Elegance, style and sophistication

Hats and gloves were the order of the day at Mentec Foundation’s Women’s Day celebration on Friday.

The event was held at Digital Application Centre for Entrepreneurs (DACE) which is one of Mentec’s houses in Lambton.

“We just wanted to celebrate women, especially in the information communication technology (ICT) field,” said Mentec’s stakeholder manager, Sarah Ntinezo.

Mentec is an NGO that offers ICT, related business skills and soft skills training and mentorship.

“We invited our sponsors, employees, interns and staff members to come and get together, celebrate each other and network,” explained Ntinezo.

“The hats and gloves just celebrate our sophistication and elegance because very often we get so involved in IT systems and forget to embrace those two elements.

“Our vision is to get our women known in this male-dominated field. We also have women who have made it in the industry to encourage the youngsters, pass the baton and groom them.

“You might find that there is a young programmer battling and an older programmer will be able to advise, show them the ropes and possibly even adopt one of the interns because Mentec also assists with job placements.”

Among other activities, Precious Ndlovu was the songstress for the day entertaining the women throughout the programme.

“Ndlovu donates 50 per cent of every CD sold to Mentec,” shared Ntinezo.

Anele Nhlebela (23) is currently doing her learnership programme with Mentec.

“I started my 12-month learnership last year November and it is great,” she said.

“I didn’t have an IT background as I had studied financial information systems but I must say this institution has made it easy for me to familiarise myself with the environment.

“I have created a project and a few websites and enjoy every minute of learning because the facilitators also make it easy for us to learn.

“I also applaud them (Mentec) for uplifting and empowering women, especially in ICT, because there is a stereotype that it is a field meant for men.

“I recommend Mentec to students, especially in the early stages.

“I have a year’s experience in IT, thanks to Mentec.”

Rockefella Foundation, Brite House, ABSA Barclays and Accenture are among sponsors for the Lambton NGO.

“We appreciate all who showed their support today and for those who continue showing their support throughout,” added Ntinezo.

“A great big thank you to all our sponsors because without you it wouldn’t be possible.”

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