Women leaders recognised at prestigious Unisa event
“The calibre of awardees highlights the university’s role of supporting women.”
Four struggle icons were recently honoured for their contribution to the betterment of South Africans’ lives.
Dr Frene Ginwala, Sally Motlana, Naledi Pandor and Gill Marcus received Unisa Chancellor’s Calabash Awards at an event at the university where they were described as courageous.
Proceedings at @unisa' annual Chancellor's Calabash Awards have started. #CalabashAwards2017 pic.twitter.com/8hkJzeGOyN
— TM African School of Public &International Affairs (@MbekiSchool) November 2, 2017
The awards recognise extraordinary South Africans, particularly Unisa alumni, who have made a significant contribution to shaping the future of humanity.
“The event is also intended to profile the work of the university and in particular inform decision-makers in the public sector, business and civil society about the role and importance of the university to South Africa and the continent’s social and economic development,” said the university.
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Host and Chancellor Thabo Mbeki said the calibre of awardees marked the university’s role of supporting women in society.
“It is in times like these, where there’s so much negativity prevailing in the country, that society forgets that there are good people who do good things. These are the people we must honour and emulate,” he said.
Marcus, the former Reserve Bank governor, received the Outstanding Alumnus Award.
#WomensMonth
The first woman to be appointed as a Central Bank Governor. An anti-apartheid activist, Dr Gill Marcus. Woman of Worth. pic.twitter.com/7QsV2dHF5f— Dibolo (@_Dibolo) August 3, 2017
During her governorship, Marcus secured economic stability for South Africans, said the university.
Gill Marcus has earned my respect – what a woman. Public detractor @busisiwe02 less so! https://t.co/QnEJOlMTR4
— Stephen Gunnion (@stephengunnion) June 25, 2017
“Her pursuit of the independence of the country’s monetary systems, described by many as ‘a tough act to follow’.”
Marcus said her parents instilled in her that education opened doors and was pivotal to moulding and making a difference.
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The Outstanding Alumnus Award presented to Ms Gill Marcus, former Governor of the South African Reserve Bank @unisa pic.twitter.com/wtzwttHzBV
— Tali Munzhedzi M.A (@Tali_Munzhedzi) November 2, 2017
“Without it, we cannot shape and be part of the future. This is a future that requires the county’s commitment to an education system that would empower our youth with survival skills for this competitive world,” she said.
The Public Servant Award was presented to Dr Ginwala, former Speaker of Parliament, who dedicated it to the youth fighting for access to education.
Frene Ginwala recounts how she arranged for safepassage of OR Tambo&Walter Sisulu out of SA @dstgovza with the church pic.twitter.com/QMgcy5B4jt
— Buhle (@Khumalo_Bokaba) August 23, 2017
Dr Ginwala said she wished to see the eradication of sexism, especially in the workplace, and advocated for equal work for equal pay.
Breakfast with Power Women, Frene Ginwala, Zanele Mbeki and Tselane Tambo. ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾#Tambo100 #ORTamboCoinLaunch #SAMint #TamboFoundation pic.twitter.com/bJMStRAwgQ
— Masechaba Khumalo 💫🌕🕯️ (@MasechabaAfrica) October 4, 2017
Political activist Sally Motlana was awarded the Unisa Robben Island Award which celebrated the university’s legacy and contribution to educating struggle leaders during apartheid.
The Unisa Robben Island Award presented to Ms Sally Motlana, a struggle heroine,political activist #TheCalabashAwards @TMALIunisa @unisa
— Tali Munzhedzi M.A (@Tali_Munzhedzi) November 2, 2017
Robben Island has a significant place in history and Unisa recognises the sacrifices political prisoners and activists made towards liberation.
#Legacy! Know your history. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Brave women who fought for our freedom– #EllenKhuzwayo, #SallyMotlana https://t.co/72yybm1EGd
— Felicia Mabuza-Suttle (@Feliciamabuza) April 19, 2017
Motlana, who was never a prisoner on Robben Island but was jailed numerous times for her political activities, said it was the youth that could move the country forward.
“It is your turn to deepen and sustain the fruits of my generation,” she said.
Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor received the Outstanding Educator Award for her excellent service to society and making a transformative contribution to teaching, learning, and research.
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Pandor is the granddaughter of the first African to obtain a BA degree and late struggle stalwart, professor ZK Matthews.
Congratulations are in order to our Minister of Science and Technology Ms Naledi Pandor for The Outstanding Educator Award! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Yt5XwrSAHL
— Science Stars Magazine (@ScienceStarsMag) November 2, 2017
Pandor said: “There is a great need for young academics to research current prevailing issues of decolonisation and #FeesMustFall that impact on the lives we live. Only academics can be able to respond to issues of the sustainability of the country and continent through the establishment of chairs and to become knowledge makers of this world.”
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