Thuli Madonsela to speak on empowerment, government and business

The conference, themed “Future of Women”, taking place on 17-18 August 2016 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, will be one of Madonsela’s final public engagements before she steps down as Public Protector in October.

In her five-year term, Madonsela has been lauded by some and criticised by others as she sought to keep government to account in line with her mandate.

The courageous Madonsela is inspirational to both young and old and a driver of women empowerment. “In the workplace we need to make sure that men and women operate optimally. It is not only women that are oppressed by gender inequality, but men too. As a society we need to embrace diversity and allow people to be themselves. If a woman chooses to do a job that is traditionally perceived to be a man’s job she should be allowed to do so. In the same way that the role of a woman expands in the workplace, the role of a man should expand in the kitchen,” said Madonsela.

Some of the other heavyweights speaking at the conference include:

• Susan Shabangu, Minister of Women in the Presidency
  
• Shirley Zinn, CEO, Shirley Zinn Consulting
  
• Jenna Clifford, Jewellery Designer
  
• Phuti Mahanyele, Executive Chairperson, Sigma Capital
  
• Johanna Mukoki, CEO, Travel with Flair
  
• Judy Dlamini, Executive Chairman, Mbekani Group
  
• Babalwa Ngonyama, CEO, Sinayowetu Group

Some of the previous winners of the Standard Bank Top Women Awards will be featured on the conference programme to share their secrets to success and winning case studies, and include PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Multichoice, Vodacom, Rheinmetall Denel Munition, De Beers Consolidated Mines, Havas Worldwide, Aspen Pharma, City Power Johannesburg and the V&A Waterfront.

At the end of the conference, the evening of 18 August, women and companies that are devoted to gender empowerment will be recognised and awarded at the 13th annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards.

To book to attend the conference or for more information contact Rose Setshoge on 086 000 9590 or e-mail az.oc.ocpot@egohstes.esor.