North West MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs Manketsi Tlhape reiterated and reaffirmed her commitment to fast track the upliftment of women employees within her department by up skilling them and ensuring equity. Manketsi Tlhape addressed women employees of the department at the Women’s Day event held yesterday at Barolong bo Ratshidi Hall at Montshioa stad.
Following the 1956 women march, MEC Tlhape said citizens of the country are now reaping the fruits of women such as Charlotte Maxeke, Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophie De Bruyn, Rahima Moosa, Helen Joseph and as such all women continue to fight for the total emancipation and empowerment of women.
“I am particularly exceptionally proud and humbled to have been given an opportunity as a women in this Province to serve under the leadership of Comrade Premier, Thandi Modise who amongst the few women joined Umkhonto We Sizwe and took up arms to free this country and many served prison terms, they truly deserve a pat on their shoulders” said MEC Tlhape.
“There is still a long way to go before we can really claim that we are free as women. But government has made available a lot of opportunities to women whether it’s for economic development, job opportunities as well as training and development. In order to embrace the theme “A Centenary of Working Together towards Sustainable Women Empowerment and Gender Equality” the department is working towards striking a balance, in the appointment of women in management positions and the imbalances in other levels.
There are also vacant position which are not highly skilled which we feel should be advertised internally for employees to apply. We commit to uplift you but we also expect you to do your bit and participate in all recruitment processes as expected” said MEC Tlhape.
“Let us unite as women and be there for each other at all times. It is only when we stand as one that we will be able to achieve a lot. Let us also create more platforms beyond women’s month where we can gather as women only to discuss issues that affect us as women” she concluded.
Young and older women of the department were also given a motivational address by different speakers including tips on how to take care of themselves. MEC Tlhape proposed “women to women talk” with women employees for the next departmental women event.
Contact:
Dineo Lolokwane
Cell: 072 542 8444
