To mark Women’s Month, the College of Humanities celebrated professional female staff in the College office units at a breakfast event at Durban’s Maharani Hotel.

After more than two years of non-contact events, this was an opportunity to reconnect and rekindle relationships. Some staff members met in-person for the first time.

College Dean of Teaching and Learning, Professor Ruth Hoskins welcomed the guests and expressed her appreciation for their hard work and dedication during the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘The College of Humanities is proud of the efforts of our female colleagues. This breakfast is a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and commitment displayed by our female professional staff over the past two-and-a-half years. It is an honor to welcome these female colleagues, appreciate their efforts and enjoy face-to-face interaction with them.’

Acting Director: College Professional Services, Dr Phumelele Zakwe said that Women’s Month recognises women’s achievements regardless of national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political divides. ‘Women have a fierce and robust spirit, which makes them excel and they are deserving of love and support,’ she said.

‘This is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role especially under the stressful conditions of the pandemic,’ Zakwe added.

The good food, music and gifts were much appreciated by those who kept things stable during a time where everything was falling apart.

Hoskins closed the event by reciting Maya Angelou’s poem, Phenomenal Woman.