By Senthati Katlego Zasekhaya
Bafentswe Morake, 42, who holds a certificate in retail and wholesale operations and a degree in psychological counselling, is known for being assertive, eager to learn and good at multitasking.
She uses both her practical skills and understanding of people to help her community. She has been a leader since her teenage years at church and now she is an activist in the villages of Kgabalatsane and Rabokala in the North West.
Bafentswe joined Mining Affected Communities United by Action (MACUA) so that she could meet people from different backgrounds and bring change in her community. She is the Secretary General of Rabokala branch.
She is also in charge of the Rustenburg Region Branch Development Team, where her responsibilities include keeping the branch informed of local events, increasing membership, and assisting community members with their problems. As a member of the Branch Development Team, she has learned a lot about the movement and how to start a branch from scratch.
Unemployment, single parenthood, societal pressures, a lack of education and skill development, teenage pregnancy and health concerns are among the most pressing issues confronting women in her communities.
Women are also subjected to societal comparisons and labelling, which exacerbates their struggles. Bafentswe believes that platforms such as Women Affected by Mining United in Action (WAMUA) help women grow together and individually. She believes there is still much work to be done for and by women, especially in rural areas where there are limited resources.
Bafentswe has faced challenges such as witnessing women put each other down due to misunderstandings and ignorance. She also noticed that many women lacked leadership abilities in various areas of life. Personal issues and emotions can lead to women bringing each other down, but Bafentswe is working to change that.
Bafentswe sees Women's Month as an opportunity for women to shine and achieve more. She envisions a future in which women collaborate without doubting one another and help build a strong nation.
The post Bafentswe’s Journey From Church Leadership to Community Activism first appeared on MACUA.
