Ekurhuleni Mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana salutes women

The mayor of Ekurhuleni, Sivuyile Ngodwana, joined the nation in commemorating the contributions and achievements of women and reflected on the issues affecting their socio-economic rights and empowerment.

The theme for this year’s Women’s Month, Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Improved Resilience, reiterated the urgency to create an inclusive and equitable society where women could thrive and contribute to the development of SA.

This day is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the women who fought against injustice and inequality during the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings.

Reflecting on the contributions made by those women, Ngodwana said: “Women played a pivotal role in shaping our society throughout history.

“We honour their legacy by renewing our dedication to ensuring all women in Ekurhuleni have access to their socio-economic rights and opportunities for empowerment.

“We are privileged on many fronts with the leadership of great women dating back to Mama Bertha Gxowa, Mama Margaret Gazo and various others who were part of the organisers of that historic march in 1956.

“Today, this municipality prospers under the leadership of a female city manager, Dr Imogen Mashazi, and speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, which is indicative of the strength and capability of women to lead and govern,” he said.

This month, SA witnessed women in sports change history’s narrative in the Netball World Cup in Cape Town and the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament in Australia/New Zealand.

Banyana Banyana showed resilience and passion when they became the first senior SA football team (both men and women) to reach the World Cup knockout stages, and the Proteas Netball ladies took sixth in the netball extravaganza.

The CoE started this month on a high note by unveiling the statue of struggle icon Mama Bertha Gxowa at the hospital named after her in Germiston last week.

Later in the month, the city will host Elderly Persons Wellness Day, dedicated to promoting the well-being and health of elderly persons. It is a day to recognise and celebrate the contributions of senior citizens to society while emphasising the importance of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The city manager’s Legacy Project to honour and celebrate women’s excellence in the community safety field will again take place. This year, the programme will focus on the safety sector and the infrastructure cluster.

The city will wrap up the month with the Women In Overalls Sports Day, showcasing the talent of females who serve in predominantly male positions and sports.

“Let us salute all the women in our society for their roles in shaping this Ekurhuleni of ours,” concluded Ngodwana.