Three wards in the Mitchell’s Plain basin are lead by women, striving to make a difference in the lives of the communities they serve.
Ward councillors Washiela Harris (82), Goawa Timm (78) and Joan Woodman (75) were all re-elected to serve in office for the next five years in the previous local government elections in November last year.
Having worked as a community activist for a number of years, the progression to becoming ward councillor was a natural one, for Harris.
She was elected as Ward 82 councillor in a by-election following the death of Sheval Arendse and then re-elected to serve her first full term.
Harris says: “I was an activist within my community for as long as I can remember. It was something I learned from my mom, she was always there to help, assist and guide. She served with love, compassion and kindness.”
Serving on various organisations, including the Lions Club of Mitchell’s Plain, Harris services the greater Tafelsig area and is also a portfolio committee member for safety and security.
Woodman was re-elected to serve the communities within Ward 75. These include Woodlands, Colorado Park and New Woodlands.
“I always had the heart to lead and serve. It takes me back when I was much younger being in the church, I became a Sunday school teacher with a class of 12 kids, this is where I believe my service started. As time went on I became the Sunday school superintendent and then had to lead teachers and children of a group of more than 200,” says Woodman.
Having started her own business, Woodman is also a commissioner of oaths and member of the Mitchell’s Plain Lions. She has also been active as a member of local school and embarking on charity initiatives, she says: “I believe serving comes from the heart and you need to have a passion to serve and it has nothing to do with politics.”
For Timm who was re-elected to service the newly named Ward 78, which includes Lentegeur and surrounds, taking office in 2006 was always about fighting for the rights of women.
“Women still remain the survivors and victims of social engineering and injustice, which hinders them from leading,” she says.
“Women today are still the face of poverty, violence and economic injustice while they have to carry the burden of raising the future generation. Although we have come leaps and bounds, there is still much work to be done to overcome the legacy of inequality.”
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a common affliction facing the women in Mitchell’s Plain.
Harris says this coupled with unemployment, crime, depression and addiction are common in her ward.
“The grandmothers who are supposed to sit back and enjoy their grandchildren now have to raise them as their children are on drugs,” she says.
There is also a general sense of disrespect for women, she adds.
Woodman says: “I think in most cases society believes that men should lead or serve and it becomes difficult as many does not always bow down to females that is in the forefront serving. At times education has a major role to play, especially if you come from a home where you had to leave school at a young age to assist financially and never had the opportunity to further your studies.”
She advises: “Your task becomes much easier if you place your will and plans in the hands of God to lead, guide and direct you. Some women feel inferior and have low self-esteem, but you can only become what you allow yourself to become, I never allow challenges or situations to get me down, I will always rise above the circumstances, a proof that you are bigger.”
Timm says: “I believe women can build a nation. You give her a house and she creates a home. Women must continue to assist the most vulnerable and call for basic resources and keep government accountable. Women should support communities affected by unemployment, hunger and poverty. I strongly believe women need to increase their footprint in local and national elections. To all the beautiful women in the world, never give up on your dreams. Stand strong and fight for what you believe in.”
Woodman agrees that women are strong.
“Having left school at an early age, going through a divorce, having had children on drugs only strengthens you and motivates you to become bigger than your situation. My encouragement to women out there today is: never allow your past to determine your future, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. God has a plan for each one of you, your destiny is in the hands of the Almighty. Never give up, but persevere under the trials.”
For Harris, her message to women is simple: “Please, know your worth. You are the only one responsible for your destiny. Remain on bended knree and keep on appealing to God. Verily, he is our sustainer.
