College empowers staff and students at high tea – South Coast Herald

The Esayidi TVET College Student Support team treated students and lecturers to a Women’s Month high tea on Friday, September 2.

Thembi Macwili, student liaison officer at the college said the purpose of the event was to encourage and empower the female students and lecturers while equipping them with tips on how to become successful business owners, and how to take care of one another with mental and emotional support.

Macwili said: “Instead of doing the normal walkabout with placards with inspirational quotes, we thought of doing something different. Annually for Women’s Month the college creates awareness on gender-based-violence among the students and lecturers.

“This year we decided to invite local female entrepreneurs and a speaker from Higher Health to give talks,” said Macwili.

She said as a treat and for some entertainment everyone enjoyed music from local DJs and sponsored meals. They were also given sanitary packs.

Speaking to the students and welcoming the guests, Nomalungelo Lusiba said: “Today we are here to celebrate women as the pillars of homes. It is important that women think for themselves and put themselves first. Women should be happy and should appreciate themselves so that they are appreciated by others.”

Local entrepreneur Halalisa Mncwango captured hearts with her speech. She said unemployment is a big problem in society.

“According to government, there are no jobs and for one to make a living, they should do something themselves instead of relying on government. You should wake up and do what you love and do the best, in order to be successful,” said Mncwango.

Higher Health’s Samke Chiya said mental health is a complex subject. “Today I am here to tell the students that the Higher Health Unit is always available to them, whenever they feel overwhelmed by situations at home and on campus, “said Chiya.

To end the day’s programme, the lecturers and staff enjoyed tea and snacks while the students partied away in the college hall.

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