By: Qhawekazi Memani – 07 August 2023

In the spirit of South African Women’s Month celebrations, Mosele Letta Mkhontwana, a Call Centre Operator at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) shared her perspective on this year’s theme: Accelerating Socio- Economic Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment”.

Mosele represents women at the VUT’s Registrar’s office who provide exceptional customer services, thereby enriching the lives of VUT current and prospective students. Under this year’s theme, she believes that efforts to unstereotype workplaces and foster inclusivity are transforming South Africa’s university landscape. “Research shows that at one particular university, in the year 2022, women held significant leadership roles, marking a considerable stride in fostering equality. Focusing on leadership and gender balance yielded remarkable results, as well as maintaining gender equilibrium in management between 2019 and 2021 – women comprised 54% of managerial staff in 2022,” she said.

Speaking on the socio-economic aspect, she notes that despite progress, challenges persist, women’s socio-economic rights play a vital role in enhancing resilience in today’s society.  “Women’s labour force has not yet been fully harnessed, and political representation remains unfair. “

She also mentioned that amid everything, South African institutions like VUT are championing initiatives that empower women economically. Such examples are the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs aimed at equipping young women with the skills, hope, and confidence to shape their futures and the poverty alleviation drives led by the Advancement Department and Student Support Services ensure access to education and opportunities.

As South Africa rebuilds post-pandemic, she states that policymakers and stakeholders hold the key to protecting and promoting women’s socio-economic rights. “Priorities must encompass reducing gender disparities, improving healthcare access, bridging educational gaps, enhancing economic opportunities, amplifying women’s voices, and breaking the cycle of gender inequality,” she concludes.

Mosele embodies the very essence of this year’s theme: a selfless dedicated leader  who is also resilient