My Family

I was born in Amanzimtoti small city in Kzn in a township now known as Kwa Makhutha.
I have two brothers, (one is late) and my mom who is still living at the age of 81 years and I am happy to be part of her life (in her grace period given by God.) I had 3 kids (two boys, (one is late) and one daughter who is also late. I have three grand daughters from my daughter. I later became a mom to them.

Early Education
I wanted to be a social worker, unfortunately I became pregnant and my father refused to pay for my education and I was forced to leave school and support my family.
I passed my matric in the same year that I gave birth to my first born child. I was so lucky I finished writing my exam on Friday and I gave birth on Sunday.

My early working days
I started working in a clothing company as a machinist.
I was elected as a SACTWU (South African Clothing and Textile Workers union) shop-steward in 1992. I did shop-stewards training and I was elected as the Durban Central chairperson. I was also elected as Sactwu KZN Regional Treasure until 2002 when I left the Union. I was also elected to be the chairperson of the Clothing forum which dealt mostly with wage negotiations and with my skills from worker’s college I was on top class. I was elected as a KZN Clothing Bargaining Council vice Chairperson until the day I left the Union.

I was identified by the Cde. Jabu Ngcobo (who was a General Secretary at that time Thanks comrade) as one of the shop-stewards who were going to be funded by SACTWU in Workers’ college to do the first course on Women studies and Development. It was consisting of
The following:
Women and Politics, Communication, Dispute resolution, Women and Labour law, Family Law and Economics. I passed that course.

In 2002 I studied Labour Economics in Workers’ college. It was consisting of
Introduction to economics concepts, Globalisation and neoliberalism, Globalisation and the South African Economy, Globalisation and Governance, Company Information and Legal Implication of restructuring.

I was eager to learn and Worker’s college sent me to Natal Technikon to do my computer literacy course. It was consisting of Windows 95 Microsoft office 2000, internet and e-mail. It is a great use in my current employment.

My current employment
Having my bag full of ammunition from worker’s college, I was able to apply for the post of a complaints officer in the Bargaining Council. I work under Compliance department. I became the first woman in that department. Some of my colleagues thought I was not going to make it but I did it thanks to Kessie Moodley who kept on encouraging me and told me that nothing is impossible as long as you believe in yourself and tell yourself that if others can do it why I can’t do it.

I am currently employed as complaints officer / agent / commissioner of oath with 20 job descriptions. I also assist those who are not organized in terms of their job related issues and those with personal problems health wise and family problems.

Closing
I am proud to be a Southern African black woman who had no degrees but was groomed by the Trade Union and above all The Worker’s college.

In closing I would like to thank my Union Sactwu,Worker’s College and my Current employers, not forgetting the workers who elected me in all Structures that I served and my friend Zanele Mgaga who (working in dept of labour) was always guiding me in Political issues. Long live friend.

To women out there my message is :

• It is never too late to learn.
• Never underestimate the power of a woman but once you are empowered empower other women
• Know your rights as a woman and a South African citizen
• Fight for emancipation of women
• Always elect a woman that you know, she will do the tasks expected from her so that women will not be used by men as their tools to climb their ladders.
• Last but not least believe in your self and help those in need.
  

Remember to educate a woman is to educate a nation.

Remember the heart of a woman is what makes the world turn. If it was not for Mary who was a woman, of course we wouldn’t’ be saved by Christ. 

Long Live Kessie Moodley, Long live! Remember you have assisted so many poor of the poorer to earn a better living you reward will be reaped by you and your generations.

Aluta Continua!