Latest news with #NationalWomen'sDay
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Video: Woza Afrikaans Fest set to light up Middelburg on Women's Day
Excerpt: Middelburg is gearing up for a day of world-class entertainment, family fun and community spirit as the Woza Afrikaans Fest takes centre stage at Kees Taljaard Stadium on National Women's Day, Saturday, August 9. Top artists The festival boasts a stellar line-up of South Africa's top artists, headlined by the internationally acclaimed Prime Circle, who will take the stage at 18:30. They will be joined by a host of favourites, including O'Thandiwe (10:10), Snotkop (11:00), RW & Band (12:10), DJ Tshegu (13:10), Dirk van der Westhuizen (14:15), Hotstix Mabuse (15:25), Die Piesangskille (16:35), Lucasraps (17:45) and the Drommedaris Drum Duo (19:40). Gates open at 09:00, and performances will continue throughout the day until 19:40, with gates closing at 22:00. World-class stage All the performances will take place on a 27m x 8m international-standard stage, complete with state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and two large LED screens. Festival-goers can enjoy a variety of attractions, including: • A free kiddies' zone with action inflatables, rides, the Starship Explorer, mechanical bull, zorb track, and shooting tunnel. • A cashless festival garden for over 18s, offering drinks on ice and a vibrant atmosphere. • Dozens of food, beverage, toy, craft and festival stalls to browse and enjoy. What you need to know Visitors are encouraged to bring sunscreen, hats, camping chairs, and blankets for the evening entertainment. However, the following items will not be allowed: cooler boxes, alcohol, beverages, hookah pipes, gazebos, beach umbrellas, drugs, weapons, animals, or biker patches. Special ticket deals Don't miss out on these incredible ticket specials: • Buy three adult tickets and get one free • Buy two adult tickets and one child ticket for R400 • Buy two adult tickets and two child tickets for R480. Tickets are R100 for children aged 7–13 and R200 for festival-goers 14 years and older. Entry is free for children aged 1–6. Remember that tickets will also be available at the gates! Free, safe parking will be available, and strong security measures will be in place. Making a difference All proceeds from the Woza Afrikaans Fest will go towards children's charities. 'This festival is about celebrating women, families and the community, while making a meaningful contribution to those in need,' said organisers. Book your tickets Tickets are available online at (search Woza Afrikaans Fest). For enquiries, email [email protected] or [email protected]. @middelburgobserver Happyland Amusement Park is bringing its iconic Merry-Go-Round to the Woza Afrikaans Fest on August 9 (Women's Day) at Kees Taljaard Stadium in Middelburg. Don't miss the rides, food stalls, and world-class live music. ♬ original sound – MiddelburgObserver – MiddelburgObserver
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Women leading the charge: transforming South Africa's food and hospitality sector
Capsicum alumnus Chef Lakie Image: Supplied Ahead of National Women's Day on August 9, the contribution of South African women in the food and hospitality sector continues to gain recognition for its transformative effects. In an exclusive interview, Renee Hill, Managing Director of Capsicum Culinary Studio (CCS), sheds light on the resilience and determination of women in leadership roles within this vibrant industry. Hill emphasises that South Africa's food and hospitality sector is not only crucial for employment and tourism but has also seen women play an increasingly significant role in driving innovation and enhancing customer experiences. "Their unwavering determination to succeed has allowed them to navigate systemic challenges, championing meaningful change while nurturing mentorship, advocating for work-life balance, and promoting diversity and inclusion," Hill notes. Isla Rechner Image: Supplied Leadership roles in this sector have historically been male-dominated, but South African women are now shattering those glass ceilings. Hill highlights how women have shown remarkable resilience in the face of socio-economic barriers, such as gender bias and wage disparities. "Through innovative thinking and community-driven leadership models, they've proven that they can thrive in this competitive climate," she claims. Citing numerous women-owned enterprises—ranging from restaurants and boutique hotels to guesthouses and tourism ventures—Hill points to these as symbols of empowerment. "Women often exhibit a unique management style that emphasises empathy, collaboration, and community engagement,' she explains. 'These attributes enable them to build strong teams and cultivate customer loyalty.' Capsicum Culinary Studio MD Renee Hill Image: Supplied Furthermore, mentorship is emerging as a vital tool for sustaining and fostering female leadership in this sector. Experienced women in leadership roles serve as role models for younger professionals, offering vital support and practical insights that catalyse career growth. 'Structured mentorship programmes and informal networks have become essential in building confidence among women aspiring to ascend the leadership ladder. Women helping women—through formal training or grassroots support—has significantly impacted representation and retention in the industry,' Hill reveals. Yet, challenges remain. Achieving a work-life balance is one of the most pressing issues for women in food and hospitality, given the industry's notorious long hours and high-pressure environments. "Balancing leadership roles with personal and family life requires both institutional support and personal resilience,' Hill asserts. While some progressive employers are beginning to endorse flexible work arrangements, female leaders are actively redefining work culture by prioritising mental health and inclusivity. 'By fostering a culture that values employee well-being, they are not just elevating their own quality of life but also creating healthier work environments for everyone," she adds. Tinotenda Sadziwa Image: Supplied Gugu Wanda Image: Supplied Diversity and inclusion also play a critical role in reshaping the industry. Hill notes that the inclusion of women from diverse backgrounds enriches the sector with varied perspectives and cultural awareness, thus enhancing customer experience. 'Women leaders are championing inclusive hiring practices and creating welcoming spaces that address the nuances of South Africa's complex socio-economic landscape,' she explains. Empowering women from different backgrounds not only furthers social justice but also fosters innovation within the sector. 'The impact of women in South Africa's hospitality arena cannot be overstated,' says Hill. 'Their tenacity and determination have not only broken barriers but have also redefined what success looks like in a traditionally male-dominated field. By centering mentorship, work-life balance, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, women are shaping the future of South Africa's hospitality industry.' IOL
The Citizen
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Shake your caboose at Woza 2025
There's no excuse to celebrate the women in your life by having them sit at home! Tickets are already on sale for the August 9 Woza Afrikaans Fest, celebrating National Women's Day with a slew of the country's favourite singers and DJs. Headlining the fest is locally rooted Prime Circle, flanked by a sterling lineup of performers. The gates will open at 09:00 with O'Thandiwe taking to the stage at 10:10, followed by Snotkop at 11:00, RW & Band at 12:10 and DJ Tshegu ushering in the lunch hour at 13:10. Dirk van der Westhuizen showcases the afternoon lineup at 14:15, followed by Hotstix Mabuse at 15:25, Piesangskille at 16:35 and Lucasraps at 17:45. Prime Circle will hit the stage at 18:30 with Drommedaris Duo closing the show at 19:40. All the stage action will take place on a world-class stage with international standards measuring 27m x 8m, including sound, lighting and two LED screens on both sides. Gates will close following the stage performances at 22:00. There will be a free kiddies zone with action inflatables, crazy rides, the starship explorer, mechanical bull, zorb track, and shooting tunnel. The festival garden will offer a milieu for over-18s only, where thirsts can be quenched. The festival garden will be cashless, so remember to bring your debit and credit cards. A variety of stalls will be available serving food, beverages, toys, crafts, and other festival staples. Festival goers should bring sunscreen and hats, camping chairs, and blankets for the evening entertainment. Cooler boxes, alcohol and beverages will not be allowed, and hookah pipes (hubbly-bubblies), gazebos, and beach umbrellas, drugs, weapons, and animals will not be allowed. Biker patches will also not be allowed onto festival grounds. Entrance for minors aged 1–6 years is free, while children aged 7–13 pay R100 per person, and those aged 14 years and older pay R200 per person. There's also free, safe parking, with lots of security on the festival grounds. All proceeds will go towards children's charities. Book your tickets at: and search for Woza Afrikaans Fest, or contact the organisers on [email protected] or [email protected] for any enquiries At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The South African
BAD news for South Africa's next public holiday
South Africans returned to work on Tuesday having enjoyed a long weekend thanks to Monday's Youth Day public holidays. No doubt, eyes will have quickly turned to the next public holiday on the calendar. However, there's some BAD news in that regard! The next public holiday is scheduled to be National Women's Day on Saturday, 9 August. That day will sadly be 'lost' as it falls on a Saturday and it will just be a 'normal' weekend day. The Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994) determines that whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday , the Monday following it will also be a public holiday. However, for public holidays that fall on a Saturday , it's just a 'normal' weekend day. Of course, the fewer days off, the better for business in the country. The next public holiday which will result in a day off from work will be Wednesday, 24 September when Heritage Day – or Braai Day as it's become commonly known – will be celebrated. National Women's Day is a South African public holiday celebrated annually on 9 August. The day commemorates the 1956 march of approximately 20 000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to petition against the country's pass laws that required South Africans defined as 'black' under The Population Registration Act to carry an internal passport, known as a passbook, that served to maintain population segregation, control urbanisation, and manage migrant labour during the apartheid era. The march was led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams. Other participants included Frances Baard, a statue of whom was unveiled by Northern Cape Premier Hazel Jenkins in Kimberley (Frances Baard District Municipality) on National Women's Day 2009. The first National Women's Day was celebrated on 9 August 1995. In 2006, a reenactment of the march was staged for its 50th anniversary, with many of the 1956 march veterans. There are FIVE long weekends in 2025. Four have already passed with the fifth and final one scheduled to be four-day long weekend with Christmas and the Day of Goodwill (Boxing Day) falling on a Thursday and Friday, respectively. Diarise the following public holidays in 2025 and plan your vacations accordingly! Wednesday, 1 January: New Year's Day Friday, 21 March: Human Rights Day Friday, 18 April: Good FridayMonday, 21 April: Family Day Sunday, 27 April: Freedom Day
The South African
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The South African
South Africa's next public holiday in THIS WEEK
While South Africans are currently enjoying a long weekend, the good news is that the next public holiday in mere days away! Those who like to diarise days off work will no doubt know that the next day off work is Thursday, 1 May. That will be Workers' Day. Originally born from the protracted struggle for workers' rights and social justice of the late 1800s, Workers' Day has been an international holiday in many countries since 1891. In South Africa, Workers' Day has been officially recognised and observed since the first democratic elections in 1994. The holiday serves both as a celebration of workers' rights and as a reminder of the critical role that trade unions, the Communist Party and other labour organisations played in the fight against apartheid. Workers' Day in South Africa holds its own cultural significance, as the public holiday has come to signify not only the sacrifices made on the long road toward fair employment standards but also the bitter battle against apartheid in which trade and labour unions played a key role. Because South Africa's working classes were those most oppressed by apartheid, the struggle for better working conditions and the struggle to overthrow systemic segregation became closely linked. Before the elections of 1994, labour and trade groups often used Workers' Day as a symbol to rally the population against the segregation and oppression of the apartheid system, organising demonstrations and encouraging widespread resistance. Although South Africans will enjoy one fewer public holiday in 2025, there will be more long weekends this year than in 2024. Mzansi had 14 public holidays in 2024. Included in that number were two 'extra' days thanks to Voting day on Wednesday, 29 May, and an observation day for Youth Day, which fell on a Sunday (16 June) this year. However, in 2025 there will only be one 'extra' public holiday for Freedom Day (Sunday, 27 April) meaning that Monday, 28 April (today) will be a holiday. There will be no Voting day (that we are aware of …) This means that South Africa will have 13 days of public holidays this year, but only 12 will be actual days off work. Of course, the fewer days off, the better for business in the country. Working South Africans will not get a day off to celebrate National Women's Day in 2025 because the public holiday falls on Saturday, 9 August. The Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994) determines that whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday , the Monday following it will also be a public holiday. However, for public holidays that fall on a Saturday , it's just a 'normal' weekend day. The exciting news is that there are FIVE long weekends in 2025. The first was thanks to Human Rights Day on Friday, 21 March which gave South Africans 21-23 March off. The second was the Easter weekend with a four-day 18-21 April break to enjoy your chocolate. The third is thanks to Freedom Day falling on Sunday, 27 April, meaning Monday, 28 April is a holiday – and another three-day weekend. Monday, 16 June (Youth Day) will mean another three-day long weekend in mid-year, while the fifth and final long weekend in another four-day one with Christmas and the Day of Goodwill (Boxing Day) falling on a Thursday and Friday, respectively. Diarise the following public holidays in 2025 and plan your vacations accordingly! Wednesday, 1 January: New Year's Day Friday, 21 March: Human Rights Day Friday, 18 April: Good FridayMonday, 21 April: Family Day Sunday, 27 April: Freedom Day
