Office of The Executive Mayor

EXECUTIVE MAYOR NGODWANA JOINS THE NATION IN COMMEMORATING WOMEN’S DAY

The Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Cllr Sivuyile Ngodwana, joins the nation in commemorating the remarkable contributions and achievements of women, as well as reflecting on the pressing issues affecting their socio-economic rights and empowerment.

This year’s Women’s month theme, “Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Improved Resilience,” reiterates the urgency to create an inclusive and equitable society where women can thrive and contribute to the development of our country at large.

This day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave women who fought against injustice and inequality during the historic 1956 Women’s March to the seat of power.

Reflecting on the contributions made by those women, the Executive Mayor Ngodwana said: “Women have played a pivotal role in shaping our society throughout history. Today, we honour their legacy by renewing our dedication to ensure that all women in Ekurhuleni have access to their socio-economic rights and opportunities for empowerment.

“As the City of Ekurhuleni, 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 is prospering under the leadership of a female City Manager Dr. Imogen Mashazi and Speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, which is an indication of the strength and capability of women to lead and govern.”

This month South Africa has witnessed women in sports changing narratives of history in the Netball World Cup held in Cape Town and the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament held down under in Australia/New Zealand. Banyana Banyana showed resilience and passion when they broke the record by becoming the first-ever senior South African football team (both men and women) to reach the World Cup knockout stages, while the Proteas Netball Ladies notched up sixth place in the netball extravaganza.

City of Ekurhuleni started this month on a high note through the unveiling of 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, which is dedicated to promoting the well-being and health of the elderly. It is a day set aside 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 excellence in the community safety field will once again take place. This year the programme does not  only focus on the safety sector but the Infrastructure Cluster as well.

The City will wrap up this important month with the Women In Overalls Sports Day, which will be about showcasing the talent of females who serve in predominantly male positions and sports. “Let us salute all the women in our society for the role they are playing in shaping this Ekurhuleni of ours,” concluded Ngodwana.

Issued by the Office of the Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni