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HONOURING WOMEN, BUILDING RESILIENT ECONOMIES: DSD MARKS WOMEN’S DAY IN NORTH WEST

August 28, 2025

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Nonhlakanipho Masola and Tholakele Makena.

DSD commemorated Women’s Day in North West under the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All,” reaffirming women’s central role in strengthening communities and the nation.
Speakers, including Ms. Bawinile Zungu, acting director for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at DSD highlighted both the progress made and the persistent challenges women face, with a call for equality, respect, and resilience.
Through the story of Sandra Bulunga, the event showcased women breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces, inspiring confidence, resilience, and empowerment.

The Department of Social Development today commemorates Women’s Day in Hartbeespoort, North West, with a gathering at Mount Amanzi under the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All.” The occasion serves as both a celebration and a platform to honour women who continue to shape and strengthen the department.

The celebration at Mount Amanzi brought together women from across the department to honour their contributions, share their experiences, and reaffirm their collective determination to continue advancing gender equality. It is a day not only of recognition but also of inspiration, as the department emphasised that empowering women strengthens families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

Ms. Bawinile Zungu, Acting Director for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the Department of Social Development, reflected on the importance of the day, reminding us of the historic women’s protest.

She called for greater appreciation of women’s journey and recognition of the persistent challenges they face, including abuse and gender-based violence. She emphasised the need for equality and respect across all races and backgrounds. Her message to all: “Be the Hope in Your Family.”

Sandra Bulunga: Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women Through Sport

Sandra Bulunga, an Organisational Development Practitioner in the Department of Social Development, is not only dedicated to her professional work but also making waves in a sport often overlooked, Pool.

Her journey reflects resilience, empowerment, and a passion for breaking barriers as a black woman in a male-dominated and predominantly white sport.

Sandra started playing pool while studying in 2009 and has since grown into a formidable player, proudly representing her province and making her frontier callous twice. Despite the demanding balance between work and late-night training sessions, she credits her unit for the support they give her in pursuing her sporting dreams.

“My unit is really supportive in terms of being there for me, emotional support, psychological support, any type of support you can talk about,” she said.

For Sandra, pool has been more than a game; it has been a teacher of confidence, resilience, and self-love. She has had to overcome rejection, criticism, and gender bias, but remains proud of her progress.

She left the women with this message: “We are not celebrated enough. We should be celebrated for every aspect of our lives, our growth, our growing pains, our fearlessness, our determination to build a better future.”