An Ode To All Women This Women’s Month

The 9th of August, as we’re all well aware, was Women’s Day; a day that was created to celebrate and praise the achievements of the strong-willed, vivacious, kind-hearted daughters, mothers and grandmothers of this country. In doing so, we remind not only the men of this country but also ourselves of the immense worth we possess and the strong qualities that make us who we are, South African women. No one can take away our self worth unless we are unaware of the vast value we possess. No one can weaken us, unless we’re unaware of our own strength. And nothing can stand in our way unless we permit it.

Aliyana magazine dedicates this month’s Professional of the Month to the following four truly amazing women. These are South African women whose successes constantly remind us that we are more than able and capable of achieving our dreams and aspirations, that one is able to overcome obstacles unless they are perceived as indestructible limitations. As you read through each profile, realise that you, at this very point in time have achieved success in many areas of your life, be it an accomplishment that has earned you much recognition or a small and seemingly insignificant success you often tend to over look, take this time out to be inspired and take pride in this one fact: you are where you are right now and are still able to achieve!

Our daughter this month is Nicky Greenwall. This dynamic and highly driven young lady has ensured that we are kept entertained by premium prime time programmes such as Behind The Name, the Style Report and the ever-popular, Show Biz report. These shows (and many others that she has produced and presented) have entranced many audiences, gaining much popularity. But before all this there was Nicky the student, pushing her career in the advertising industry.

She graduated from one of South Africa’s well-known schools of advertising and went on to work within the industry. But this did not limit her span of influence. She went from model in Pantene and Burger King ads, arts anchor on Etv news, presenter to now being one of South Africa’s most sought after leading entertainment journalist, writer and producer. The list is never-ending and there’s no denying that she has not only made her mark in the media industry but will continue to impress audiences for many more years to come.

Our mother is the noted Dr Precious Moloi–Motsepe. Many know this chic and stylish woman as the wife of the affluent Patrice Motsepe and chairperson of the African Fashion International, yet fail to remember that she was and still is a doctor.

Dr Moloi-Motsepe majored in gynaecology which has made her very aware and active in women’s health. She made the choice of limiting her contribution to the medical field to advising women on health issues in order to work closely with non-government organisations (NGOs). However, she continues to incorporate her medicinal knowledge in the humanitarian field as medicine has helped define the person she is today.

Another fact that is worth mentioning is that she is a woman intent on improving the disadvantaged communities that set the progress of development in South Africa back. She and her husband, Patrice Motsepe, made history by becoming the first black couple to donate a record amount of $107 000 in support of the UNICEF child program in South Africa.With regard to her involvement in the fashion industry, Dr Moloi-Motsepe aims to change the opinions of many who believe that Africa has no impact in the industry that may seem to be governed by Western trends. Hence, she has made it her mission to become the platform for the growth of South African fashion.
Our grandmother is the late Miriam “Mama Africa” Makeba. This amazing woman was an artist and in the frontline of the pursuit to freedom in her own right. The ultimate highlights of her career came in 1952 when she was invited to tour and perform nationally with the Manhattan Brothers. 4 years later, she went further to release the song “Pata Pata”, which has been re-recorded by several international artists. Since then, she has recorded 30 albums. However, her rise to fame was not an easy one as success almost always comes at a price. The many storms that she has weathered include cancer, a plane crash and even several car accidents.

A little over 10 years after Pata Pata was released in South Africa, Makeba became an instant international hit when it was released in the United States of America. After her marriage to a key controversial black activist at the time, Stokely Carmicheal, she rapidly lost fans. Once again, Makeba was the victim of a country in a state of emergency. Feeling dissatisfied, Makeba migrated back to Ghana, where she returned to a heroine’s welcome. She progressed to speak about the Apartheid regime and went further to inspire the famous “black is beautiful” movement.

On the 9th November 2008, Mama Africa suffered from a heart attack in Castel Voltunro, after performing Pata Pata. She was and still is; exceptional artist and her contribution to the liberation of the South African country cannot be denied. Not even by death. She will forever remain a living legend by those who are fortunate enough to understand her achievements made in the music industry.

Lastly, I make no mistake in stating that we have witnessed the struggles, mood swings, joyous times and achievements that our mothers have attained in our life times, and that these have taught us a vast number of lessons. Because of this, we will continue to support their efforts, will continue to aspire in mothering our children the way they have us and continue to strive towards being women of immense strength. We thank them for personifying God’s love and His unselfish nature and that we, as daughters, mothers and one day grandmothers, will continue in their legacy,