Beauty is not often associated with garbage.
Likewise, femininity usually has no place in the space of waste management services.
On Saturday, these stereotypes were thrown in the bin when the metro recognised the contribution of women in this sector, at the Women in Waste Awards, held at the Springs Civic Centre.
The prestigious event was aimed at honouring and celebrating the immense contribution of females in the male dominated field of waste management services.
Jeanet Nyelimane, a general worker based at the Germiston Depot, was named the overall winner at the awards ceremony and was awarded a trophy, a weekend getaway voucher for two, a medal and a certificate.
“This will motivate me to respect my work even more and execute it with complete diligence,” said the beaming Nyelimane upon receiving her award.
MMC for environmental management Clr Ndosi Shongwe expressed her pleasure at handing over awards to the hard working women.
“The metro is proud of you and appreciates the work you do in keeping the city clean,” she said.
“As the municipality we do not perceive you just as waste removers, we regard you as the ambassadors of a cleaner and greener Ekurhuleni.”
Themed “Zithande”, the occasion delved into health issues that affect women, such as cervical cancer, and Keneiloe Molefe – a nurse – emphasised the importance of women visiting their nearby clinic or healthcare provider for routine check-ups such as pap smears and mammograms.
Three representatives from each of the municipality’s 11 waste management depots received certificates, gold medals and gifts as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
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