Know Your Value, Women Urged

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The International Relations unit at UKZN celebrated women at a Women’s Day breakfast for staff and students.

Ms Normah Zondo, Director: University Relations, welcomed guests and stakeholders. She urged women to honour the memory of those that marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 by voicing their opinions.

The guest speaker, UKZN alumnus and Human Resources Manager at Richards Bay Coal Terminal, Ms Nontuthuko Mgabhi highlighted the importance of knowing who one is and one’s value: ‘I challenge you to start taking up opportunities and believing in your future. If you can imagine it, it can and will happen. You don’t start because you are strong; you get your strength from starting.’

Mgabhi’s address focused on living a balanced life. She urged women to be present in the now, and to let go of negative past experiences and anxiety about the future. She shared the human values required for a balanced life, namely, falling in love with life; practicing gratitude and appreciation; approaching life with kindness and compassion; integrity; giving and serving others in need; having an opinion on everything; growth; peace; relationships with family and friends; and happiness. ‘We need to start seeing the best in one another as women and choosing people that adore us and support us in everything we do,’ she said.

In her closing remarks, Zondo thanked the guests for attending and the team that organised the event. ‘Like the bold women of 1956 we urge you to be brave because what you do today will impact your tomorrow! Stop hating yourself for everything you are not and start loving yourself for everything you are,’ she said.

International students, Ms Namtula Mukelabai and Ms Carolin Kleinschmidt enjoyed the event. ‘I made a resolution at that very moment, to do better and treat others better,’ said Mukelabai. ‘I enjoyed meeting new women and the atmosphere was very welcoming,’ Kleinschmidt remarked.

Guests were serenaded by singer Mr Ntokozo Ngesi and treated to poetry by Ms Thulile Khanyile, while Ms Nombuso Mtshali, Head of the International Student Office entertained them with Women’s Day trivia.

Words: Hlengiwe Precious Khwela

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini