Gauteng Woman Scoops Excellence Award
16 Sep 2008
16 Sep 2008
Johannesburg - City of Johannesburg Ward Councillor Bev Abrahams has walked away with the Most Outstanding Women Councillor Award for her efforts in mentoring disabled people with computer skills.
Speaking to BuaNews after receiving her award at the 2008 Women in Local Government Awards at Emperor's Palace on Thursday, Councillor Abrahams said she was delighted that her hard work finally paid off.
"I am over the moon. This really showed me that if you work hard, you can achieve whatever you want to achieve regardless of hardships that you come across," she said.
Ms Abrahams, a skills development facilitator and computer trainer by profession, runs a Computer Skills Development project training 40 disabled people from Eldorado Park, Kliptown and Freedom Park.
She started her own project without any assistance or sponsor because "she is dedicated in helping the needy.
"This project has taught me that you do not necessarily need to wait for government in order to fulfil your dreams. If you have passion and love for what you do - go for it, especially if it benefits our most marginalised communities," said Ms Abrahams.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Gauteng Local Government MEC Qedani Mahlangu said the awards were aimed at encouraging women to work harder while recognising their efforts.
"Through these awards, we must assure our 'foremother' that what they fought for will never be lost and that we shall continue to strive for better in everything we do," said MEC Mahlangu.
Peta Mashinini and Sizakele Olga Bopape were named the joint winners of the Most Outstanding Women Official category.
Ms Mashinini, who was instrumental in implementing gender programmes within the local government, is a gender pioneer.
Ms Bopape, who was described as a hard worker and passionate about the community, was awarded for her positive attitude.
The Most Outstanding Community Development Worker's Award went to Martha Mopo who has led the retail outlet in her local community with the aim of initiating employment opportunities that were self sustainable.
The four winners have been awarded with laptops and bursaries further their studies.
During the awards, MEC Mahlangu also thanked the women councillors who took part in the training of women councillors and mentorship programme.
"I would like to congratulate all of you ... I want to say the sky is the limit and that we must open our arms and receive it.
"Those of you who are working hard in our respective professions, let us be proud of the work that we do and the people we reach - mediocrity will not be tolerated and there will be no excuse for it," said MEC Mahlangu.
Speaking to BuaNews after receiving her award at the 2008 Women in Local Government Awards at Emperor's Palace on Thursday, Councillor Abrahams said she was delighted that her hard work finally paid off.
"I am over the moon. This really showed me that if you work hard, you can achieve whatever you want to achieve regardless of hardships that you come across," she said.
Ms Abrahams, a skills development facilitator and computer trainer by profession, runs a Computer Skills Development project training 40 disabled people from Eldorado Park, Kliptown and Freedom Park.
She started her own project without any assistance or sponsor because "she is dedicated in helping the needy.
"This project has taught me that you do not necessarily need to wait for government in order to fulfil your dreams. If you have passion and love for what you do - go for it, especially if it benefits our most marginalised communities," said Ms Abrahams.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Gauteng Local Government MEC Qedani Mahlangu said the awards were aimed at encouraging women to work harder while recognising their efforts.
"Through these awards, we must assure our 'foremother' that what they fought for will never be lost and that we shall continue to strive for better in everything we do," said MEC Mahlangu.
Peta Mashinini and Sizakele Olga Bopape were named the joint winners of the Most Outstanding Women Official category.
Ms Mashinini, who was instrumental in implementing gender programmes within the local government, is a gender pioneer.
Ms Bopape, who was described as a hard worker and passionate about the community, was awarded for her positive attitude.
The Most Outstanding Community Development Worker's Award went to Martha Mopo who has led the retail outlet in her local community with the aim of initiating employment opportunities that were self sustainable.
The four winners have been awarded with laptops and bursaries further their studies.
During the awards, MEC Mahlangu also thanked the women councillors who took part in the training of women councillors and mentorship programme.
"I would like to congratulate all of you ... I want to say the sky is the limit and that we must open our arms and receive it.
"Those of you who are working hard in our respective professions, let us be proud of the work that we do and the people we reach - mediocrity will not be tolerated and there will be no excuse for it," said MEC Mahlangu.
Source: http://www.buanews.gov.za
