Productivity SA Board Chairman, Prof Mthunzi Mdwaba, welcome speech at the World Entrepreneurs Day Occasion on 20 August 2021

As we gather today to celebrate World Entrepreneurs Day a day early given that to-morrow is part of the weekend, I remind you that August has been marked as Wom-an’s Month in South Africa and this year the country celebrates the legacy of one of the foremost pioneers of women emancipation in South Africa, Charlotte Mannya Maxeke. Maxeke’s work was a hugely important turning point for women’s organis-ing and the pursuit of women’s rights in South Africa.

Happy Woman’s day to all!

Back in 1896 when education was not even a dream for most South African wom-en, Maxeke stayed in the USA and studied at Wilberforce University in Cleveland, Ohio making her one of the first black South African women to be educated. She must be celebrated. As we honour Maxeke, let me take this opportunity and quote African American print and broadcast journalist Germany Kent, who recently said, to win in life you need to:

1. “Work hard
2. Complain less
3. Listen more
4. Try, learn, grow
5. Do not let people tell you it cannot be done
6. Make no excuses”