The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma attended a women empowerment programme, hosted by the African Religious and Traditional Leaders Council at High Calling Global Ministries in Phoenix recently.
President of the African Religious and Traditional Leaders Council (ARTLC), Templeton Mbekwa said, “The event was to show appreciation to the women who have made great strides in making a difference in their own communities. We wanted to recognise them for their roles in society in general. We were honoured to be graced by women in leadership, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, MEC for Social Development in KZN, Mrs Khoza and eThekwini speaker, Mr Tamane. It was a very well organised event for women by women and the national leadership of ARTLC.
Under the theme “Uniqueness of a Women”, the programme was attended by women leaders from various communities. Phoenix community leader, Saroj Govender, who attended the event, said, “It was an honour to share a platform amongst great women such as the honourable minister of COGTA, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, member of the Executive Council for the provincial Department of Social Development, Nonhlanhla M Khoza amongst many other phenomenal women from the different sectors who contribute in their own way to making the community better for all who live in it. These inspiring women outlined the roles and responsibilities of women who played a huge part in their lives in shaping them to be the outstanding and remarkable women they are today. Each day we learn more and more through engagements. Women are indeed unique and precious.”
Govender, who has worked with the community of Phoenix for decades, said she was inspired to continue making a difference in her own community. She currently serves in various portfolios and always fought adversities through education. “Being part of various structures should not be to make one’s CV look good but should be used as a platform to make a difference in someone’s life. We often talk about women and children abuse, but in the last few weeks I was able to counsel men who are being abused. Men are too embarrassed to talk about their problems and often find it easier to end their lives instead. There is help out there for men as much as there is for women and men who find themselves in such situations should utilise the services of the relevant organisations to find an amicable resolution,” added Govender.
Member of the national executive committee, Pundit Suresh Singh, who conducted a prayer in Hindi, said, “It was important to host an event of this calibre in Phoenix as many local women are making a difference in the community and are often not appreciated for their hard work. This event was to acknowledge them and reassure them of their importance in society.”
