Staff Sergeant Malope Empowering Women in Tennis

Participating in sports can help break down stereotypes, improve the self-esteem of girls and women, and contribute to the development of leadership and strategic thinking skills. Women in sports challenge the misconception that they are weak or incapable. Staff Sergeant Malope expressed gratitude to the women who marched to the Union Buildings, paving the way for a dedicated month to women's recognition. She emphasized that her presence in uniform today is a result of the courage, determination, and resilience of those women who stood together with one voice. S Sgt Malope noted that there are equally powerful women serving side by side, inspiring one another.

Her introduction to tennis occurred when she was in Grade 9 at the Ikageng Tennis Courts in Potchefstroom, where she lived with her aunt.

She fondly remembered watching Wimbledon on SABC 2 with her niece. In 2005, she underwent Basic Military Training in LOHATLA, becoming part of the first SAMHS intake to do so. In 2011, she was placed at MVI, Potchefstroom, and has been serving as an OHS Practitioner at 1 Mil Hosp to this day.

The world is increasingly aware of the need to combat gender inequality, often connected to various forms of discrimination. S Sgt Malope stressed the extra effort women put in to gain recognition and highlighted their significant contributions to organizations, as they are not only homemakers but also vital contributors.

While tennis has historically been a opportunities for women in leadership positions. She expressed the satisfaction of meeting fellow women on the sports field, where they challenge each other, regardless of the outcome. reminding them of their power, intelligence, and uniqueness. She urged women to support each other, continually strive for selfimprovement, and realize their acumen in physics and mathematics proved to be beneficial in the liberation movement, prompting his deployment to Nigeria to further acquire skills at the University of Sokoto where he graduated with an Honours Science Degree in Biochemistry. Upon his return from Nigeria in 1985, he spent time in Zimbabwe and further deployed to Botswana where he remained until 1992 before returning to his native country.

“We have experienced great pain and loss as an organization in the past couple of months.” said Colonel S.N.N. Ngqakayi as he presided both the memorial and funeral service of the late Major General (Retired) Lifeni Zwelibanzi Make held respectively on the 21st and 23rd of July 2023 at Thaba Tshwane City Hall, Pretoria.

Major General Lifeni Make was born in Evaton on the 16th of November 1961 into a religious and Pan Africanist family which was involved in the liberation of the African People of Azania. He started his Primary and Junior High School in Evaton, later proceeding to Vlakfontein Technical High School in Pretoria where he completed his matric in 1979. His love and passion for physics and mathematics influenced his choice of occupation which boosted him take up employment as a Chemical Analyst at Vadek Paints post matric in 1980.

At the advent of democracy, a unified Defence Force, made up of the statutory forces and nonstatutory forces of the liberation movement was created. As a result he integrated into the South African National Defence Force in 1994 and was appointed into the rank of Colonel serving in the South African Military Health Service. Chris Mbulana as he paid tribute at both the memorial and funeral service said, “As they ventured into different professions post exile, he will always remember his friend as a people’s person and a gentle giant.

The late Maj Gen (Ret) Make completed all his military course and was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 2000 and further promoted to the rank of Major General in 2004. He left the Department of Military Veterans in 2012, where he became Deputy Director General. He retired from the Department of Military Veterans in 2019 until his untimely

Major General Make was a grounded leader who served with determination and striving for a better future for the members in the

SUNRISE 16/11/1961

SUNSET 15/07/2023