The Durban University of Technology (DUT) women in leadership, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operation, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa and Technology, Transfer and Innovation (TTI) Director: Professor Keolebogile Motaung hosted DUT women to two stylish events in commemoration of women’s month.

The programme director, Ms Buhle Ndawonde presenting a gift to Dr Desiree Varatharajullu.

Women at the Durban Campuses were celebrated at Sibaya Casino on Thursday 10 August 2023, while Midlands Campuses women were celebrated at Brahman Hills on Wednesday 16 August 2023. With the Barbie festival upon us, the organisers challenged the ladies to embrace the floral stylish theme and the remarkable DUT women did not disappoint. The programme director was Ms Buhle Ndawonde, our very own Transformation Officer, who not only dressed the part, but skillfully championed a packed programme.

In her welcome to both events, Dr Mthethwa emphasised that the protocol of the two days was to honour women by women and she encouraged each of the attendees to applaud themselves for being women. Using her own self-reflection, Dr Mthethwa commented. “I am a woman of strength, I am a woman of resilience, I am a woman of fortitude, I am a woman with emotion, and I am woman with care, I am a woman with respect. Most importantly, though perhaps most of you would be surprised because of the portfolio I hold at the university, I am a woman of love’’. Dr Mthethwa additionally highlighted that she was where she was because of the sacrifices of another woman who would put all stops to ensure her life opportunities were better. As she continued, she emphasized that as a woman, “when I rise, I bring up other women”, encouraging mutual support and embrace of other women.

Some of the attendees at the event.

The two days saw different female speakers highlighting personal branding, feminity, self-care and perseverance. They shared their personal experiences.

Dr Lungile Mhlongo of NUMA Aesthetics focused on Personal branding to your purpose, this contributing to building one’s self-esteem and success. She emphasized that women should not deisconnect from who they are, the backgrounds they came from in the name of personal branding. “To cultivate the personal brand, you need to have a meeting with yourself and ask yourself difficult questions on who you are? Understand your own identity and what you want to showcase to the world and align with your purpose and vision,” advised Dr Mhlongo.

Former DUT Fashion and Textile Lecturer, Phumza Sokhetye shared her journey on rebuilding confidence by deciding to do cosmetic surgery to fix what she didn’t like with her body. In her address, titled: Beyond Boundaries: Unleashing the radiance within. Sokhetye highlighted how for a very long time she was unhappy about her body until she took a decision to do something about it. “Not many people share their stories and pretend on change without being honest on how they got there.” In 2022, Sokhetye went to Turkey for a cosmetic surgery. “The reason why I am sharing this with you is because I had been crying internally with my self-esteem being low for a very long time. I am talking about my struggles and how I felt, after addressing them. When a woman feels beautiful, she feels empowered and resilient, she is an inspiration for others,” shared Sokhetye. Sokhetye encouraged the women at DUT to go for everything they want and not be afraid especially if it will improve their confidence. She did warn that in taking such a decision, it was important to make sure proper research was done and not compromise your life, since these procedures are not always guaranteed.

Njabulo Sithole of the Resilient Institute of South Africa focused on being resilient women in the workplace. Sithole’s address also included some exercises to make the ladies relax while engaging with her. According to Sithole, it is very important for people to acknowledge their feelings while experiencing their profession. Sithole encouraged the attendees to always allow themselves to align their feelings with the present moment. “When we look at resilience, we need to put it in a particular context. Think about whether the state of your resilience in the workplace, is it good or not good? What is your status of your emotions when you think about resilient, is it good or not good? Whatever answer that we get, we need to ask ourselves why we need to be resilient?” she shared.

Some of the attendees having fun at the event.

Sithole urged that when the women speak of resilience, they must first understand what the term is about and how it links to what they are doing or where they are at that moment when they push to be resilient. She added that in that way, they will be able to rise up to any challenge and achieve the results that they want and need in everything that they do regardless of whether it’s the workplace or in their personal spaces.

Other highlights to the programme included lucky draws with high stake gifting to winners, massages, poetry and music performances by DUT students and lunch. Professor Motaung in her closing remarks, encouraged women to embrace their power and take advantage of opportunities presented to them. She thanked all the contributions, speakers and sponsors.

Pictured: Dr Vuyo Mthethwa, Dr Lungile Mhlongo and Professor Keolebogile Motaung.

Noxolo Memela and Nikiwe Sukazi