The South African Arts & Culture Youth Forum (SAACYF) congratulates Palesa Makgato on her recent international achievement, winning the Woman in Arts and Culture award at the Woman of Stature South African Awards 2023.
The annual Woman of Stature South African Awards is a key component of the Woman of Stature Community Impact Model, which recognizes and celebrates South African women who have made significant contributions to their communities and the country. The award ceremony seeks to encourage women to be role models for future generations and inspire positive social change.
Palesa Makgato is the Founder of South African Arts and Culture Youth Forum and South African Women in Arts Culture and Heritage, two organizations that focus on the development of young creatives, skills transfer, heritage preservation, and creative industry advocacy. Through her leadership and advocacy, Makgato has become a voice for women in the creative industry, creating platforms for women to share their work and influencing policies and programs that promote women’s development in the industry.
As the recipient of the Woman in Arts and Culture award, Palesa Makgato’s achievement is a testament to her pivotal role as a leader, a mother, a community developer, and a creative practitioner who has been in the industry for 28 years. Makgato is also a recipient for the Influential Woman of the year Award 2022 and a finalist for the Global Woman of Stature 2022 under the Coaching and Mentoring category which was hosted at Dubai.
In its congratulatory message, The South African Arts & Culture Youth Forum (SAACYF) described Makgato as an inspiration from this achievement as it reflects the daily plight of women in its rightful place in today’s society. Romeo Ramuada, the SAACYF NEC President, expressed his delight in Makgato’s achievement, stating, “We are proud of Palesa Makgato’s outstanding work in the creative industry, and we are thrilled to see her receiving the recognition she deserves. Her contribution to the development of the industry, as well as her advocacy for women in the arts, is truly inspiring.”
Nongelo Chiume, the SAACYF NEC Secretary-General, added, “Palesa’s passion and dedication to her work have been evident in her efforts to promote skills transfer, heritage preservation, and creative industry advocacy through the South African Arts and Culture Youth Forum and South African Women in Arts Culture and Heritage. Her achievements demonstrate that women can make a significant impact in the arts and culture sector.”
In response to the award, Palesa Makgato said, “I am honored and humbled to receive this award. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team at SAACYF and the support of the community. This award is not just for me, but for all the women in the arts who continue to break down barriers and make their voices heard.”
As an organization that champions youth development and creative industry advocacy, SAACYF recognizes the significance of Makgato’s achievement in inspiring the younger generation of artists and creatives. The SAACYF is committed to promoting the development of the creative industry, advocating for policies and programs that support women in the arts, and preserving South Africa’s cultural heritage.
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The creative industry has enormous potential to contribute to the country’s economy and cultural heritage. However, it continues to face challenges, particularly for women and young people in the sector. According to a 2020 study by the South African Cultural Observatory, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions in the creative industry, and young people struggle to find sustainable careers in the sector.
The SAACYF recognizes the importance of promoting gender equity and youth development in the creative industry to ensure that the sector continues to thrive and contribute to the country’s cultural and economic growth.
- The organization has been actively engaged in skills transfer, mentorship programs, and advocacy for policies that support the development of the creative industry and women in the sector.
The recognition of Palesa Makgato’s achievement is a testament to the important role that women play in the arts and culture sector and the significant contribution they make to the development of the country. SAACYF congratulates Makgato on her achievement and remains committed to promoting the development of the creative industry and advocating for policies and programs that support women in the sector.
As we celebrate Palesa Makgato’s achievement, let us remember the importance of supporting the creative industry and promoting gender equity and youth development in the sector. By investing in the development of young creatives and supporting women in leadership positions, we can ensure that the sector continues to thrive and contribute to our country’s cultural and economic growth.
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