As Women’s Month draws to an end, I just wanna take this moment to salute all women who redefine the role women play in all our lives and in bringing about change in the world we live in. Be it a woman selling fruits at Noord Taxi Rank in Joburg to take her child to University of Johannesburg, a woman who earns a living by being a nanny or a woman making authoritative waves in the boardroom, we salute you.
Having said that, there are women who are in the public eye who really show that you do not need to be antagonistic or be provocative for people to be recognised and reward you for your dire need to make a noticeable impact in the lives of your fellow citizens or the world for that matter. In no particular order, I would like to highlight some of the kindest women close to my heart who have broken boundaries and showed us all that all is possible through setting out an assertive and ambitious plan.
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma: The Prime Minister of Africa
Just last month, Dlamini-Zuma made history as the first woman to be appointed chair of the African Union. After an intensive search that saw an initial stalemate and allegedly later on some political mudslinging being instigated against her, our lady walked tall and was eventually voted to be the “Prime Minister of Africa”.
Her work at Home Affairs speaks volumes and the service in her department has improved dramatically. She is the only Minister from the time when Thabo Mbeki was the President of the country who is still a Minister in the new administration.
Mokgadi Caster Semenya: Inner strength and silence speak volumes
Though the international athlete only managed to run away with silver at London 2012, Caster is still very dear to many people including Queen of Talk, a philanthropist of note and business mogul Oprah Winfrey.
After international humiliation that she was subjected to in 2009 simply because she was declared an 800 km world champ, Castra never said a single word to defend her womanhood.
Her decision to remain silent after such an enormous degradation spoke great volumes about her inner strength and showed the world you do not need to let fools drag you to their level.
Khanyi Dlomo: Destiny’s Child likes mentorship
A media darling of note who was the very first youngster to edit women’s read True Love magazine when she was only 22. She was even one of the first black women to read news on SABC3. That was ages ago but Khanyi has never looked back since her humble beginnings.
Today she is a well-known businesswoman who gave birth to Ndalo media which is the mother of trendsetting Destiny and Destiny Man.
In her journey to the top, Khanyi has most arguably remained humble and takes the issue of mentorship to heart in her bid to see other women, especially young women, reach greater heights.
Basetsana Kumalo: Heralding a new era in a democratic South Africa
The fact that Bassie, as she is affectionately known was crowned Miss South Africa in 1994 just after we had our very first democratic elections, could have been symbolic in more ways than one that Basetsana was a star on the rise.
Her name is synonymous with success and she has a lot of business interests. Bassie knows all too well about having a desire to succeed such that she even mentors young women who aspire to achieve the kind of success she is enjoying.
Bassie has been in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons but that has never tempered with the person she is. She remains humble and her glowing contentment is contagious.
She is involved in a number of charity work and has received many recognition including awards and has positions in a number of boards of reputable companies.
A lot has been written about her such that there is nothing new we can tell you about this legendary woman.
Dr Mamphela Ramphele: Academic’s vision for a better world
The Limpopo born political activist has been awarded honorary doctorates from University of Cambridge, University of New York and Tufts University in different fields aptly rewarding her diversity.
She has been allegedly touted as the next Democratic Alliance leader but Dr Ramphele reportedly isn’t interested despite Helen Zille having tirelessly tried to woo her. Many believe the DA is doing this to win black voters.
Be that as it may, Dr Ramphele is a woman of a kind. She is a former Managing Director of the World Bank.
She is an academic and her mission in life is to see the world being a better place. She has co-authored, authored and edited a number of scholarly works.
Coming up tomorrow: Femme Fatale Part2: Balls of steel