The City of Johannesburg honoured its dedicated women employees on Friday, 29 August 2025, at the annual Women’s Day celebration under the theme: “She Leads: Bold, Brilliant and Beautiful.” Hosted at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre, the event brought together women from across the City’s departments and entities, who arrived dressed in black with a splash of colour.

Setting the tone, Zameka Ngele, Group Head of Group Corporate and Shared Services (GCSS), delivered a powerful message on “awakening the queen within”, calling on women to embrace their strength, leadership, and collective wisdom.

The highlight of the day was a moving sisterhood pledge: “Today I rise for every woman who couldn’t. I walk with the strength of those before me. I am bold. I am enough. I am my sister’s keeper.”

Palma Maluleke, Chief Engineer at City Power, shared her journey as a trailblazer in a male-dominated profession. Reflecting on challenges such as underrepresentation, bias, and work-life balance, she emphasised perseverance and confidence: “Towards the end of my engineering qualification, there were only a few of us left and that reality followed me in the workplace. I’m often the only woman and the youngest chief female engineer in meetings. Occasionally, the only voice expected to prove why I’m there.”

She concluded with words that inspire her, quoting Maya Angelou: “Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.”

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department choir and other talented City employees closed the event with uplifting performances — a fitting finale to a month dedicated to celebrating women.

​Written by Brümilda Swartbooi