Makana Municipality wrapped up the 2009 Women’s Month celebrations at the City Hall on Thursday. This year’s theme was "Celebrating the past, engaging with the future."
Makana Municipality wrapped up the 2009 Women’s Month celebrations at the City Hall on Thursday. This year’s theme was "Celebrating the past, engaging with the future."
Attired in their best traditional outfits, women gathered at the City Hall which boasted orange, gold and white drapery and the Victoria Girls’ High School choir opened the ceremony with sweet, African choral melodies. The guests represented various local organisations including political parties, non-governmental organisations, government departments and municipal wards. Also listed on the programme were organisations such as the Department of Agriculture and the Social Development and Higher Education (HEI) Institute which offers access information and funding for young women to study.
While blessing the ceremony, Rev Mzikazi Mfenyana praised women for their dedication. "As women, we are protective, loving and risk takers," she said. She urges all women to harness the confidence, love and care provided by God to help other people. "The seed is in our hands, all we need to do is to open our hands and plant that seed."
Makana Mayor Vumile Lwana, was also present to offer his support. Lwana said that "the August month will always be dedicated to women." He also commented about how the South African female gold medallist, Caster Semenya, "made us proud" despite the all the controversy. "We support and salute Semenya," he announced.
The keynote speaker was Nontsikelelo Katshaza, manager of Makana Municipality’s Department of Agriculture. While encouraging women to empower themselves, she said "our children’s stomachs depend on us". Katshaza also briefed guests about the initiatives the department offers to address challenges such as unemployment and HIV/Aids. The initiatives include, Siyazondla (we feed ourselves) which promotes backyard gardening and Siyakhula (we are growing) which promotes land farming. The Ikhaya Thaetre Company then entertained the audience with a poem entitled, Women in power with curves. They also performed a drama piece which takes a closer look at the different challenges women face in their daily lives.
