The Star Early Edition

Ordinary women doing extraordin­ary things

- Thabile Mange

AUGUST is dubbed Women’s Month. The month affords the nation an opportunit­y to acknowledg­e and recognise the invaluable contributi­on women such as Lillian Ngoyi made during the Struggle.

In general, the women’s role in the struggle against the evils of apartheid is unrecognis­ed.

Only a select few women are acknowledg­ed – and they belong to the governing party. The names of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and the late Albertina Sisulu come to mind. Those who belong to other political organisati­ons are not recognised.

Having said that, there are women in our generation, and in our localities, who are doing their bit in their corners to better the lives of others.

Not only that, they are also an inspiratio­n to both men and women. More interestin­gly, they are neither famous nor celebritie­s.

I wish to honour the following phenomenal women: Lungi Mtongwana-Ndou (a former classmate), Dikeledi Molaba, Celeste Gugu Ncana and Brenda “Last Number” Yumba.

I want to believe that there are many more. However, the abovementi­oned have caught my attention and my hawk’s eye.

Mtongwana-Ndou is a banker, fundraiser, events organiser and a networker par excellence. Through her good organising skills, she is able to fill a hall for any event she organises, mostly under the auspices of Honey. She also gets invited to gigs as an MC and VIP.

Molaba is a public servant, entreprene­ur and community developer. She buys and collects school uniforms and distribute­s them to poor kids in and around Mogale City on the West Rand.

Ncana is a nurse by profession and a hustler. She’s one of the top dogs in Forever Living and helps

They use their own power to empower others

needy kids.

Yumba is a radio broadcaste­r and a good organiser and trainer.

They have no political connection­s but are doing extraordin­ary things. They are also women of substance who use their personal power to empower others in their own way. They are leaders, in their own right, and unsung heroes as well. Their efforts are being noticed. Joburg

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