The SABC has held its third annual Woman’s Day Celebration, honouring women in the media industry, in the month dedicated to them. Michael Bratt attended the event to find out more.
The gathering is an initiative of the SABC’s Commercial Enterprises division, and not only honours women, but also gives the public broadcaster a chance to network with and build relationships further with its clients. This includes media agencies and marketers. The SABC says the event is also a token of appreciation for all those who it works with.
Greeted by blue drinks at the door, the attendees were then escorted to their seats by topless hunks. During the proceedings they were serenaded by Roberto Queiroz, a current participant on SA Idols. A candy table was another surprise at the event.
The formalities began with a greeting by the master of ceremony, radio personality and Generations The Legacy actress Thando Thabethe. She advised, “There’s nothing greater than understanding your power … you need purpose and it’s your duty to find your purpose.” She then handed over to Acting National Sales Manager for the SABC Mingi Makhubele. She thanked all the women who attended for continuing to support the public broadcaster and encouraged all of them to take the afternoon off work.
Next to take to the stage was guest speaker Ntombenhle Khathane, Founder of Afrobo-tonics, a hair care product range that has grown from only selling 10 products a month, to having a presence in Game, Pick ‘n Pay and Clicks stores. She discussed her empowerment journey, stressing that women can be powerful in both the home and business at the same time. She also stressed, “When you do something with intent and purpose, and you have good intentions behind it, it will work someway, even during the darkness.” She explained how hair care products make people feel secure, and reverse insecurities that are a constant in the everyday life of women, “It’s about creating a future generation of women who are confident, self-loving and assertive.”
Pearl Thusi, who became a celebrity partner for Khathane’s business, then gave a short talk on her ‘Own It’ philosophy saying, “Focusing on the value of your idea is how you own it. Focus on the opportunity, which separates great people from others … To make your dream come true you will have to sleep and go through many nightmares. Get creative so that you can get around the challenges … You need to be challenged to find the value in what you are doing. But NEVER give up … There is a very fine line between constructive criticism and negativity”. Thusi concluded, “Women need to own their own dreams. Women need to own each other’s dreams and support each other. We need to pull each other up. If we own each other’s we can command more respect from men and society. Let’s stop looking at what another woman has … and start helping each other”.
Follow Michael Bratt on Twitter @MichaelBratt8
