Montagu Museum Celebrates Inspiring Women Of Montagu | Western Cape Government

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Montagu Museum Celebrates Inspiring Women Of Montagu

17 August 2016

With bottomless cups of tea and coffee, great weather and everyone enjoying delicious cakes and sweet treats, women from throughout the Montagu area could enjoy a wonderfully relaxed day at the Women’s Day Tea Garden Programme – presented by the Montagu Museum on Tuesday, 9 August 2016, in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS).

Montagu Museum Art Gallery employee Chantal McKeet welcomed everyone present and opened the programme. She was followed by Marion Morrel, Board Member of Friends of The Montagu Museum, who introduced and welcomed the guest speakers and entertainers. Proceedings then officially got under way with the singing of the South African National Anthem, with the Zolani Youth Choir, dressed in beautiful African attire and under the leadership of Odwa Mvunge, displaying true African style and culture as they wowed the audience with their soulful singing and dancing performances throughout the programme.

The first guest speaker was Montagu Woman of The Year Celestine Moses. She motivated the women in attendance by telling them her story, what inspires her and what she still does in the community on a daily basis and why. Then it was the turn of Thando Bukwana, representing DCAS, who shared valuable information with all in attendance.

The third and final speaker was another strong woman of Montagu, Helen Gooderson, founder of the RAD Foundation, an initiative with the aim of educating and inspiring the youth. Helen explained that when she first arrived in Montagu she immediately fell in love with the children of Ashbury, somewhat heartbroken to see how so much talent had gone to waste. She started RAD with just a few children in Ashbury but is proud to report that there are now more than 60 young people – aged between seven and 20 years of age – involved in the project.

Facilities on the day included a comment box into which attendees were encouraged to put their written opinions while retaining anonymity should they prefer. Among the comments submitted were the following: “I feel a new sense of purpose as a woman. I am motivated to do more than just get the job done.” “It was great to hear about the common pitfalls of our community and know that I am not alone in making a few natural mistakes! I feel much more confident about avoiding errors in my future.” “I loved the advice about meeting unspoken needs.” And before everyone went their separate ways, they spent time networking and getting to know each other.

Let us continue to use programmes such as these to educate one another in order for our heritage to be preserved and conveyed to future generations, BETTER TOGETHER.

Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za