---

On one of the coldest days in the Free State, close to 500 women joined the first-ever virtual Women’s Breakfast event hosted by the Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness in the Department of Human Resources at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Senior Director: Human Resources, Susan van Jaarsveld, welcomed attendees, giving meaning to the theme of the event, ‘From thriving to surviving’. To thrive is to prosper and to flourish. To grow to one’s full potential. 

“Recognise today that you are women of worth,” she says.

Attendees of this virtual event, hosted by Ronel Kleynhans from the Department of Industrial Psychology, had the opportunity to literally be part of a conversation between Hannes van Wyk and Shaleen Surtie-Richards, during which they talked about fame, life, and about being ordinary – ‘Shaleen’s story can be anybody’s story’.

In interview style, actor and UFS alumnus, Van Wyk, talked to Surtie-Richards, the award-winning actress who is also known for her roles in Fiela se Kind or as Nenna from Egloli – Plek van Goud. 

“Be confident and courageous and make a meaningful contribution in the world.”

Honest and authentic

Through several anecdotes from her life, Surtie-Richards inspired women in an honest and authentic manner to be themselves, to never give up hope during difficult times.

“Shaleen, your ability to always be yourself and to be authentic inspires us,” commented Saajida Abdulla from the Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness. “Great inspiration this morning,” added Ujené Thompson from the Office of the Dean in the Faculty of the Humanities. 

Having experienced several difficulties in life, Surtie-Richards advised: “When life gets tough, don’t allow your ailments to rule you.” And when asked about doing things differently, she responded that there is a lesson in every bad thing that happens to you. “I will not change anything,” she said. 

Surtie-Richards left her virtual audience with the words: “Look in the mirror every morning and love what you see. We all are very strong women; we all are survivors.”

Positive feedback

In reaction to this warm and honest conversation, women attending the event provided positive feedback: “Shaleen, you are the absolute realest. Lag ek nou stoksiel alleen,” said Sharne Mokhethi from the Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “I needed this laugh. Thanks, Shaleen and UFS for this awesome morning,” commented Beverly Marais.

Burneline Kaars, Head of the Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness, urged women not to be survivors, but to live life to its fullest. “Surviving limits us. It makes us settle for what is easy, not what inspires us. We need to move from survive to thrive. Be confident and courageous and make a meaningful contribution in the world.”