The MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, joined the community of Tigane in the Matlosana Local Municipal area to celebrate Women’s Day. Accompanied by Matlosana Mayor Councillor Fikile Mahlophe and Acting CEO of the North West Gambling Board, Mr. Boitumelo Qalinge, the MEC, attended a special women’s service at St. Luke Anglican Church and the church’s Mary Sumner Mothers’ Union in Tigane. The event celebrated the crucial role women play in society and highlighted the department’s ongoing commitment to supporting community organizations.
Before delivering her Women’s Day message, MEC Lenkopane outlined her department’s responsibilities in the province. She emphasized that the is tasked with promoting economic development through support for SMMEs, regularizing and enhancing business activities, and attracting investors to maximize provincial revenue. She further encouraged community members to ensure their businesses are registered and operate within legal frameworks, highlighting that proper registration and licensing enable the government to collect levies, which are then reinvested into communities through service delivery and donations, as demonstrated on the day.
In her address, MEC Lenkopane reflected on the historical strength of women, noting that their united efforts predate the 1956 march against pass laws. She recounted the story of Mama Charlotte Maxeke, a social worker who became involved with the church after getting lost abroad. The church embraced her, and she, in turn, mobilized other women to discuss women’s agendas and challenges.
MEC Lenkopane urged women to return to the church and begin dialogues about today’s societal challenges. Unlike the 1956 era, today’s issues include high unemployment rates among women, their exclusion from economic roles and leadership positions, and the prevalence of gender-based violence and social ills. She encouraged women to engage with these topics and develop solutions. MEC emphasized the need for collective action in tackling gender-based violence, alcohol abuse, and economic disparities affecting women. “We must support one another in building an agenda where women are empowered to thrive,” she stated.
As part of her commitment to community support, the MEC donated new chairs to the church and provided the Emmanuel Child Day Care Centre with essential items, including bedding materials and groceries. This act of generosity follows the commitment made in July during the Nelson Mandela International Day celebration. The Centre cares for disabled children from the villages.
MEC Lenkopane encouraged the church’s Mothers’ Union to remain a strong and united body, ensuring that women’s issues are addressed effectively. She emphasized that the church is a powerful platform that welcomes all women, regardless of their political beliefs.
