South African Women for Women honours Winnie Madikizela-Mandela at 10th annual awards ceremony

TORONTO: July 4, 2006

South African Women for Women (SAWW) marks its tenth anniversary with its annual awards gala, featuring a special keynote address by South African activist and SAWW award winner Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The awards gala takes place September 16, 2006 at 6:00PM at MaRS Discovery Centre, 101 College Street. This year marks not only the tenth anniversary of SAWW in Canada, but also the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Women's March in South Africa. 2006 has been declared the Year of the Women in South Africa, the Age of Hope.

For the past ten years, SAWW has honoured distinguished women from all segments of the community. These women raise awareness of inequity, poverty, illiteracy, lack of basic human rights and other issues, and have made great strides in addressing these injustices. This year, SAWW will honour six women for their contributions to society: Madikizela-Mandela, Woman of Distinction; Dr. Ilse Treurnicht, Science and Technology; Professor Fatima Meer, Human Rights; Ruth Goodwan, Performing Arts; Dr. Zubeda Dangor, PhD; Community Service; Patricia Matolengwe; Humanitarian and Dr. Wendy Orr; Health.

Madikizela-Mandela is known to her supporters as Mother of the Nation. Known for her outspoken and often controversial opposition to Apartheid, the ex-wife of former South African President Nelson Mandela spent much of her husband's imprisonment exiled and confined to the town of Brandfort in the Orange Free State, except for the times she was allowed to visit her husband at the prison on Robben Island.

Madikizela-Mandela has held several political offices, including deputy minister of arts, culture, science and technology in the first post-Apartheid government in South Africa. She was also president of the African National Congress Women's League for two consecutive terms.

Also being honoured at the gala is Dr. Ilse Treurnicht, CEO of the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto. She joined MaRS in early 2005 from her role as president and CEO of Primaxis Technology Ventures. She obtained BSc Hons and MSc degrees (both cum laude) from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and a doctorate in chemistry from Oxford University, which she attended as a Rhodes Scholar.

South African Women for Women's mandate is based on the book No Future Without Forgiveness, by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The work supported by SAWW fosters the spirit of co-operation and mutual respect with the goal of creating a foundation for the future. As women work together to overcome the racism and sexism that permeates society, SAWW is proud to be part of that rebuilding.

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Kevin Pennant
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