The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, commemorated Woman’s Month as she hosted the Power Breakfast on Power FM on 7 August to celebrate South Africa’s powerful women, as well as the country’s youth.
“Parents have this culture of ‘we put you through school, now you have to make a contribution to your own life’. I actually paid to do my masters and thesis myself,” explained Pandor.
She didn’t always have it easy; she worked in retail pursuing either a Saturday or Sunday job in England – where she grew up. However, she did not let that get her down. She believes that by her parents allowing her to contribute to her own life, it enabled her to prove her own mettle as a young person and become independent.
When asked about what she envies most about South African women, she replied that it’s their confidence. “So yes, my message to young women is that they can do it if they work hard.”
Pandor didn’t always have a love of politics, even though her father worked in the field. “In fact, I didn’t like politics at all because we would always be moving. It was only when I became a teacher and noticed the inequalities that I took an interest,” she said.
Andile Khumalo, managing director of Power FM said, “The powerful role of women in South Africa can never be underestimated nor ignored. We see women excelling in all areas of society – from business to government to media. We salute them for never letting stereotypes hold them back and for being the natural leaders and nurturers they are.”
Details: powerfm.co.za
