Work readiness opportunities come in various forms
CONNECT AND INSPIRE STUDENTS: The Co-operative Education Unit at the Centre for Community Engagement and Work-Integrated Learning recently held a I Am Woman 2025 AEDF ORTSA Women’s Conference at Bellville.
Friday, 05 September 2025
The Co-operative Education Unit at the Centre for Community Engagement and Work-Integrated Learning recently had the inspiring opportunity to connect and empower participants at the I Am Woman 2025 AEDF ORTSA Women’s Conference, themed “I Am Woman – Fueling Her Journey”.
The conference, which was held at Metropolitan Offices, Bellville, celebrated women of remarkable strength and resilience across various career landscapes in South Africa. David Haarhoff, team member within the Co-operative Education Unit, says: “I will cross any ocean if it means an opportunity to develop our students and impact on their professional journey. When we were invited to showcase some of the aspiring female fashion designers, we immediately reached out to the relevant department to put us in touch with students.
“We have an obligation, I believe, to connect and inspire our students; these experiences are essentially what sets our students apart from the rest of the pack. Students were also able to network with some very powerful businesswomen and industry executives.”
The young designers, Matsatsi Raboroko, Sandiswa Mkhonto, and Dopsy Nkomo, together with their models, did not disappoint at all; they showed up.
Dr Maphole Loke, Principal Researcher at Sustainable Heritage Research Unit, graced the event with her presence. Loke shared her powerful story, breaking barriers within a male-dominating industry. Her resilient personality inspired so many women at the conference and encouraged them to push forward, irrespective of the challenges faced.
Rumarcques Olyn, Co-operative Education team member, says listening to the inspirational stories shared by the panellists was truly intriguing and deeply moving, adding that their journeys highlighted not only resilience and determination, but also the power of creating platforms where women’s voices can be heard and celebrated. “For me, it made all the behind-the-scenes effort of supporting the students and helping bring these opportunities to life incredibly fulfilling. Seeing our students connect with such role models reinforces why initiatives like these are so important for their growth and development.”
The unit acknowledged the collaborative opportunities of this nature and appreciated ORT SA and Astron Energy Development Fund for opening a door for the students.
Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za
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