Written by Bheki Khawula.
Photos by Neliswa Nhlabathi.

On Wednesday, 28 September 2022, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Public Works held a Heritage Day celebration at Harry Gwala District Office eXobho. This was on a cloudy with a little drizzle day. The temperature was moderate, not hot and not cold but just a compromise between the two. This kind of weather made it possible to accommodate such an outdoor event setup.

When welcoming all the attendees, Miss Nokwanda Dube (Regional Director Southern Region) made a call for everyone to go back to basics. She encouraged people to revisit the old time habits. To support one another and speak good about one another in order to make a good work family support structure. She emphasized that the correctly cultured and one spirited workforce will always move towards an intensified desired organizational productivity.

Miss Nomcebo Shange from Life Line made a speech about gender based violence (GBV). She began by describing various types of violence. She said that there is a high prevalence of reported cases of gender based violence in the Harry Gwala District. She said, the way in which people are raised up, has an effect in what they become in their adult age. She also spoke about the role of cultural beliefs and practice in GBV.

Nomcebo spoke about physical abuse that which takes place in love relationships. She said that assaulting and shouting at each other as partners or lovers is a big sign of disrespect. She also spoke about emotional abuse. She mentioned that this involves throwing vulgar or insults to one another. In many cases where there are mistakes committed in relationships, they are largely attributed to the female partners. Said Nomcebo.

Male partners are also victims of GBV. There are women who use their male partners and multiple-line them up for their selfish and greedy financial fix or convenience. There are video clips depicting male partners being abused and assaulted. These result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suicide being committed. She cautioned partners from invading each other’s cellular phones. She encouraged partners to often appreciate one another and take each other out continuously.

Mr Nhlapo from Department of Arts and Culture spoke about cultural development. He began by explaining the Zulu traditional wear for people of all sizes and both sexes. He also narrated the importance of this month in the religious and cultural aspect, saying that Nazareth Baptist Church members as well as Zulus have significance attached to September. He encouraged all the attendees to love their culture. Finally, he thanked all present staff members for participating in this cultural event and said that loving the culture is self-loving.

In closing, Mr. T.W. Nkomo from Harry Gwala District Office requested all attendees to please close the gap that which creates a division between all the people. With this, indeed unity will be forged, continued Mr Nkomo. He concluded by requesting that such events must not seize to take place in Harry Gwala District. The jubilations, traditional singing and dancing by all staff members dressed to kill in their traditional gear is indicative enough of the fact that Harry Gwala is indeed the place in which to gather people and let them interact to strengthen their work relations, promoting Public Works oneness spirit prevalence.

Written by Bheki Khawula.

Photos by Neliswa Nhlabathi.

On Wednesday, 31 August 2022, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Public Works Southern Region concluded August (the women’s month) with a mother of all Women’s Days celebration. This very special event was held at hired event venue in Pietermaritzburg 65 Victoria Road called Candles & Décor. Even though the warm sunny weather day was suitable for an out-door gathering, this special event was held indoors. Inside this top-class event venue was a neat decoration, lights on the ceiling and walls, tables set in an attractive classy style on both sides of speakers’ centred table. All women who came to attend this were nicely dressed, most in colourful dresses and beautiful shoes.

In welcoming all the attendees on behalf of Miss Nokwanda Dube, Mrs Cebile Buthelezi (uMgungundlovu District Officer) narrated that in 1956, women came together to fight against the oppression of the apartheid system. She said that this gathering is all about women reminding each other about their importance in the society. “The need for women to gather together was born from the need for them all to benefit from one another and also to share personal experiences with each other.” Continued Cebile. She referred to the story of Adam and Eve from the bible where Eve convinced Adam to eat the fruit in the Garden of Eden. She said that women have that power to convince and deceive their men.

Ms Nomathemba Dindi from SANLAM Financial Management encouraged women to convers on how to better manage their finances. “If this is correctly done, women will be living a happy lifestyle and their families will be happy and financial stress free as well.” Emphasized Nomathemba. She advised women to always budget. “By so doing, women will be living beyond their means. She warned fellow women against the danger of taking multiple funeral covers without budgeting some money for investments. She pointed this out as one of downfall basis for many women who find themselves in financial difficulties.

Nomathemba discouraged women from being financially dependent on their male partners. She said that this is most times a reason that exposes women to gender-based violence perpetrated by their male partners. She advised women against taking unnecessary loans. “Some women find themselves submitting to the temptation of taking a new loan in order to use that money for paying the older loan. There is no financial sense in so doing. Instead of decreasing the financial burden from your shoulders, it adds even further but this time, an additionally heavier load and this further exacerbates the problem by putting you in deeper financial problems.” She said that this is mostly a cause for financially related stress.

Dr Yvonne Mncube from Mar;-eh Aesthetic; Mental and Skin Health said that events like this are not supposed to take part just once a year but more often, instead. She said that women juggle so many hats. In the process, they put their needs last. This further disadvantage woman. She advised women that too much of anything is lethal and she discouraged them against unreasonably overloading themselves. Mzilankatha pointed out that sometimes some women do not look the way they like. Her advice was that a proper control can be affected by correct diet. She was referring to the physical and facial structure, appearance and arrangement. “You are what you eat!” Said Dr Mncube.

She uttered advisory words for young women born after year 2000. She told them to live a healthy lifestyle. She advised them to take their age period as the most appropriate time to start thinking about family planning. She also reminded all sexually active women to always go for their annual peps Meer. She said that cancer grows very fast in one’s body and that one-year period may not be sufficient enough but it is recommended rather than a period longer than a year or even not testing at all. She advised all women to always do their Brest lump examination every month. “The advantage of examining breast every month is that strange formations or lamps in the breasts can be detected or observed very early in the stage.” Advised the doctor.

Dr Mncube further advised women to only use skin products that which is suitable for their skin. She said that regular basic exercising habits may delay the definite aging characteristics.  Dr Mncube educated women about blood testing, the importance of testing blood sugar levels, the importance of checking blood pressure and the importance of testing for cholesterol.  She also advised ladies in the 40s upwards to start preparing for menopause.

Miss Thandeka Msomi (Acting Deputy Director Assets “Fleet Management“) started by praising the women for their beautiful look. She chanted the chorus Ngizolibonga elakho igama and recognised, thanking all the speakers who came before her. She said that the women are a complete creature and there is no reason for any woman to feel belittled. She said that women do often find themselves in pressurising situations as a result of difficult situations that which women find themselves in. Thandeka said that women are more often forced to give more than they have. “Be it as it may, they remain the best in everything they do.” Said Thandeka.

Miss Msomi advised women to exercise togetherness and support one another during trying times. She advised them to set aside special time for crying, that is when the circumstances necessitate. She said that this is the best therapy, helping one to deal with among other things, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Progressively, Miss Msomi warned women against crying and doing nothing in terms of facing their problems and fears. When speaking about the expectation of women to be resilient, she advised women to trust in God for all solutions to their problems, no matter how big or small it may seem.

“Women are solutions based, dependable and they do not give up.” Said Miss Msomi, giving praises to well-deserving women. Furthermore, she advised women to learn to forgive unconditionally because packing grudges does not help. In conclusion, she pleaded with them to avoid staying in toxic relationships.

Miss A. Mngadi (Group Executive Corporate Affairs) from Hulamin Women Empowerment began by defining the concept “empowerment” as that which grows us from day to day. “Empowerment is a journey that one walks as an individual and not as a group.” Continuing Miss Mngadi. She quoted the bible saying that God knows the destiny of each and every one of us as individuals. “Goodness and wisdom that which is revealed to us as individuals is empowerment.” Remarked Miss Mngadi. She said that empowerment is not automatically linked to success. She asked women to live their lives consciously and be at the present tense and moment, not in the past.

Mrs Zamachunu Ndebele thanked all speakers for their positive participation. She reminded all women to please exercise authority granted by God to them. She reminded them the purpose of them coming to work on daily bases. She asked women to always be productive and multiply whatever given to them. She told them that they need each other no matter the level they occupy at work. She requested all women to take very good care of themselves.

In conclusion, Mrs Ndebele led Southern Region women in reciting their Pledge. They pledged to stand up to injustice, to support diversity and equal opportunities for all women, to challenge prejudice, to empower women to unite in the face of equity, to stand up against hate, to empower women to elevate themselves and others to be courageous, to empower other women to live their lives as they choose and to challenge favouritism.

Written by Bheki Khawula.
Photos by Neliswa Nhlabathi.

On Wednesday, 27 September 2022, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Public Works Southern Region celebrated Heritage Day in Durban, Mayville. The diverse cultural and traditional origins of the region’s workforce prescribed a colourful and multi-cultural practice and visibility on that day. Such a trend of unity in diversity was firstly set by the cultural religions practice, as all participants from all religions which were present in this event were individually, one after the other, granted an equal opportunity to say an opening prayer in form and language of their choice. After this, all staff members from various sections of employment were given the stage in succession to perform according to their preferred cultural practice. The colourful traditional wear, ululation, whistle-blowing, praise-singing, shouting, singing and dancing amplified as fusion, reflecting the significance of the day.

The whole purpose of the day was absolutely served. Attendance was massive. The multi-cultural diversity was warmly embraced. This also gave staff members an opportunity to celebrate one another across all race and ethnical groups. Such celebrations result in the building of strength in unity and cohesion within the staff. Mr G.S. Blose (Regional Director) was very impressed by the full-house attendance of this event. He observed a lot of hidden talent as staff members from different sections sang, danced and did various cultural performances aligned to the Heritage Day celebration. The talent displayed in the Southern Region was very artistic. Participants were innovative indeed. Ndelu takes this event as a foundation to build on and grow. Covid-19 infections and restrictions troubled Public Works’ workforce. Now is the time for regroup in recovery and display victory since the country has once again opened up for such gatherings.

“Take a stand, take a lead like women of 1956” is a progressive media headline which better describes the mood that overwhelmed women who attended this year’s commemoration of Women’s Month organised by the Department of Public Works (DPW), North Coast Region.

A bevy of beauties in black congregated at the Shed premises in the Vryheid District, North Coast Region to pay tribute to more than 20 000 women of 1956 who braved the unjust laws imposed by the apartheid regime which deprived them of their right to move freely without carrying dompass in public, in the land of their birth.

On the 25 August 2022, women of colour held an auspicious gathering under the theme: “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow and Women Advancement in the Work Place.” This complemented a biblical verse quoted from the book of Proverbs 31:25 which reads as follows: “She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future” as the region’s own interpretation of the theme.

Flowing from the above, the North Coast Regional Director, Ms D. Fihlela gave praise to the Almighty God for entrusting women with strategic positions of authority in the workplace, alluding to the fact that, HE (God) has so much trust in them, and that is the sole reason as to why such blessings come their way. She also encouraged them to stay focused and never allow any manmade and fabricated stumbling blocks to hinder their way to success.

“It does not matter where you come from or what your past looks like, what is important is your present and the future as you still have the power to change it”. She further pleaded with ladies to never persevere toxic situations which break their souls, they must always bear in mind that, they come first in whatever they do in life.

Ms CN Khumalo who serves in the capacity of an Internal Director for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), expatiated the importance of the day and further urged women to be unapologetic towards restoration of their pride and never succumb to anything which might render them to be inferiority complex agents.

“Do not allow to be intimidated, work hard, your goals will be achieved. Shy away from pulling each other down, be your sister’s keeper. Take a stand, take a lead just like the women of 1956,” Ms Khumalo added.

The Guest Speaker Ms T. Msane Department of Social Development Service Office Manager in Vryheid prompted the group of women that attended the session to take up space and be the champions of change. She also touched on gender equality in the workplace and said, it is no secret that there is still a shortage of women in leadership positions. She encouraged them to develop themselves and take leadership roles because they possess the necessary capabilities and expertise required to occupy such positions. “You must take the initiative to develop yourself as a woman and always avail yourself to opportunities placed for your advancement,” said Ms Msane.

The DPW’s DDG: Corporate Services Mr PW Duma conveyed a message of support on behalf of the Department. He paid a special tribute to a total of 16 selfless and dedicated female colleagues who over the past months lost their lives due to Covid 19 pandemic which engulfed the global community at the drop of a helmet. Duma pledged his support in promoting gender equality saying women also have the power to turn any situation around.”

Towards the end of the programme, Mr S Makhathi from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), offered a lecture on financial literacy, which talks to debt and general management of finances. Women attendees were eventually showered with gifts which will serve as their special souvenirs.

Article by Lungile Mseleku

Images by Siyathuthuka Mthembu