By Johnathan Paoli
Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Mimmy Gondwe has called on women to persist in education, become leaders and break cycles of poverty.
She has further urged government, business and industry partners to provide practical support.
Gondwe led the department’s official Women’s Month event in partnership with the Fibre Processing & Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) at the Limpopo Community Education and Training (CET) College’s Mageme Community Learning Centre.
“Let us rise above inequality, gender-based violence, poverty and despair. Let us uplift one another as women, as Basadi and Bo Mme who believe in each other and a better tomorrow,” Gondwe said.
The outreach programme, held in Sekgakgapeng Village was aimed at showcasing the contributions of CET and SETA sectors in advancing the development of women, particularly those not in employment, education, or training.
The gathering drew students, educators, traditional leaders, municipal representatives and partners from business and industry, united in a common vision of women’s empowerment through skills development and lifelong learning.
Gondwe reflected on the dual purpose of Women’s Month, honouring the historic struggles of women while recommitting to building better futures for communities.
Marking 10 years since CET colleges were established, the deputy minister acknowledged the sector’s significant strides in providing accessible education and training, especially to rural communities.
However, she also highlighted persistent challenges, including infrastructure shortages, low enrolment rates and poor academic performance.
Despite these hurdles, Gondwe noted one undeniable strength in the CET sector, namely the “women or female factor”.
Women now account for over 70% of CET college enrolments, while female lecturers constitute nearly 80% of the teaching staff.
Drawing a powerful connection between the present and the past, Gondwe invoked the legacy of the 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to protest apartheid pass laws.
Addressing the women students in attendance, many of whom balance academic pursuits with roles as mothers, caregivers and breadwinners, Gondwe lauded them as “modern-day warriors” determined to rewrite their life stories.
The deputy minister reiterated the department’s commitment to transforming the Post-School Education and Training sector into an inclusive system that regarded CET colleges not merely as “second chance” institutions, but as vital centres for renewed opportunities.
She called for CET colleges to be adequately resourced, inclusive and responsive to the realities of women in rural and township communities.
Acknowledging the personal sacrifices many women make to further their education, Gondwe encouraged perseverance and underscored the importance of collaboration.
She called on partners from SETAs, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, industry, traditional leadership and other government entities to expand practical training opportunities, financial and nutrition support, and enterprise development.
Paying tribute to CET lecturers, Gondwe praised their dedication in sustaining learning centres despite limited resources.
The day’s programme also featured an address from the Mogalakwena executive mayor Ngoako Taueatsoala, who urged the community to work collectively towards building a more inclusive and robust economy.
Gondwe left attendees with a final call to action to rise above inequality, gender-based violence, poverty and despair.
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