In alignment with Feroza Adam's commitment to uplifting fellow women, the 24th Feroza Adam Memorial Lecture was hosted by the Unisa Women's Forum (UWF) in partnership with South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID) on Friday 11 August 2023.

Keynote speaker, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, Treasurer-General of the ANC, applauded the UWF for ensuring that their structure is formally recognised to promote the broader interests of women

The central theme of the event was "Realising women’s right for an equal future".

During her welcoming address, Prof Zodwa Motsa, Unisa Vice-Principal: Teaching, Learning, Community Engagement and Student Support, took a moment to reflect on Feroza Adam's unwavering dedication. She highlighted that Unisa has consistently prioritised matters of women's equality, evident through actions such as integrating gender issues into the curriculum and the establishment of gender studies programmes. These efforts, she emphasised, serve as a testament to Unisa’s unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality.

Keynote speaker, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, Treasurer-General of the African National Congress, applauded the UWF for ensuring that their structure is formally recognised to promote the broader interests of women. She stated that drawing inspiration from trailblazers like Adam and countless others who united against injustice, women should centre themselves on their strengths.

"Recognising the progress achieved in our nation since comrade Adam’s time is crucial," she emphasised. While commemorating Feroza Adam's legacy, she called upon the UWF to join in writing stories and poems, thus contributing to the healing of collective historical wounds. "Amid our endeavours, let us ensure that boys are not left behind," she earnestly implored.

From left: Prof Meahabo Magano, UWF Chairperson; Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor; and Mathabo Nakene-Mginqi, Unisa Vice-Principal ICT and Chief Information Officer

Mathabo Nakene-Mginqi, Unisa Vice-Principal: ICT and Chief Information Officer, encouraged the gathering of women and said that what you feed your brain is what you become. "We need to keep up with what is happening around us," she added. "It is okay to not be a superwoman."

Celeste Diale and Dieketseng Diale of SAWID presented an intergenerational dialogue that focused on encouraging the audience to pursue peace tables.

This annual gathering not only mirrors Adam's visionary ideals. but serves as a platform for honouring remarkable women who have left indelible marks in their respective domains. The occasion included the presentation of the Women of the Year Awards, which lauds the exceptional accomplishments of women across various categories.

Exceptional accomplishments of women across various categories were celebrated at the Women of the Year Awards, which formed part of the event

This year's award categories encompass Transformative Leadership, Significant Achievements, Community Service/Batho Pele, Customer Service and Courage in Adversity

This year’s awardees are:

Dr Hlabathi Maapola-Thobejane, College of Education: Transformative Leadership Award 

She oversaw the launch of the online placement platform in collaboration with Unisa ICT on myUnisa. Furthermore, she initiated the placement link for student teachers as an alternative to the online tool. She also conceptualised an online supervision model.

Dr Alice Mkuzangwe, Directorate Student Administration and Registration: Courage in Adversity Award

With a focused mindset, motivation and resilience, Mkuzangwe remained focused in adversity in all her work, even in spaces that went beyond the call of duty. Her work ethic speaks volumes of her character, and she is an embodiment of what it means to learn from failures.

Dr Sindiswa Figlan, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES): Significant Achievements Award

Figlan led a number of internally and externally funded research projects, including developing climate-smart/resilient crops in order to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture as per the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 2 of the seventeen adopted by the UN General Assembly. Figlan says that agriculture development is key to human well-being.

Rebaone Motlogelwa, CAES: Community Service Award

She is the leader of the Hospitality Community Engagement Project. The purpose of the engagement is to evaluate the knowledge gaps in food preparation in the Daveyton community.

Dr Aluwani Tagwi, CAES: Transformative Leadership Award

She is working with industry stakeholders such as Energy and Water SETA, AgriSETA, the South African Cane Growers Association, the South African Sugar Association, FARNPAN and Makerere University. She is a woman who is pioneering renewable energy in the rural areas of Lephalale in Limpopo Province, Jozini in KwaZulu-Natal, and Inkomazi in Mpumalanga Province.

Dr Antonia Makina, Curriculum Development and Transformation: Significant Achievement Award

This mathematics education specialist has won an international certificate of research excellence for an article on research literacy, and has also produced an international video on the topic.

Shamantha Rajaram, College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS): Significant Achievement Award:

This opportunity seeker is deeply curious, and says that she tends to turn relationships into opportunities to grow her network and support structure, and push the boundaries to succeed.

Estherlene Eleanor Bernadine Hart, CAES: Customer Service Award

This exceptional administrator was the coordinator of the Taking a Girl Child to Work initiative. She was also part of the project team who set up the Horticulture Centre at Unisa’s Science Campus.

Zimkitha Mbane, Office of Vice-Principal: Operations and Facilities: Customer Service Award

She is an exceptional administrator and personal assistant, and excels in policies, operations,  protocols and approval processes.

Vuyokazi Maliwa-Skosana, College of Education (CEDU): Customer Service Award 

She has worked at the Student Retention Unit as part of the FYE MOOC development process and is now in student support at CEDU. She ensures that student queries are attended to every day and created an FAQ document for SRU. She has been a big supporter of women empowerment.

The Customer Service category was extended to include Batho Pele (People First) in honour of exceptional women on the cleaning staff, namely:

• Andronica Mogale
• Maggy Mashabela
• Nomthandazo Sambo
• Johannah Kekana
• Matseleng Soet
• Kgaoki Eva Dikhoba
• Lungiswa Gidi
• Nelisile Nkabinde
• Sister Masango
• Minah Ntebogeng Mathibe
• Annah Vakeso Tabane
• Annah Moloi

A Certificate of Appreciation went to Hector Mothudi for providing care and support in the inception of a project at Ekurhuleni Regional Services Centre of the Unisa’s  Gauteng Region which was chosen as a pilot site. Women near the centre attended computer literacy training made possible by CSET. CAES presented online classes in organic farming, pest and disease control, and nutrition-safe food handling, as well as onsite training in nutrition and food safety, hospitality, gardening and sewing. SAWID offered sewing lessons and training in entrepreneurship. A series of online lessons was offered by Chance2Advance.

Malebo Mbalati was also awarded a Certificate of Appreciation, for fervently marketing and recruiting members into the UWF.

Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, congratulated the recipients and urged them to continue shattering glass ceilings, and to serve as inspiration for future generations. She lauded the UWF executive under the leadership of Prof Meahabo Magano for its constructive contribution to the university, ensuring equitable recognition and empowering both professors and cleaning staff through engaged scholarship. "As women," she said, "we should continue to make knowledge fashionable. It is important to reiterate that women must never take their eye off the ball, even when their work is undermined and trivialised."

SAWID’s Diana Ferrus, writer, poet and activist for marginalised African women, inspired women to shape perspectives, highlighting the immense significance of our narratives. "Our voices are intricately woven into our stories, and it is paramount that we elevate these narratives," she said. She challenged women to step forward and share these stories, underscoring the necessity of providing women with platforms for their self-expression.

Launched at the event, Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling contains insights from 18 scholars who delve into the often-overlooked rules and challenges faced by women on their career advancement paths

The UWF also unveiled a book titled Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling, of which Magano is a co-editor. This book contains insights from 18 scholars who delve into the often-overlooked rules and challenges faced by women on their career advancement paths.

These chapters are supported by empirical evidence from their conducted studies. Prof Puleng Segalo, incumbent of the Chief Albert Luthuli Research Chair, spearheaded the book launch, underscoring the unceasing pressures women endure while striving for their full potential. She raised the question: Will the world ever undergo a paradigm shift in recognising women?

After the speeches concluded, participants in the programme joined the audience on the dance floor, showcasing their dance moves. The occasion was enriched by the poetic recital of Dr Hlabathi Maapola-Thobejane from CEDU. Adding to the vibrant ambiance, Angelo Vaaltyn delivered a dynamic musical performance that elevated the mood even higher.

Overseeing the day's proceedings, Dr Thulile Shandu-Petla, a member of the UWF executive committee from the English Studies Department, skilfully directed the programme. Supported by Sophie Mabaso, a sign language interpreter, Shandu-Petla conveyed heartfelt gratitude during the closing remarks, marking a conclusion to the event.

Click here to view a recording of the event

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* By Thembeka Ntuli-Mpapama, Communication and Marketing Manager, Unisa Gauteng Region