The Ministry responsible for Women located in the Presidency has called for more institutions in the public and private sectors to introduce programmes aimed at propelling women into playing an active role in the economy.
This call follows the remarkable story of four women cleaners (Emma Koko, Rebecca Adams, Naomi Phororo and Mittah Ntsaleng) and a male cleaner (David Malete) from the University of Free State (UFS) who five years ago were subjected to a racist initiation ritual, when forced to eat urine-soaked food by white students, but today they are proud owners of a cleaning company and even have a four year contract at the same university.
"The leadership of UFS have shown what is possible when the bull is taken by its horn. The cleaners who are mainly women were left degraded and their personal dignity violated.
"Unfortunately glaring inequalities that still persist in our society today mean that women continue to be subjected to adverse conditions that prevent them from engaging in all spheres of life as equals with any other member of society," explains ministry spokesperson Kenosi Machepa.
Machepa says the University of Free State in addressing the racist incident set a good example that demonstrate what is meant by women empowerment and "moving women from a status of being victims to victors."
"The university did not just give the cleaners a contract. They invested in their capacity development and made sure they were mentored all the way and even gave them an opportunity to prove themselves. This is sure to have a ripple effect to their families and the communities they live in."
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women Susan Shabangu recently called for women to take centre stage as the country gears itself for the implementation of radical socio-economic transformation policies and programmes in the next five years.
Enquiries:
Kenosi Machepa
Head of Communication/Spokesperson
Cell: 072 571 2221
Tel: 012 359 0196
Email: kenosi.machepa@dwcpd.gov.za
