Article by Hlengiwe Dlamini and Images by Sibongile Dlangalala

PUNCTUAL ARRIVAL: Guests arrived at the event venue looking bright and beautiful after perusing a popular weather forecast mobile application

MAYVILLE: It was a wonderful day on Tuesday, 29 August 2023, when the KZN Department of Public Works (DPW) ended a cord of Women’s Month festivities by paying a special focus on mandatory Women Empowerment interventions required in the workplace.

The writing was on the wall when scores of women representing various Directorates of the Department reflected on strategic issues around women empowerment initiatives.  

This is in line with this year’s theme, “Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women Empowerment," as adopted by Parliament for nationwide government application and standard uniformity purposes.  

Speaking at a women-only programme initially hosted by the DPW’s Directorate on Youth, Women, People with Disabilities and Military Veterans, Director: EPWP Provincial Coordination, Ms Charlotte Khumalo urged women to celebrate themselves every day not only during the month of August.

Flowing from the above, Director: Organizational Development Ms Jean Makhaye also unpacked the tenets of her favourite theme as derived from the international women’s day hallways dubbed, “Break the Bias,” which is set for application by each woman on the shop floor.

“As women, there are lot of challenges we face, whether intentional or unintentional. We need to reflect on such matters. “In order for us to break the bias, we must ask ourselves a question, what makes it difficult for us, women to get on top of stumbling challenges affecting our daily lives whether in the workplace or social spaces within the society?

Women believe that, a solid response to the above will provide a permanent solution to any unwarranted setbacks in life.

Guest speaker, Dr Thobile Sifunda who is the Acting Head for KZN Department of Sports, Arts and Culture zoomed into mental health issues as she further equipped women with credible information, tips on how to empower and position themselves for occupational growth in the workplace.

Her presentation also reflected on a number of available employment opportunities including proper filling of a compulsory Z83 application form for employment and applicable processes thereof.

She also mentioned that, it is not by any chance that some women hold strategic occupational positions, but they are there to fulfil a particular purpose and they should deliver on that mandate. She also emphasised that women should continue to educate themselves, always excel in whatever they do and go an extra mile in all their endeavours.

Women were also encouraged to practice self-love, know their worth, follow their dreams and implement long-lasting personal development approaches that will occupy them way beyond the retirement age.

The above images bear testimony to the ecstatic mood which dominated the day’s proceedings as ululation and dance moves take centre stage. Top left, elegantly dressed women dancing to music while Ms Mabongi Magwaza was on stage. Acting Head for KZN Department of Public Works, Mr Siboniso Majola and Acting Head for KZN Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Dr Thobile Sifunda also followed suit

Glamorous guests dancing while enjoying themselves during a Women-Only razzmatazz

The Acting HOD Mr Siboniso Majola asserted that, the relevant management is working around the clock in ensuring that, women receive the necessary support within the Department. He further pleaded with women to also develop themselves and focus more on skills that will sustain them focusing more on those that are in demand.

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY DIRECTED TO ALL WOMEN REPRESENTING THE KZN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

The MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Mr Sipho “KK” Nkosi says, Women’s Month is a very important month in this country and women of today owe their liberation to the struggle demonstrated by women in 1956.

He further mentioned that as men, they also appreciate the role played by these women because as people who nurtured them to be what they are today, and these are women who were very strong whenever they were given responsibilities.

Therefore, in this women’s month he wishes women very well and believes that they are going to continue working very hard and shine at all costs.

The message also alluded to the fact that, the government of the day is convinced that the 50% stake that was taken by some political parties in terms of deployments be given to women because that is what they also deserve.

As men they are committing themselves that, they are not going to abuse women and children and he is also aware that, behind every successful man there is a woman wishing them well.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Standing, the Department of Public Works’ Women SMS Members were captured here while posing for a camera with the Deputy Director General for Corporate Services, Mr PW Duma

The official programme of the day was concluded with a presentation on Financial Literacy Education offered by Mr S. Myeni who presented tips on how to save money during the current sloppy economic terrain.

Community engagement held as part of the KZN Operation Sukuma Sakhe Cabinet Day in the eMatheni area - Ward 12, under Nongoma Local Municipality

ZULULAND DISTRICT: On Sunday, 27 August 2023 the KwaZulu-Natal Cabinet took a solid stance to directly confront service delivery challenges facing communities in the jurisdiction of the Nongoma Local Municipality under Zululand District.

As part of a Cabinet Resolution implementation, the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Mr Sipho “KK” Nkosi directed his team of government technocrats, to act on his behalf, by engaging on a-face-to-face interaction with the community of the Ematheni area in Ward 12, where the KwaPhumulefile Luncheon Club and the Fuduka Crop Production community projects were visited.

The intention of the aforementioned visits was to play a parliamentary oversight role attached to Members of the Executive Council (MECs) as part of a constitutional mandate to ensure provision of government services to the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

It is against this backdrop that, the MEC deployed his foot soldiers to put an ear on the ground, provide practical solutions and also present government interventions where possible.

The KwaPhumulefile Luncheon Club was founded and established in 2012 by a group of retired women from the Maphophoma and KwaDabhasi area in Nongoma, in an intention to provide catering services and also ensure the wellbeing of local elderly people who are unable to take care of themselves.

These 27 elderly women who are part of the project which offers its services only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays specialize in hand work, nutrition and also participate in the annual District Golden Games for Elderly People as introduced by government and directly hosted by various Municipalities in the province.
According to government information archives, Golden Games are designed to improve physical and mental health amongst older persons and promote exercising, encourage elders to do physical activities and promote active ageing.
This women entity which operates under the guidance of Princess T.P Zulu offers its services in a piece of land donated by the local Mbatha Clan for mixed agricultural usage purposes.

KwaPhumulefile Luncheon Club

The second leg of the programme saw a visit to the Fuduka Crop Production project, a-32 000-hectare farm which was initially founded in 2005 and officially registered in 2013 as Fuduka Corporation.
The farm boasts 11 beneficiaries, 6 females and 5 males who are directly attached to production activities consisting of sorghum, maize, sweet potato, potatoes and dry beans with fresh produce being sold within the neighborhood.

A portion of land owned by the Fuduka Crop Production entity in Nongoma

Following a presentation of a ward profile, social ills affecting the proper functionality of the ward include, among others, substance abuse, stock theft and unemployment.

Bread and butter issues raised at Sigubudu Community Hall in a quest to solicit government interventions received maximum attention, when, on behalf of the community, Ward 12 Cllr T.M Ndwandwe outspokenly lauded the provincial government for visiting the underprivileged communities in an endeavor to change their lives for the better. The day ended with the handing over of items for the Club Development competition.

Story and images by Siyathuthuka Mthembu

Article by Hlengiwe Dlamini and Images by Nelisiwe Mkhize

Speakers for the day are, from left, Ms Noluthando Mate, Ms Nobuhle Nkala, Ms Palesa Mangoato, Mr Sipho Msomi and Ms Babalwa Selanto

PIETERMARITZBURG: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is described as any harmful or act directed at an individual based on their actual or perceived gender identity. This includes violence against women, children, men, and people who do not conform to dominant gender roles.

On Thursday, 24 August 2023 towards the end of Women’s Month, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works in collaboration with the Office of the Premier identified a need to host a day-long Gender-Based Violence Workshop which was held at the Main Auditorium, Oliver Tambo House in Pietermaritzburg.

The main objective of the aforesaid workshop was to create awareness to Departmental Cleaning colleagues and also cascade valuable information on Gender-Based Violence which is notorious for being a menace to society.

The targeted audience was urged to convey information acquired during the workshop to their families, friends including the general public.

A workshop of this magnitude comes as a positive contribution to targeted communities as it helps bring about empowerment which is in line with promotion of constitutional rights against the scourge of Gender Based Violence which stretches even further to affect people of other sexual orientations including the Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Individuals (LGBTQI).

Deputy Director: Youth, Women, People with Disabilities and Military Veterans, Mr Sipho Msomi who served as the programme director for the day, acknowledged stakeholders and guests present alongside the Deputy Director: Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Ms Babalwa Selanto who succinctly outlined the purpose of the day.

Deputy Director, Provincial EPWP Ms Babalwa Selanto confirmed that, gender-based violence is a sensitive issue in the country and government is treating this matter with a great sense of urgency.

She further encouraged women to attend information sharing workshops of this nature, report such matters and also protect their children by fighting against all forms of abuse levelled against them.

That will surely attract possible government interventions through law enforcement agencies and other applicable programmes designed to fight against such inhuman acts and unjustified taboos ravaging innocent people in the country.

Above: Discussions held during the workshop by the attendees

Detailed presentations made from the TB HIV Care organisation which caters for sex workers reflected on numerous untold sufferings experienced by these individuals who gain health care services and direct access to clinics under the medical guidance of the aforementioned organization.

They also working to their 2030 goal by making sure that by then there will be fewer infections in the country as these workers fall under the key population classified as a vulnerable group.

A Professional Nurse Counsellor, Ms Nobuhle Nkala presented a case study where everyone was afforded an opportunity to interact freely regarding their understanding of the Nursing Profession. This was followed by presentation of a topic on gender-based violence offered by Ms Palesa Mangoato, the Site Manager representing the organization.

Her presentation covered numerous aspects around GBV, which according to her, is not only focusing on people who are being physically abused but also on people who get abused in a number of ways, ranging from emotional, sexual, financial and etcetera. This topic also reflected on different types of GBV which was explained to female staff members present including a couple of men who attended.

Attendees were reminded to always ensure that, they create a conducive environment for safe human habitation at home, school and at work where most people normally spend their precious time during the course of the day.

Some of the attendees receiving their Certificates of Attendance towards the end of the programme

As the day’s programme drew to a close, important information required during emergency situations was shared with everyone in attendance.

Attendees were advised that, there are Social Workers from Life Line South Africa attached to each local Police Station as well as Community Care Centres such as Thuthuzela Centre located in Pietermaritzburg. For child abuse related cases, information provided guarantees seamless access to Child Abuse Care Centres which operate across all corners of KwaZulu-Natal.

Colleagues located at the DPW were advised not to hesitate to associate with the Employee Assistant Programmes designed to offer the necessary support in the workplace.

The programme was officially adjourned immediately after Mr Sipho Msomi’s last presentation of the remaining Certificates of Attendance to their intended recipients.

“As always, year after year, the August month is regarded as the Women’s month in South Africa. This is with respect to more than 20000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. They were protesting against Pass Laws. Because of this gesture, a good historical encounter was made and this resulted to such a legacy being commemorated.” Miss Charity Sithole (Assistant Director Immovable Assets, Provincial Information narrated the purpose of the day.

On Thursday, 17 August 2023, KZN Public Works Southern Region held a Women’s Day function. This gathering’s focal point was on the health and wellness of the region’s women staff members. This, was evident on the choice of professionals who are specialists in their fields of study who constructed the panel of the event. These professionals varied from Counselling Psychologist to Financial Advisor, a Biokineticist and a Homeopath.

Ms Nokwanda Gcaba (Director, Southern region), in welcoming the audience, she recognised all and advised all women that, it is not a sign of weakness for a woman to be tender, to operate softly and smoothly. In the contrary, she said that it is dismally wrong for a woman to pretend to be strong when challenges are overwhelming. She advised women to be realistic with their problems and to deal with their issues immediately and decisively.

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works has made numerous developments in helping advance women, their full potential in our society continues to be realized. A particular focus over the month has been on opportunities that women can access in the different sectors of the economy. Women’s Month 2023 is commemorated under the theme: “Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for women’s empowerment”

Dr Claire Ngcobo is a Psychologist and a mental health specialist. She spoke about the qualities that which women possess. Secondly she spoke about mental problems and illnesses such as stress and depression. Lastly, she mentioned that self-care is impotent as a solution for all mental illnesses and problems. “Sometimes people fear to go for medical help for mental problems because these are related to madness. This is wrongly perceived by the society at large.” Concluded Dr. Ngcobo.

Mr. Msizi Cwele from Old Mutual says that Financial Management is a daily life activity. This is supposed to be planted to us at a young age from our homes. “Due to poor background experience, as black and poor people we are disadvantaged in our financial activities. This is mostly because of black tax responsibilities. Lack of financial planning or budgeting brings along ill-discipline in our financial lifestyle.” Among other topics, Msizi also spoke about risks, investments, savings, retirement annuities and the importance of writing a will.

Dr. Adhieman Adande believes that Homeopathy is the safest form of treatment which is gentle on our bodies. It does not focus on the disease but rather focuses on the patient’s body as a whole. It is a holistic approach to medicine where the mental emotional physical aspect of an individual gets incorporated. It stimulates our life force or immune system to work for itself. The normal medication is very harsh on our bodies. It brings along a lot of toxicity and chemicals not needed by our bodies.

In conclusion, Mrs Zamachunu Ndebele (Employee Health and Wellness Practitioner) led the congregation in reciting the following pledge: “I pledge to stand up to injustice. I pledge to support diversity and equal opportunities for all women. I pledge to challenge prejudice. I pledge to challenge and empower other women to unite in the face of inequality. I pledge to stand up to hate. I pledge to empower women to elevate themselves and others to be courageous. I pledge to empower other women to live their lives as they choose. I pledge to challenge favoritism. I AM ENOUGH. I TRUST MYSELF. I DESERVE HAPPINESS. I LOVE MYSELF. I AM WORK IN PROGRESS.

By Bheki Khawula and Neliswa Nhlabathi.