Date: 26 August 2024

Title: Ignite & Sharpen Women in Tourism Seminar 2024

trustworthy and dependable. The backbone and depiction of society’s wealth and moral

compass. The flowers and beautification, the strategists, multi-taskers and foot soldiers.

Leading in business, managing life and households, healing and impacting communities –

day in and day out. Njengo Gogo no Khulu – an ancestral destiny, embedded in our DNA;

from us much is expected. Mothers of the land, sisters of the nation, daughters of the soil,

we endure and further endure. Outlooks and humour as refreshing as the moist air’s wet

kiss. Fruitful seeds whose rise inspires many. Whose poise evokes wonder of how we

manage to sleigh dragons with such elegance and grace. Our stories are like comforting

arms of embrace. Unexpected plot twists. Themed persistence and perseverance.

Storylines of beating the odds, rising and overcoming.

Last Thursday 22 August Msunduzi Pietermaritzburg (MPTA) hosted the annual Ignite &

Sharpen: Women in Tourism Seminar 2024 at Shuku’s Greenleaf Estate in Foxhill in

Pietermaritzburg. This awe-inspiring PMB gem is managed and co-owned by an

inspirational local business women, Mrs Khadija Shangase. Our guest speakers were

prolific business women who presented shared business experiences including

challenges, opportunities and success-stories throughout their career. Speakers included

Mrs Zinhle Sokhela, Ms Zamanyathi Lesetti, Ms Anele Ndlovu, Chairperson of MPTA, Mr

Lwazi Nsele and Director Mr Dumisani Mhlongo. This heartfelt event was curated and

directed by social entrepreneur Ms Pretty Olifant who is also the Deputy Chairperson of

the progressive Community Tourism Association, MPTA. The aim of the event was to

provide insight, inspire and motivate female business owners in and around

uMgungundlovu. We invited local female business owners to be part of this seminar.

Sharing obstacles, milestones, lessons, realisations and opportunities. For the betterment

of our province, our city and Pietermaritzburg-based female business owners.

The 9^th of August is National Women’s Day in South Africa, commemorating the large

group of women who in 1956 began a campaign to bring an end to the pass laws

enforced by the apartheid government of the time. This was a major law of the apartheid

regime and greatly restricted the freedom of movement of black people. These

trailblazers, displaying extreme strength and courage have provided major inspiration to

the women of our nation and the world.

Throughout the month of August the country hosts a number of events in honour of

women of impact. Business is sometimes tough and life can be very challenging as we

tackle adversities and celebrate strides in our little corners. Our event created a

space for networking, sisterhood and camaraderie. As we chant the names of the women

of 1956, like Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, Lilian Ngoyi, Rahima Moosa and Helen Joseph. We

also chant the names of our female powerhouses that have and continue to inspire us.

From our grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, mentors to women of impact across the

various sectors. Our aim is to support and elevate female stakeholders within the sector.