May 23, 2006
By Anish Abraham
REFLECTING the strengthening relations between South African and Kazakh businesswomen, their respective associations signed a co-operative agreement at a dinner hosted by Johannesburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo on 22 May.
The agreement, between the Business Women's Associations of South Africa and Kazakhstan, comes amid increased co-operation between the City of Johannesburg and the Kazakh city of Almaty.
Masondo was joined at the function, held at the Visitors and Resource Centre of the Metropolitan Centre, in Braamfontein, by the City manager, Mavela Dlamini; the council speaker, Nkele Ntingane; the chief whip, Bafana Sithole; the chief operations officer, Sibongile Mazibuko; and most mayoral committee members.
The Kazakh delegation included women who are leaders in their respective fields, ranging from business owners and association leaders to representatives of the diplomatic corps, intellectuals from universities and a magazine editor. Representatives from the local chapter of the Business Women's Association included Tina Thompson, the chief executive; Namane Magau, the president; and Danisa Baloyi, the chairperson.
Johannesburg's executive mayor Amos Masondo hosts a delegation from the Business Women’s Association of Kazakhstan
"It is not everyday we get such distinguished guests. It is even more special as it is a delegation of women," said Ntingane.
Speaking through an interpreter, Raushan Brigebaevna, the president and founder of the Kazakhstan Business Women's Association, thanked the City for its hospitality. She said that as the first official delegation from Kazakhstan, it was a great experience for the women from various spheres of society to visit a country like South Africa.
As emerging markets trying to progress in the political, social, cultural and economic arenas, the two countries had much to learn from each other. Brigebaevna said the Kazakh president wanted their country to increase interaction between itself and the 50 most developed economies in the world, and that women would play a key role in achieving that goal.
"We are hoping for a fruitful relationship and look forward to seeing you in our country," she said.
Bakhyt Ospanova, the chairperson of Kazakhstan's Women's Diplomats Club, presented Masondo with a traditional robe and hat, symbolising wisdom, leadership and power. "We have much in common, especially in the kindness of our people," she said.
Baloyi said that as a businesswoman, "I find it very important to meet other businesswomen". She said that because of the efforts of the national government regarding gender equality, women had started to play a much greater role in South African politics, though there was still a huge challenge for women wanting to enter business.
"Developing economies give rise to many opportunities and together we can have a winning formula to develop our and your businesses," she concluded.
Her thoughts were echoed by Magau, who said a great platform was being created "to bring out the strength in women that has been kept covered". She thanked Masondo for hosting the delegation, and for improving links between Johannesburg and Almaty.
"A key area identified for co-operation has been jewellery design, in which Kazakhstan has a well-developed industry."
This bodes well for the national government's mineral beneficiation programme, whereby value is added to the country's precious metals and gems before they are exported.
Magau said linkages between the two cities and countries had the potential to enable further trade between the two and unlock more opportunities. The agreement between the two associations is aimed at improving the sharing of knowledge and experiences.
Masondo said Johannesburg was committed to opening doors for businesswomen from around the world, sharing economic growth and development and creating conditions for a better world. While the City's overall aim was to promote trade and investment, it was also committed to empowering women. As such, the council had resolved to host an annual Woman in Dialogue conference in August.
It creates a platform for women to come together and share experiences and seek solutions, creates a space for women to share information and knowledge, creates an environment that is conducive for women to learn more about local government, and seeks to improve the quality of life of women in Johannesburg.
"The City of Johannesburg is also considering twinning or having a co-operation agreement with Almaty, a centre regarded as a hive of economic activity in Kazakhstan. We are awaiting recommendation of the scoping exercise," Masondo said.
Such a relationship would benefit both parties. Johannesburg already has agreements with New York, London, Birmingham, Addis Ababa, Windhoek, Matola, Lusaka and Nairobi.
The Kazakh delegation will undertake business visits until 26 May, before tourist activities fill the remaining days of their visit. They leave South Africa on 31 May.
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