SOUTH African women are the primary or co-breadwinners in almost two-thirds of families in this country.
These statistics speak volumes, emphasising the necessity for more women to play prominent roles in both the private and public sectors.
This was the message from uThungulu District Deputy Mayor Nonhle Mkhulisi, speaking at the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Breakfast held in Richards Bay on Thursday.
She said entrepreneurship is the key to a brighter future for scores of poverty-stricken women.
‘Entrepreneurship matters. Its benefits are many, from problem solving, organisational and leadership abilities, to fostering creativity and engendering empowerment.
‘History is inundated with many stories and records of good deeds and life changing initiatives led by women of all races, colours and creeds.
‘Our main purpose today is to make a clarion call to all women to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation so that we can change the course of our country, our district and our region.’
Mkhulisi emphasised said it is fortunate for all women in this region that the uThungulu District Municipality is led by supportive female politicians.
‘We are the only municipality in the country that is led by women.
‘The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Speaker are all women with years of experience in women struggles – economically, politically and academically.
‘We understand and share your plight. We have also infused our administrative leadership to do the same.
‘Hence our executive management is currently 60% lead by capable females.’
Trudging through tough times
She said the local economy is certainly waning under the pressure of a weak world economy, local company closures, ongoing drought, food inflation and Zululand’s dense rural population.
‘Already, the first quarter’s GDP rate has shown declining growth, which means our economy is contracting, raising possibilities of a recession in the near future.
‘Inflation has been high mainly owing to the effects of drought, which resulted in higher food prices.
‘Although figures have shown a slight decline from 7% to 6.2%, it is still way above the target set by the South African Reserve Bank to keep inflation between 3 to 6%.
‘Our district is very rural with a population of more than 900 000 people.
‘We have been the worst drought hit district in KZN. At some point our dam levels at major dams were below 15%, hence the water restrictions imposed by both the City of uMhlathuze and uThungulu.
‘This has adversely affected our already struggling agricultural sector, both in terms of crop production and livestock.
‘Local businesses have also had to shut down.
‘We are aware of the liquidation of Tata Steel KZN late last year after a business rescue attempt failed and the plant was subsequently closed.
‘About 195 workers were affected by the closure.
‘However, it is not all doom and gloom while we still have you imbokodo (women) as anchors of our society.
‘It has been proven that for any economy to succeed and grow, it needs to breed new ideas, new ventures and inject new thinking in a country’s economic bloodline.’
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