Pretoria, South Africa – Kaizer Chiefs Marketing and Commercial Director Jessica Motaung was a guest speaker at the inaugural Blue Bulls Company, Women in Sport event held at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Themed "Hashtag Women Who Defy Expectations", it aimed to empower and celebrate women in sports.

The event was hosted to commemorate Women's Day in South Africa. Over 100 women attended the occasion at the Presidential Suite, with the field as the backdrop.

Motaung was invited as a guest speaker, because of remarkable journey that has embodied the spirit of defying expectations. Throughout her journey, she has consistently challenged the status quo, paving the way for others to follow. Her invitation was a deliberate choice, as she shared her inspiring story of resilience and determination, recounting the numerous obstacles she overcame to reach the pinnacle of success. Her presence was a testament to the power of perseverance and a beacon of hope for women seeking to break barriers in their own paths.

Delivering her talk, Motaung spoke of the importance of women supporting each other, "We need to create supportive structures amongst ourselves. We must inspire each other by looking at women within our communities who have become a reflection of some of the achievements and benefits that societies enjoy” This support, she noted, “is crucial in helping women take opportunities and embrace them. "We must be bold and take advantage of opportunities that come our way and let’s not be afraid to step out of our comfort zones."

By working together and supporting each other, Motaung stressed that women can achieve greatness. "We must work together and support each other to achieve our goals." This collaboration, she added, is essential in overcoming challenges. "We will face obstacles and setbacks, but we must not let them define us. We must learn from our mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth."

Dr. Rejoice Simelani, Blue Bulls Company board member, echoed Motaung's sentiments, congratulating the establishment of the women's rugby league and the Bulls Daisies. "The growth of women's rugby is a testament to the power of collaboration and determination," she said.

In a panel discussion, featuring esteemed panelists including, Bulls Daisies player, Rachelle Du Plessis; Proteas Netball assistant coach, Zanele Mdodana and Philansande Muvevi from the Gauteng Government, explored the importance of women's participation in sports and the challenges they face. The discussion was moderated by University of South Africa CEO Marissa Langeni.

In her closing remarks, Motaung also emphasised the importance of hard work and excellence, saying, "If you work hard and are excellent in what you do, no one can put you down. Exceptional talent and dedication will always rise to the top." said Motaung

She encouraged women to defy expectations and push beyond boundaries. "Believe in yourself, take risks, and don't be afraid to challenge the status quo. Remember that you have the power to create change and pave the way for others," she concluded.