Women in all spheres of the CPUT Community were recognised and celebrated during the month of August in a variety of presentations and events.
On 15 August, The Department of Advancement invited female alumni, final year students, international students and Executive Management members to an evening titled 'Unleash the Brand in You' at the Granger Bay Campus. In an event that provided fun and entertainment alongside a more serious focus on the real issues affecting women, various speakers presented on the theme of ‘branding’ in relation to female identity.
Executive Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor’s Office Dr Nomathamsanqa Tisani discussed the CPUT logo and the way in which its deconstruction of the shield symbol represents a break from the traditional symbols used by Universities. Journalism student Ruth Chisesa spoke about the xenophobic label kwerekwere and how such terms make women feel. Cariema Samoodien of the Yardsticks marketing company asked the audience to consider the relationship between ‘you as a woman’ and ‘you as a brand.’
“Women have been out of the kitchen since a long time ago,” said Alumni Officer Nandi Madadasana, organiser of the event, “but how do we interact with each other? This is the century for women. It’s now time to showcase what we can do.”
The Department of Student Affairs held various Women’s Month related activities during August, culminating in the Phenomenal Woman day on 23 August. Wearing caps reading “I am phenomenal,” female students from various campuses were treated to a bus tour and a catamaran trip to seal island. The day ended with an awards ceremony for students and staff at GrandWest.
The ceremony featured Generations star Sophie Ndaba as guest speaker. Students were intrigued to learn that the glamorous actress grew up in an orphanage and got pregnant at an early age. She urged students to never give away their own power to a man, to study, to work hard, earn their own money and become self sufficient in every possible way.
“We went home inspired, motivated, empowered and full of phenomenal new ideas as to how to overcome the challenges in their lives. It is events like these that we will treasure in years to come” said Lindelwa Gayiza, student and co-organiser.
Students who attended the Phenomenal Woman day each received a business etiquette booklet compiled Student Affairs. The booklet was published in an effort to develop CPUT students holistically as Women and as potential business women in South Africa and abroad.
South Africa celebrates National Women’s Day every year on 9 August to commemorate the famous 1956 women’s protest against the pass laws. In addition to celebrating the public holiday, many organisations hold events throughout the month to give thanks to female role models and draw attention to women’s issues.
By Ilana Abratt and Anette Grobler
Written by CPUT News
Email: