Gauteng MEC for Local Government, Qedani Dorothy Mahlangu speaks at the 2nd Women in Local Government Awards

Programme Director,
Executive Mayors,
Speakers and Deputy Speaker,
Deputy Speaker of the Legislature, Mama Bertha Gxowa,
Members of the Mayoral Committees,
Councillors,
The Department of Local Government (DLG) Team,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Comrades and friends,

I have a firm belief that all of us are winners because we were elected by the voters to be their representatives through respective political parties because they believe in us and we have to believe in ourselves.

Tonight we are here to confirm that indeed the women's place is everywhere, be it in politics, business, culture, tourism, etc. Indeed women belong in decision making and should show men how things are done. Women are and should be agents for change in their respective communities. You can do so as a Proportional Representative Councillor, Community Development Worker (CDW), Ward Committee, Council Official, no matter what value you are bringing to the institution.

These awards are a clear indication that indeed women's place is no longer in the kitchen but also in the highest decision making bodies of this country. In celebrating women in local government, I initiated the Women in Local Government Awards to pay, celebrate and honour women working in this sphere of government.

It really gives me pleasure that since the inception of these awards in 2005, it has grown phenomenally with women in respective municipalities showcasing their achievements and sharing best practices. This is a dream that I hold dear to my heart of ensuring that women councillors, ward committees, officials and CDWs are recognised for their role in making local government work better. As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we are committed in making Gauteng a better place for women.

Women in local government play a pivotal role in addressing developmental and service delivery obstacles, despite challenges of inequality and other social ills confronting them. Therefore, in celebrating the 52nd anniversary of the women's march to the Union Building, where the generation of Aunti Sophie de Bruyn, Lillian Ngoyi, Bertha Gxowa took the might of apartheid by the horn; it is important to remember them for their role in bringing the evil system to its knees. With their selfless dedication, we are now enjoying the fruits of our democracy. They did this despite facing oppression and violence perpetrated by the apartheid regime.

You must go out there in communities to make a difference. This is possible if you believe in these basic principles. Have a positive attitude and outlook. Be willing to work with other people from all different walks of life.

Be kind and humble at all times. Be honest and never capitalise on other people's mistakes. Women are faced with many challenges on their daily lives.

That is not different with me as the MEC. On daily basis I have my trials and tribulations at home, work and in social life. It is important that we go an extra mile in making Gauteng a better place for women.

First we must remove fears and insecurities and look at life in a positive view. Lead with style and femininity without being arrogant. We must be able to work in a team and different groups of people. We are united in diversity.

With these awards, I am hoping to motivate more women to go an extra mile in their respective fields. It is important that we prioritise women in ensuring that they are developed, academically and otherwise and also to motivate other women who were not nominated. We must also ensure that we make positive changes in the various communities we work and live in.

Sadly, we had to scrap one of the categories, the Most Women Empowering Municipality because of the poor quality of entrants and motivation from municipalities. Municipalities should ask themselves why we could not give the award tonight. It is disappointing that this category is scrapped but we will work together with municipalities to rectify this in the near future.

Gender mainstreaming cannot be postponed any further as most municipalities are still lacking in that area. Awarding cleaning tenders to women only is just not on. We must ensure that we empower women in all respect as we do with their male counterparts. Women can and are able to deliver goods and services.

Congratulations to all the nominees. If you do not win tonight please do not be discouraged. I know how you feel but take it easy and let the best nominees win.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Local Government, Gauteng Provincial Government
4 September 2007