By Bavuyile Moss
Pictures: Bavuyile Moss
A group of women belonging to a “Hustle School” in Kimberley matched from the Pick ‘n Pay Circle in Galeshewe to the Northern Cape Premiers Office during Women’s month. They handed over a Memorandum seeking economic emancipation. Justice Bekebeke, Nothern Cape, Director General and Gugulethu Matloapane accepted the memorandum on behalf of Premier Zamani Saul.
The list of demands included economic freedom through visible opportunities for women—a quarterly report from the Office for the Status of Women (OSW) on gender-based gains. Government must increase resources to fight gender-based crimes.
Despite the low turn-up of members, the founder of Hustle School, Siphiwe Millicent George, commended the attendants’ bravery. “As much as we are insignificant in numbers today, we are confident because we are standing on the shoulders of our foremothers who took to the streets in 1956 to contest against the pass laws”.
“We are tired of being invited to seminars and workshops only to be told the same things. Today we are building our table and bringing our own folding chairs, ” said George.
The month-old “hastle school” is a gathering of women in business, whether formal or informal. They meet at the Galeshewe SMME Village to motivate each other, mentor, coach and share ideas on growing their businesses. Other development enterprises are invited to sell available opportunities.
Although the group gave the Premier seven days to respond, negotiations are still underway.
The month-old Hustle School has over 40 registered women from Francis Baard, Magareng and John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipalities and was launched at the Galeshewe SMME Village. The school’s objective is to strengthen and create a platform for female entrepreneurs, provide guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs and unlock the power of unity to grow township economy.
Members meet on Thursdays for mentoring and coaching sessions at the Galeshewe SMME Village.
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