Limpopo’s MEC for Agriculture, Ms Dikeledi Magadzi, urged South African women to make informed business decisions and never be afraid to venture into the construction, civil engineering, agriculture and property development industries.

She addressed women in a packed University of Venda auditorium during the Women’s Day Celebrations organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, the South African Women Economic Network (SAWEN) and the Thulamela Municipality.

Magadzi said South African women will never be free if they still look down upon themselves, especially when it comes to the entrepreneurship fraternity. She also advised women to seek as much information as possible to equip themselves with business skills.

She added: "Gaining information is vital in the economic development of our country. You will never get the information if you don’t network and attend business seminars, workshops and meetings. There is no longer a specific job for a specific gender because the world is changing on a daily basis. This is no longer the time to speak much, but it is time to implement business skills."

Magadzi further said there are many opportunities for women in agriculture. "If you are focused, you will never be afraid to take risk or taking a giant leap into the unknown. The government has put aside a substantial amount of money to help women who are eager to prosper in the agricultural sphere. We must look at agriculture holistically, not just as an operation of producing and selling vegetables. Women can start their own cooperatives and become pillars of our economy by becoming their own bosses."

The mayor of Makhado Municipality, Cllr Glory Mashaba, spoke on women and the liberation struggle in South Africa and the former chairperson of SAWEN, Ms Sarah Masunga, addressed the guests on how to become a successful businesswoman.