in the economic sphere include the Expanded Public Works Programme(EPWP) and the National Youth Service (NYS) and more women are encouraged to be more involved on the newly launched Izandla Ziyagezana Programme - a departmental initiative aimed at poverty alleviation and job creation focusing on labour intensive methods for manual clearance of vacant provincial government or state land.
National Women’s Month 2008
WOMEN MUST BE RESPECTED FOR WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY DO
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to now do that for herself. “When I decided to make the shift it involved lot of soul searching. It was a risk. There was so much I did not know and so much I had to learn.” Then when she least expected it an opportunity presented itself and today she is a shareholder at a leading shoe manufacturer Dick Wittington/Ridgley Shoes. “The truth is I never planned on going this route. I saw an opportunity and decided to take it. I was receptive to the idea because I knew I could make a difference to my life and those around me. Her acceptance into the business world has given her access to platforms and opportunities previously unknown to her. She gets to meet people with experience, knowledge and resources. “We appear to be under the misguided view that to help others we have to give them handouts. I believe to help others we need to share our skills, our ideas and our knowledge.” She says being exposed to so much more means that she can use what she knows and learns to help others. One of the key platforms
in which she had helped others access resources to develop is through her involvement in the KZN Chapter of the South African Women Entrepreneur’s Network (SAWEN). Through SAWEN she is able to share her skills and put women in touch with the right people to assist them in achiev-
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sector need to create a greater awareness around self employment and the opportunities that exist.” Her short journey into the world of the self-employed business arena has opened her eyes to so much. “I can very well say that I can now identify with the trials and tribulations, the obstacles and the pain that woman, especially black women, when they begin to start their own small businesses. While there are the obstacles she firmly believes that that self employment is key to fighting poverty and developing our communities. “It’s not easy but it can be done.” She says black empowerment is an interesting concept but in practice it remains elusive to the very people it is geared to serve. “Training, Training and more Training, is key to the success of any government policy geared to develop black woman business leader. Business management skills including financial management skills are crucial to develop all new entrants into the business arena. “The training documents and
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ay Mashoko is a medical doctor by profession. In 2006 she gave up the demanding life of a doctor/clinical researcher to settle for more flexible profession that would help her realise her potential and help make a tangible difference in empowering other women to do the same. “When I do something I want to be able to give it my absolute best. At the time I ran out of hours in my day. I had a health set back and I knew I had to look at going into another field that was less demanding but also allowed me the opportunity to give back into my community. I was not ready to give up and retire.” She adds that as a researcher she was making a difference but she always remained committed to community activism and worked on that within her scope of medicine both in the health and HIV/ Aids arena. She recalls that in the field of medicine - both as a doctor and researcher - she had to look at what she could find to help others be it through her diagnosis or her research. The challenge was
“I can very well say that I can now identify with the trials and tribulations, the obstacles and the pain that woman, especially black women, when they begin to start their own small businesses”.
ing their goals. “Not many of our people even know that there are opportunities out there to overcome poverty in their homes and communities. Stakeholders in government and the private
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manuals must be presented in the language of the people. English is the world language but we have a high illiteracy rate and must take that into consideration in all government projects and tasks geared towards developing our people.” She also believes that the private sector needs to do its bit to encourage black business development. “How can we encourage people to start their small community businesses when our financial institutions still have a structure that believes that business can only succeed in areas that are well positioned and not previously disadvantaged? Besides if your address is good enough and you don’t have the collateral or the guarantees then getting that first business loan are a dream.” Another obstacle is that of women being seen as “appendages of their partners or husbands.” “Decision makers in society must wake up to the fact that men succeed because their partners and wives makes sacrifices to allow them to succeed. But the same is not there for women. We are often judged by what our husbands do. “It is time that women are judged for who they are and for the multiple roles they play as mothers and leaders. They do not have to work twice as hard and worse if they are black to be accepted, recognised and respected. Leaders in all segments of our society - men especially, must preach the evangelisation that a woman must be respected irrespective of who she is and what she does.” Her tips for women going into self-employment: • Work hard. It will not hurt you • Have a positive and determined attitude • Support other women and share your skills • Build on your endurance as a woman • Never go for the money first - it will come later • Never give up or give in • Being bribed into giving something of yourself is a short term gain • Believe in yourself
Nationa
l Women’s Month 2008
KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS •
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Make sure your business idea is solid to ensure success. Test your idea with friends and strangers. Be aware of your competitors, and find ways to differentiate yourself. Plot your public relations and advertising strategy. An idea is one thing, but letting people know about that idea is another. Line up financing and have a clear concise budget and financial plan. Mentally prepare. Starting a small business is hard work. You are not just the boss; you are also the accountant, the janitor and the receptionist. Keep your business and
personal life separate. Too many people have learned the hard way that if you commingle business and personal responsibilities, you won’t make any real progress in either.
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Stay organized and use technology. The No. 1 reason businesses fail is because of poor management. Once your business is up and running, how do you grow and thrive Confidence and perseverance. Don’t give up easily, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Funding your business. Make sure you have money set aside and that you properly allocate your expenses.
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Remain competitive and flexible. Keep your eye on the market. Don’t work in a vacuum. Connect with women in local business organizations. Don’t forget yourself. It is easy to let your new business consume you. Take breaks. Sometimes work can wait. The customer always comes first. The best way to be successful is to provide a product or service that exceeds your customers’ expectations. The key to a successful, long-term business is to build a base of loyal customers who return for products or services.
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National Women’s Month 2008
ALL IN A DAY’S WORK ....
Jobs don’t come by easy and hawker Fikile Mfeka says it is rewarding to make a living honestly...
Female doctors at the pediatric department at King Edward hospital. They are passionate about their jobs.
Proud women on Durban’s streets fight poverty by selling vegetables and fruit. Jabu Sokhabaze and Thembi Mazubane says life is hard and they must do what they can to put food on the table and pay the school fees.
Zulu teacher Neli Zungu of Dingizwe High school in the impoverished area of Ufafa in Ixopo says her passion is to give learners a bright future. “I want them to have better lives.”
Thulisile Mpanza and her new baby boy Sbonelo
Doctor Nomgcobo Mzizana doing what she does best
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Buyelaphi Ndlovu loves gardening... She says fresh vegetables keeps us healthy and strong
OFFICE OF THE MEC - TRANSPORT, COMMUNITY SAFETY AND LIAISON: MR. BHEKI CELE
WOMEN’S MONTH MESSAGE Mr Bheki Cele MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liason
Thandeka Mbonambi Manager: Development
Lulu Mdletshe Manager: Expanded Public Works Programmes
Nqobile Khoza Manaher: Security Services
Bongiwe Ndlovu Manager Economic Empowerment
As the MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison I would like to applaud the government of the day for being able to transform the living conditions of women. Since 1994, there has been a significant change where women occupy influential positions without any fear of victimization and gender demoralization. Over the years women in South Africa have mobilised around the themes of Respect, Unity, Solidarity, Peace, and Development in the combat for the emancipation of women and the restoration of their dignity and effective participation against all obstacles posed by society. We need to eradicate the remnants of sexism that still exist in our society and give women their rightful place in the management of all the affairs of the state and their necessary involvement in the economic dynamics, especially in understanding the important role of women in their efforts of national edification. To all women in both my Departments - let us continue to embrace the embodied spirit of Ubuntu and keep to the ideals of Defending the Weak.
“Defending The Weak”
MORE FEMALE TRAFFIC OFFICERS BEING RECRUITED The year 2008 marked another success for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport’s gender equity agenda following the graduation this year of 83 Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTi) officers, of which 82 were women. This latest achievement follows on the Department being awarded the national award for Service Delivery at the award’s ceremony in Bloemfontein. The graduating students recently received their diplomas paving the way for them to assume duties ahead of the 2010 World Cup. This boost to the Department’s capacity in managing the province’s road network will help assist the country host a successful world cup. Department of Transport MEC Mr Bheki Cele said it is a pleasure to see young women being empowered to enter the profession. “As you graduate today I expect you to remain vigilant against corruption. Offenders will try and bribe you. Do not be tempted. You will lose your job and your integrity. We love you and respect the work you will be doing in order to ensure the protection and safety of our people on the roads,” said Cele. Since 2004, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has recruited one black female General Manager; nine female managers, and 86 female middle managers. All in all, since 2004, a total of 824 women were appointed from level 1 to 8 in this technically demanding department. While much effort has been made to improve the workforce profile of the Department, there is still a need to accelerate the recruitment, promotion and retention of women to ensure their true representation in the workforce.
Nationa
l Women’s Month 2008
BUSINESS WOMEN CAN BENEFIT FROM MEDIA COVERAGE BY DEBORAH WALTER hen leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) meet in midAugust in Johannesburg for their annual Summit, one of their expected announcements is a regional Free Trade Area. A large amount of media debate is sure to follow, pondering the pros and cons of increasing regional integration, what this means for competitiveness, and the impact on business and entrepreneurs. As usual, it is likely that women, and a gender perspective, will be absent from all of this economic coverage. A quick glance at the business pages of any newspaper, and it is evident that the content is male-oriented, with conventional story angles. Though the scope of coverage is improving, traditional economic analysis misses many intriguing stories about women in business and the economy, and how rapidly changing gender roles are changing the world of work forever. Business Unusual (BU), a book launching 13 August as part of Women’s Month celebrations in South Africa, challenges traditional notions of economic and business reporting. Looking at topics such as the hidden economies of care, the world of work and enterprise, development, globalisation and trade, budgeting and governance, this book offers unique perspectives on gender, the economy and business, and related media reporting. With a foreword by Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and produced by Gender Links, a Southern African non-governmental organisation, the book follows a two-year series of regional media training workshops of the same name. The 217 participating journalists produced thoughtprovoking articles about business and the economy, a selection of which are found in the book. Those interviewed, including heads of companies, informal traders, sex workers, entrepreneurs, and citizens, offered their opinions and experiences on everything from budgets to starting a business. This fresh perspective is a refreshing change from traditional coverage. While women sources in Southern Africa increased from 17% to 19% between the regional Gender and Media Baseline Study in 2002 and the Global Media Monitoring Project conducted across 76 countries in 2005, this was still below the global average of 21%. Moreover, women remained almost invisible on topics such as economics and business, politics and sports. Yet the numbers only tell half
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Deborah Walter interviewing Emelda Mwamanga, Bang Magazine the story. Even when included, both the mainstream media and tabloid press often portray successful and powerful women in ways that demean their status, while men are portrayed a strong and powerful. According to Susan Myzo Magagula, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Swazi Observer (and first female CEO in the Swaziland print industry), men feature in a more diverse range of roles often associated with power, money and prestige whilst women mostly feature in stories that emphasise their traditional roles, their physical attributes and their vulnerability. Moreover, media often compares or appends women business people, politicians, and sports figures their male partners. Speaking at the Malawi BU workshop, Agrina Mussa pointed out that she is the owner of a stock and manufacturing company, a commercial cleaning company, and formerly a company to trace debt. Mussa has held positions as President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, chaired ESKOM and is the Vice Chair of the National Association of Businesswomen. “Better known as the wife of the Minister of Transport,” she added. Despite all of Mussa’s achievements, media constantly appends her to her husband in the media Owning media businesses is also a challenging story. Pat Mwase publishes the Mining Mirror, a weekly mining newspaper
for mining communities along the Copperbelt in Zambia, formerly published by international conglomerate Anglo American. Mwase says it has not been easy. Once printers and vendors knew they were dealing with a woman, they started giving her the round around. She had to work extra hard to command respect from them. It is a similar story in Tanzania where women like Emelda Mwamanga and Maria Sarungi are breaking new ground. Talented and hardworking, they are shattering glass ceilings in the maledominated media industry where they own and run innovative and creative enterprises. Sarungi is the director for Compass Communications Ltd, a media production company, which produces three television programmes for a local television channel. Mwamanga is the owner and editor of Bang Magazine, an upbeat urban women’s magazine with a male and female readership, founded in 2003. Mwamanga and Sarungi have had to deal with prejudice from their male counterparts. But this has not stopped them from pursuing their careers. Both women agree that the industry is not women-friendly. “As a woman I have had to deal with men telling me that I cannot succeed in the industry, purely because I am a woman,” said Mwamanga. The inclusion of women in the media and especially in business and economic reporting is an
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important part of covering these beats. Failing to notice how policies and economic trends affect both genders means media only gets half the story. For example, women tend to care for children, the elderly, infirm, and the sick, and perform a wide variety of unpaid “care work,” none of which is recognised or counted in national economic statistics. Moreover, national budgets that cut government expenditures from care services such as hospitals mean the burden of care shifts to women and girls. The lack of recognition of women’s work leads to lack of public investment in the areas where women are concentrated, such as the informal sector
employment, rural subsistence production, domestic “reproductive” work or the care economy and voluntary community work. While we celebrate Women’s Month, we must remember that women’s achievements happen all year round. Rethinking economic and business reporting and recognising the important roles that both women and men play can open up many doors for economic empowerment, and also for unique media stories. Deborah Walter is the editor at Gender Links. This article is part of the Gender Links Opinion and Commentary Service that provides fresh views on everyday news.
CONTACT DETAILS This publication was published by MediaCom SA. 373 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201 P.O. Box 965, Luxmi, 3207 Tel: +27 33 394 0044/43 Fax: +27 33 294 0046