As the first Black South African woman to earn a university degree in the United States in 1901, struggle stalwart Charlotte Mannya Maxeke broke barriers and laid the foundation for generations of women to pursue education, leadership and social change.
More than a century later, her legacy lives on through the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Trust Fund, which provides financial assistance to young women pursuing higher education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, helping those at risk of dropping out because of financial constraints.
The fund assists students by covering financial shortfalls, outstanding fees, and registration gaps that could prevent them from continuing their studies or graduating.
"This year marks the 125th anniversary of Mama Charlotte Maxeke's graduation from university. We want to ensure that her legacy continues through this education fund. We want to ensure that women continue to thrive, because women contribute in unique ways," Ambassador for the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI), Dr Zanele Matsane, said.
The lecturer in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) was speaking at the inaugural International Portraits of Power exhibition, hosted by the CMMI in partnership with The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and participating diplomatic missions.
More than an art exhibition, Portraits of Power serves as a mentorship platform that brings together international women leaders, diplomats, cultural practitioners, South African artists, art students and emerging women leaders.
The initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of leaders and artists through direct engagement with international role models while fostering cultural exchange, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Matsane emphasised that education extends beyond financial support, highlighting the importance of networks and meaningful partnerships in enabling women to succeed.
She also encouraged diplomats to collaborate with the foundation to broaden opportunities and global exposure for young women.
"Education is about networks. It is about understanding multiple disciplines, cultures and history. So, we stand here today to invite everyone present - Your Excellencies and our esteemed colleagues - to please keep those doors open.
"When we knock and ask to be invited into those positions of power, please keep those doors open for us as well. I can only imagine the incredible opportunities we will create when we bring these young girls and young women together to work and network with people from different nationalities, learning about one another's histories," Matsane said.
Co-founder and Managing Director of Joncto & Zondi Inc., Khonzi Zondi, said creating opportunities for young women is essential to building a more equitable future.
"We are products of the opportunities that were given to us and the paths that were paved by others. Through Mam Charlotte, we see the importance of education; it opens doors, opportunities and networks. I would not be an attorney without education.
"We are truly honoured and privileged, as an education trust fund, to partner with you in shaping the future of young women in our country and wherever opportunities are needed through our fund," said Zondi, who also serves as an ambassador for the foundation.
Matsane added that the foundation wants the students it supports to develop a broader understanding of the world beyond South Africa by learning about the global diaspora and the women whose contributions paved the way for future generations.
"Maya Angelou once said that a man will work if you give him a job, but women are always building connections. They are always finding ways to relate their work to the greater community," Matsane said.
The International Portraits of Power exhibition was launched in Pretoria on Tuesday as part of a series of legacy projects commemorating the 155th anniversary of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke's birth.
The exhibition celebrates extraordinary women whose courage, leadership and achievements have shaped nations and inspired generations. It features portraits endorsed by 15 participating embassies representing countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania.
The event takes place during Women's Month, which is being observed under the theme: "Empowered Women Empower the Nation." -SAnews.gov.za
