KwaZulu-Natal MEC for agriculture and rural development, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, was the esteemed guest of honour at the Influential Women & Artes Awards, held at the Sibaya Izulu Theatre in eThekwini.
The annual event celebrates outstanding women and artists who are shaping their communities through vision, passion, and service.
Now a highlight on the province’s social calendar, the Influential Women & Artes Awards is more than just a ceremony. It serves as a platform for recognising excellence in various sectors – academia, health, arts and entertainment, business, and philanthropy – shining a spotlight on individuals who often do not receive public recognition for their efforts.
Empowering women through recognition and connection
The event also creates networking opportunities for women leaders and changemakers, while celebrating their achievements through high-quality entertainment, inspiring stories, and moments of emotional triumph.
Attendees enjoy a glamorous evening, with opportunities to build new connections and even win prizes.
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As guest of honour, kaMadlopha-Mthethwa presented several special awards, praising the organisers for creating a space that honours the invaluable contributions of women – many of whom work tirelessly behind the scenes to uplift their communities.
She expressed hope that the awardees would continue their vital work, noting that their efforts are not only changing lives but also redefining leadership, excellence, and service within their communities.
kaMadlopha-Mthethwa also used the opportunity to encourage attendees to support food security by cultivating vegetable gardens in their homes, workplaces, and places of worship.
This formed part of her ongoing promotion of the One Home One Garden programme, a key initiative of the department to combat food insecurity and encourage self-sufficiency across KwaZulu-Natal.
The evening was a vibrant celebration of resilience, leadership, and creativity. Through their stories and achievements, the women honoured have proven that lasting change often begins with a single act of courage, and that women of virtue are leading the way.
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