Awards Celebrating Women Trailblazers Wraps Up Women’s Month

In closing off Women’s Month, the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) partnered with the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) in hosting the 7th Annual ‘Bring Her Up: Women of Firsts Awards’.

The event was held on 28 August 2023 at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel in Sandton.
The awards celebrate accomplished women across diverse industries, acknowledging their exceptional achievements and inspirational contributions.
The partnership between the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) and the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) aims to uplift youth and women through education and empowerment.
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The awards celebrate women who are trailblazers in various industries, and recognises their exceptional achievements and inspiring contributions.

Women’s Month — Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thembi Nkadimeng, and Lindo Mandela, read extracts from The Women Before Us book by the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute. Image: Gautrain Management Agency (GMA)

Recipients of the awards included the first black female South African lawyer, Desiree Finca; a Grade 11 student who represented South Africa at the NASA United Space School, Willemein Kotze; author and change maker, Dr Sindiwe Magona; the first female CEO of the South African Football Association, Lydia Monyepao; and broadcasters, Leanne Manas and Sakina Kamwendo.

According to the Chairperson of CMMI, Thulasizwe Makhanya, the awards are strongly influenced by the teachings and the values of Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke, a social and political activist who was South Africa’s first black woman to graduate with a university degree.

Since launching the awards seven years ago, we have honoured and celebrated over 300 women who have broken ceilings and followed in the footsteps of Mme Maxeke.

// Chairperson of the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI), Thulasizwe Makhanya

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gautrain Management Agency Deputy Chairperson, Lungile Mtiya, highlighted that each of the women has shown what can be achieved when passion meets determination, and when dreams are pursued with unwavering tenacity.

They have not only excelled in their chosen fields, but they have also become role models for countless women and girls everywhere around the world.

// Deputy Chairperson of the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), Lungile Mtiya

Mary Phadi, President of Truckers Association in South Africa and Founder of Basadi Logistics, was honoured with the Gautrain Women of the Move Award for excelling in the male dominated world of trucking.

Seventeen years ago when I started, I was discouraged and told that as a woman in the trucking industry, I am going to fail. This award reminds me that I made a good choice, I will forever cherish it.

// President of Truckers Association in South Africa and Founder of Basadi Logistics, Mary Phadi

The GMA’s journey with CMMI started at the beginning of 2023 after the parties signed an agreement to collaborate on initiatives specifically focusing on youth and women education, empowerment and upliftment; as well as to collaborate and transform the economy of townships, informal settlements and hostels.

The GMA Deputy Chairperson used her speech to highlight that in a world that often imposes limitations, stereotypes, and obstacles on women, initiatives such the awards create a fertile ground for encouragement, empowerment, and solidarity.

By recognising and honouring these exceptional women, we send a resounding message of support, telling them that their efforts are not in vain and that their accomplishments truly matter.

// Deputy Chairperson of the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), Lungile Mtiya

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