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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Chronicle Reporter 

DESPITE beliefs that occupying an influential position can deter women from performing their domestic duties many have proven otherwise.

The country has seen several women being empowered and they now occupy key positions in various sectors, some which were once dominated by men.

Even though they have climbed the ladder so high these women still hold steadfast to their societal, household and family duties.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education permanent, Mrs Tumisang Thabela said throughout her career she has learnt to balance her work and motherly roles.

“What is important is that roles differ. There is a role I have to play in the public sphere and then another role I assume in the private sphere. I take each role and do what is required of me and that specific time and to my level best. When I get home I leave all my office work and role behind. When my husband was still alive I knew that I had a role as a wife. Despite the position I have at work I knew that I had to go home and be a wife and also perform all the necessary duties. At the same time, I’m a mother and I also have to perform my motherly duties. I’m also a grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter among other roles and I have to fulfill my duties to the fullest,” she said.

Mrs Thabela said her job can sometimes be very hectic taking away time for her social life. She said she however tries to find a way to make things work.

She said as a mother, she ensures that she takes time to chat with her children everyday even when she is away. Mrs Thabela said the amount of time will depend on her schedule. She said when she is away from her family she checks on her children on a daily basis.

When she knocks off from work early, she sits down with her family for a chat. During this valuable family time, they put cell phones aside to avoid disruptions. 

Mrs Thabela said family time is valuable to her as it gives her an opportunity to unwind and take a break from her busy schedule.

“I make it a point that whenever I can, I attend family gatherings. In our Sotho culture we value meeting as families and eating together and celebrating. For me this family time is important as it’s therapeutic. I always take pride in doing various chores at home such as cleaning, cooking and washing among other chores. I don’t allow the fact that I am permanent secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to affect my social life and change my general lifestyle which I lived before assuming this role,” she said.

Mrs Thabela said there are valuable leadership and managerial lessons which she had picked up from the home institution which she was utilising at her workplace and they had come in handy.

Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Judith Ncube who is a mother to five children said she takes pride in cooking for her family. She said she also loves hosting her four grandchildren at her home.

Cde Ncube said even her family prefers her cooking.

She said she loves to teach her children and grandchildren how to cook, especially traditional dishes.

The Minister said while some of her work days can be hectic, she keeps her family updated especially when they will be expecting her to arrive home early or when they have a planned programme.

Cde Ncube said she also realises the importance of neighbours and sees them as her extended family.

“I keep my family in loop all the time. I don’t completely rule them out of my work schedule but I make them understand my duties and roles and how on some days they can demand a lot of my time. Sometimes they are the ones who remind me of some of my appointments. My neighbours are also supportive and I see them as my family. Just because I’m occupying this position doesn’t mean I have to be a stranger to my neighbours,” she said.

Cde Ncube said as a woman in an influential position she does not only have to be a mother to her family but the community as well.

Matabeleland South Permanent Secretary for Devolution Mrs Lathiso Dlamini-Maseko said she takes pride in equipping her children with various livelihood skills. She said she understands that while she has duties to fulfil at work she also has a critical role in grooming her children to become better people in the future.

Mrs Dlamini- Maseko said she always makes a follow up on the affairs of her children and how they are faring at school. She said she understands that her children do not only require resources from her but also her time and attention.

Mrs Dlamini- Maseko said she has a free spirit approach when it comes to interactions with her family where they interact freely and share problems and personal experiences — @DubeMatutu