The domestic leg of the Ma Afrika 2001 competition is now underway, and entries are invited from women all over KZN who have the special qualities needed to become this year’s South African winner.

Ma Afrika 2001 recognises and rewards women for outstanding work in a community activity. It is not a beauty contest or a businesswoman of the year type of competition but is endorsed by the organisation of African Unity (OAU) and one of the African Renaissance projects of President Thabo Mbeki.

The aim of the contest is to give recognition to South African women who work hard to uplift and improve the quality of life in their communities, often without recognition or financial gain. Entrants are judged on their active involvement with the youth development theme. Cultural background, age, looks and marital status are not taken into account.

All South African women that live in KZN over the age of 25 who actively utilise arts, culture and heritage - whether visual arts & crafts, performing arts, language or literature - in youth development programmes, are urged to enter as soon as possible. These projects or programmes can be related to any field e.g. health, environment, education, family, literacy, delinquency, poverty relief, violence etc.

The closing date for entries is August 1. A finalist from KZN will participate in the South African contest in September, the winner going on to represent South Africa in the prestigious international competition in October which expects to attract entries from over 40 African countries.

Entry forms available from Sandile Ngcobo on (033) 394-5561, fax (033) 342-5502 or e-mail: sandilen@indrc.gov.za and Phili Vundla on (033) 345-1451, fax (033) 394-3535 or email: ppa@futurenet.co.za