​Thembisa Shologu
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPGP) has committed to prioritising women's health and empowerment.
Speaking on Women's Day, Premier Panyaza Lesufi said that women needed to be protected at all costs.
This year marks the 69th anniversary in remembrance of the historic march to the Union Buildings in Tshwane, where over 20 000 women marched against the Pass Laws against the apartheid government.
"I am also proud that I lead a government that has taken a very important and a strong position that in our budget which is R170 billion, of that one third of that budget must go to women owned businesses and any MEC, any HOD and any CFO that does not implement his resolution 'o hata koseng' (will be fired).
"I want people who implement policy. By empowering a business owned by a woman, you have empowered a community. Additionally, you pay those companies on time, as failure to do so can result in termination. I am in charge," remarked Premier Lesufi.
Lesufi has encouraged the South African education system to teach children in lower grades to treat and respect women and girls with respect and dignity.
"If we can't do it in the classroom, forget, we can't do it when they are adults. We are of the view that if we do this, we will be able to plant a seed that will permanently reward us as a society," said Lesufi.
This move, he added, will assist government in collecting data on all girl children in schools that require experts, psychologists, and social workers to analyse these reports. This will enable the government to identify who needs help and what kind of help they need.
MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, said that as the country commemorated Women's Month, it was also time to reflect on 31 years of its democratic dispensation.
"When we speak of resilient economies, we envision an economic system that can withstand shocks, adapt to changes, and ensure that prosperity is not concentrated in the hands of a few, but shared by all.
"We speak of economies where women are not just reduced to participants but can be leaders, innovators, and decision-makers," said MEC Chiloane.
He acknowledged that, while the country celebrated its achievements, challenges persisted.
These included: Gender-based violence (GBV), economic inequality, and poverty, amongst others.
"The theme we embrace today, 'Building Resilient Economies for All,' speaks directly to the unfinished business of our liberation. It acknowledges that political freedom without economic emancipation remains incomplete. This is the reality that our theme calls us to address with urgency and determination," said Chiloane.
Tshwane Executive Mayor, Dr. Nasiphi Moya, said it was essential for all to remember that nation-building was about remembering one's roots. 
"We were raised by uneducated mothers, who sent us to school, and then we lack the courage to wake up every single day and make a difference. Every year we must tell the story of this country, I cringe when people say apartheid was better, better for who?" said Moyo.
Meanwhile, Premier Lesufi announced the next phase of Nasi Ispani, where unemployed youth would be trained in bricklaying, pothole repair, and school and graveyard cleaning through TVET colleges and universities.
Lesufi noted that this would be done without opening tenders.
"This round of Nasi Ispani is completely different; this round goes to the heart of our province. In the second round of Nasi Ispani, we have spoken to all our technical schools, TVET Colleges, and all our universities.
"When they graduate government will no longer go on a tender for people to build RDP houses.
"Those who receive this skills training will apply it directly to building our communities and supporting our people. Through this approach, we are not only creating jobs but also building a foundation for a more empowered and resilient society. We are determined to drive lasting progress for all," said Lesufi.