Clevenard General Manager Attends Empowering Women’s Month Event Hosted by Disele May Foundation

Bongi Gladness, General Manager of Clevenard.com and the Clevenard Open Project, attended the Disele May Foundation (DMF) event marking the close of Women's Month. The event was highly successful, with the support of various government officials from multiple departments. The local community was delighted to engage with officials, who shared invaluable insights on overcoming life's challenges and navigating their personal and professional paths.

The event featured numerous motivational speakers who encouraged women, particularly in business development. Attendees left inspired and motivated to further their entrepreneurial ambitions.

Women’s Month in South Africa

Held annually in August, Women’s Month in South Africa celebrates the critical role women play in society, honors their contributions, and reflects on the progress toward gender equality. It commemorates the historic Women's March of 1956, when over 20,000 women protested against apartheid's pass laws. Throughout August, events across the country focus on gender equality, women's empowerment, and the challenges women continue to face.

DMF Women’s Month Event: Empowering Township Economies

In partnership with the City of Johannesburg Social Development Region F, Disele May Foundation celebrated Women's Month by hosting an event themed "Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development" at the South Hills Recreation Centre on Friday, 31 August 2024. The event brought together aspiring entrepreneurs, established businesswomen, and key stakeholders, including Ward 57 Councillor Faeeza Chame and representatives from the City of Johannesburg's Supply Chain.

The purpose of the event was to celebrate the achievements and progress of Region F's women in business and entrepreneurship. It aimed to empower women through networking, leadership, and business opportunities, using the Building Township Economy mechanism. The event inspired connection, sparked ideas, and allowed dreams to take flight, fulfilling its vision of collective empowerment.

Speakers and Highlights

Founder of the Disele May Foundation, Disele May, shared her personal journey of overcoming domestic violence and pursuing entrepreneurship. Since leaving her marriage in 2007, Disele has built a thriving career in construction, general building maintenance, and civil works. She emphasized her passion for empowering economically marginalized groups, including survivors of abuse, through her NPO. Her vision of merging business with compassion has led to the creation of sustainable opportunities for many.

Other notable speakers included:

• Ms. Kgomotso Mogorosi – Entrepreneur
• Mr. Bongani Nkosi, Deputy President of the Township Economic Commission SA, who spoke about collaborations with organizations and the private sector to support township businesses.
• Ms. Ouma Khasu, Founder of Women Developing Others
• Phemelo May, Founder and CEO of Tyro Studio and Great Aspects Innovations
• Pastor Refilwe, Pastor and Health Coach, who highlighted the importance of health and wellness in personal empowerment.
• Mariah Mhlaba, Program Director, who emphasized the importance of women acquiring technical skills to enhance their careers and grow their businesses.

Vision for the Future

The Disele May Foundation aims to continue its work in women's economic empowerment by establishing Women’s Business Forums across all regions of Johannesburg. These forums will focus on empowering women to fully participate in township economies. The Regional Women Business Executive Forums will report to the main executive, led by Disele May, to ensure consistency and impact across all regions.

The event was a resounding success, with speakers and participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share their journeys and inspire others. The community has already called for more events, underscoring the importance of continued empowerment initiatives.

A special thank you to MMG for sponsoring water for the event.

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Press release 

• 6 Sep, 2024
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