SPEECH (NOTES) BY KWAZULU-NATAL MEC FOR TRANSPORT, COMMUNITY SAFETY & LIAISON, MR. BHEKI CELE DURING THE COMMEMORATION OF WOMEN'S MONTH HELD AT GIJIMA SPORTS FIELD IN LAMONTVILLE, ON 19TH AUGUST 2005.

All Protocol Observed.

 

Gender transformation represents one of government's key priorities, and is aimed at creating a better life for all.

In the previous political dispensation, women were marginalised and prevented from taking their rightful place across the political, social and economic spectrum.

However, just eleven years since the advent of democracy our transformation agenda is achieving results, and we are seeing more women playing a more meaningful role in the development of our country.

In commemorating Women's Month, we are reminded of the achievements of the women of our country since their momentous march in 1956.

Since then, women have continued to make an invaluable contribution towards the achievement of a democratic, free and just society, based on equality.

Despite the fact that various reports have acknowledged the ground-breaking gains made in South Africa since 1994, many challenges still remain, especially with regards to a non-sexist society.

However, we have definitely made strides towards the realization of legislative equality between women and men.

In this regard, at least one third of our members of parliament are women; almost 40% of national government ministers and deputy ministers are women; four of the nine provincial premiers are women; and South Africa's first female Deputy President was appointed recently.

These achievements have contributed to ensuring access and participation of women in decision-making processes at the highest level.

In terms of women advancement and participation in government, South Africa is ranked tenth amongst the 130 parliaments in the world.

Further, the various structures and institutions set up since 1994 attest to the commitment of our government to advancing the cause of women, and securing the realisation of gender equality.

These structures include:

  • The Commission on Gender Equality;
  • The Office of the Status of Women in the Presidency;
  • The Joint Monitoring Committee on the improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Women in Parliament; and
  • The various gender offices in the various provinces.

Since my appointment as MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, I have been firm and will continue to remain firm, in order to ensure accelerated gender transformation through the appointment of more women to senior positions.

This is visible in the new face of the KZN Ministry of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, KZN Department of Transport, KZN Department of Community Safety and Liaison, as well as the SAPS in the province.

These appointments, together with the ongoing process of transformation reflect government's commitment to gender equity.

Today you see more women in senior management positions in my office, as well as all three of the above-mentioned departments.

These women are casting aside stereotypes and are overcoming prejudices, in their quest to serve their province and their country.

In terms of broader transformation, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is actively contributing to the socio-economic empowerment of marginalised sectors of our society, through a stringent procurement process that is underpinned by Black Economic Empowerment, with specific emphasis on women empowerment, and ensuring that women rightfully get a larger slice of the economic pie.

Through programmes such as Zibambele and Vukuzakhe, we are contributing towards reducing poverty and improving the lives of the poor.

The Zibamblele programme favours women-headed households, and empowers communities by providing them with a life-line source of income in return for routine road maintenance.

These Zibambele contractors have formed savings clubs and have thus far collectively saved more than R2 million.

We are now encouraging and supporting them to form cooperatives, and to transform the land adjacent to transport corridors into productive agricultural projects.

In the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, as well as the SAPS, several fundamental changes have been made to their organisational structures and programmes, in order to specifically address gender issues.

Efforts to reduce crimes against women and children have also been intensified.

A Women Safety Audit Toolkit has been developed and distributed. Training on this toolkit is currently being rolled out to municipalities, in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Local Government Association (KWANALOGA).

In conclusion, whilst progress towards meeting some of the challenges facing women has been noted, more urgent attention must be focused on human resource and skills development issues.

This must be achieved through the acceleration of the recruitment and promotion of more women, particularly black women, to senior management positions in all spheres of government.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to salute all women present here today, for the role you have played, and the contribution you have made, towards the growth and development of our nation.

Continue the struggle towards a non-sexist South Africa. 

Thank you.

 

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