GALLERY: Women recognised for community work
“Today you have been recognised as being amazing women. Go out there and carry on your awesome work.”
THE Virago Awards were held at Turn ’n Tender, Bassonia, on August 14, where women from Ward 23 were recognised for their great stature, strength and courage.
Hosted by Ward 23 Clr Sarah Wissler, the awards morning was held in honour of local women who were nominated by the community.
Guest speakers Catherine Constantinides and Ella Bella Leite spoke about their passions and how women need to support each other.
“I’d firstly like to thank Sarah, who is a remarkable woman and goes the extra mile in Joburg South, in particular in Ward 23. Thank you for putting this amazing award ceremony together.
“To one of the award winners, Rene Parker, I’m astounded to hear about all the work you do in Jacksons informal settlement. It’s marvellous what you are doing, Rene, well done,” said Catherine.
“Many of us are part of different organisations, but we don’t always know each and every one. We get caught up in our busy lives, but with this being Women’s Month I want you all to think how you as women can change the world.
“Twenty thousand women marched to the Union Buildings for our freedom. That was 20 000 voices, and each of them was either a mother, a grandmother, an aunt or a friend.
“A few weeks ago I spent some time with Sophia Theresa Williams-de Bruyn, who is a former South African anti-apartheid activist and is the last living leader of the Women’s March. Let’s not forget what those women did for us.”
She went on to say Heritage Month is coming up.
“What is important to you and what would you like to leave behind as your legacy? We all have access to social media and we are so connected, but never before have we been so disconnected!
“Do you know the names of your neighbours? We all have social challenges, and with high walls and security systems, reaching out to a neighbour becomes a challenge in itself.
“Women also need to sort out their own homes and stop worrying about men. In a boardroom, women need to support each other, not only during Women’s Month but every day. We all arrive on this earth full, but it is up to us to keep ourselves full!”
Ella Bella added, “Each of you here is doing great work. Carry on doing this each day, not just during Women’s Month. Reach out to a girl child and uplift her.
“Not only that, also reach out to a boy child. We need to raise both our girls and our boys to become kind adults and we need to work together. Share good advice with them and bring them up to respect others.”
The awards were handed out and Sarah thanked all sponsors, including Turn ’n Tender, Thaba Eco Hotel, Gold Reef City, Mall of the South, Keller Williams Realty and Paul James Hairdressing.
The top four winners, Nadene Grabham (fourth), Michelle Robertson (third), Dr Karen Petersen (second) and Bianca Castleman Peens (first) each won prizes in addition to their certificates.
A special appearance was put in by Blaze the dog with his owner, Saul Sostak (Wingate Motors), who brought dog food and blankets for Rene Parker to distribute in Jacksons informal settlement.
After the women had been served a delicious lunch by Turn ’n Tender, they discussed how they each had made their mark in the community.
“Today you have been recognised as being amazing women. Go out there and carry on your awesome work,” Sarah said.
Read:
Celebrating women – unsung heroes
Or:
Comaro Chronicle and Southern Courier received thank you awards
For free daily local news in the South, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za.
