The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) hosted a full-day conference in celebration of the centenary anniversary of the South African Association of Women Graduates (SAAWG) on June 6. It was hosted under the theme “Education Imperatives: Current Needs, Future Vision”.
The SAAWG is an affiliate of the Graduate Women International, one of the world’s most important and prestigious non-governmental organisations devoted to the betterment of women.
Welcoming the guests, UMP’s vice chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, said the university was privileged to be part of the event that strives to change women’s lives.
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“We note that the association was established on May 30, 1923. Centenary celebrations are a rarity. As UMP we are celebrating 10 years of existence. We aspire to follow in your footsteps and be inspired by your illustrious journey. It appears doable that goals can be pursued in an enduring manner,” Mayekiso said.
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The conference included four panel discussions under the topics: A tertiary perspective: Tertiary deputy vice chancellors, emerging technology and the sustainability of higher education, economic empowerment of women, education for a sustainable, peaceful and feminist living environment.
The conference speakers included Dr Nonzwakazi Maqubela, a senior lecturer of sociology and gender studies at UMP, Doris Viljoen, the director of the Institute for Futures Research at Stellenbosch Business School and Prof Cheryl Hendricks, the executive director of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation.