Amatola Water celebrate Women's Month
Amatola Water held an event for the 31st of August 2022 at Blue Lagoon Hotel under the theme “Build Our Brand” which is a brand that encourages women to work on empowering themselves at every aspect of being women, from themselves as women and in their careers. The purpose of the event was to motivate, empower, encourage and build Amatola Women confidence to take pride in themselves as women. It is also as means to acknowledge them as women in the forefront of water provisioning in our organisation.
Amatola Water celebrated all women who demonstrate hardwork and bravery in bringing life in many households (for water is life). The splendid job and sacrifices demonstrated ensuring that taps are not dry and there is water in every area that Amatola Water services is what propels every employee and every woman of Amatola Water.
This event form part of the Women month in commemoration of the 09th August 1956 wherein a moving and emotional event happened. Women from all parts of the country arrived in Pretoria, some from as far afield as Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. They then flocked to the Union Buildings in a determined yet orderly manner to fight the laws of the time that were unpalatable and oppressive to the majority citizens of the country. Gallancy, bravery and sacrifice made by women like Helen Joseph, Lillian Ngoyi and Albertina Sisulu in 1956 during their march held to fight against the pass laws at the time is what is keeping the strength of women being recognised from every sector in South Africa.
The day was embraced by AW Chairperson of the Board, Ms Pam Yako and Board Member, Ms Boitumelo Mokgatle, AW Interim Chief Executive, Dr Linda Makuleni and Amatola Water women employees at large. Women employees, from different plants attended to celebrate each other and to encourage those who wish to succeed in the male dominated field, such as the water sector.
Amongst the speakers were Superintendents, Ms Nomkhitha Matiwane, Ms Thembisa Zimela who shared their experience as women leaders in the water sector. The Guest of Honour for the day was Mrs Nowinile Nqabeni who is the beneficiary in Gaga Thyume Scheme serviced by Amatola Water. She expressed how grateful she is for receiving water from the tap as the community started drinking from the river. She shared the experiences and applauded the work that is being done by the woman superintendent in the scheme that supplies them with water.
The AW interim Chief Executive spoke on love and humility and emphasized that accessibility to interact with other each other is fundamental. Motherly love is very important to leave a mark in people’s lives wherever you go. As women we need to love and nurture people but not to allow ourselves to be abused. Be exemplary where you are and embrace power but not abuse it.” “Women should acknowledge the fact that they are beautiful, successful and independent,” she concluded.
The AW Board Chairperson, Ms Pam Yako who was also in attendance, encouraged that women must not only be celebrated in August, but it should be ongoing for the entire year. She spoke on how women should always empower each other and create opportunities for one another. “As a leader do not rule by authority instead create a conducive environment by empowering your team. Have a spirit to serve and the right attitude at the right time. Attitude determines altitude. Lay a foundation for your professional development. Start a new life by serving more than receiving, claim yourself in order for self-development to succeed.” She said. She emphasized the fact that women should continually empower themselves with the necessary skills in the field that they work in, in order to climb the ladder. They must not be frightened not to apply for senior positions, they should try the positions some of the knowledge will be obtained in the job.
