Women uplifted at Nkomazi mayor’s Round Table event

Elegance with a fascinator. That was the theme to this year’s Round Table event with Nkomazi’s executive mayor, Phindile Magagula, at Shonga Events on August 31, in celebration of Women’s Month.

Ladies from all walks of life showed up and graciously honoured the theme. Various speakers also shared their expertise on topics such as mental health, legal advice and financial literacy. One of the speakers, Tebo Mabunda, shed some light on the trending two-pot system, while the attorney, Pretty Madonsela, spoke in depth about customary marriage, estate planning and divorce.

The musician, Mlingani Mthethwa, also held his part exceptionally well by keeping the women entertained while dancing and singing along with his band and fellow artist Nomandla Sandra.

Dressed elegantly in her purple and green dress with a purple fascinator on her head, Magagula took to the stage and courteously danced to the band’s music, making the event even more entertaining. In her speech, she ensured the women of Nkomazi that she is all about women empowerment, making reference that all services towards the event were provided for by local ladies.

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“In keeping up with the spirit of women empowerment, I have directed the planners of this event to look for a venue that is woman-owned and -managed. Today we are hosted in this beautiful venue of Shonga Events, which is a testament that women are capable. Also, it is worth mentioning that everything procured is from women companies and businesses. In the current financial year, I am expecting to see more women’s businesses benefitting in the procurement of goods and services within the municipality,” she said.

The women did not go back home empty-handed as Magagula gifted oven gloves to everyone. Some businesses also went back home with tools of the trade to help with their respective businesses, also courtesy of Magagula.

“During the previous women’s event at Paradise Creek, 20 women were supported with sowing machines and agricultural implements. This year, we will be assisting six women’s businesses with the following; a salon business with equipment, a laundry business with a JoJo tank, a business in agriculture will also get such a tank, one baking business will receive a baking oven, a beautician business with will get a bio sculpture UV lamp, and one fast-food café will receive a frying machine. I would also like to encourage all women to visit our local economic department for business information, support and other government programmes that might be of assistance.”

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She concluded her speech: “May I challenge all the women present to take a lead during Women’s Month and come up with programmes aimed at supporting other women. Namuhla gifuna kusebentisa lelitfuba kutsi ngidvobe labanye bomake nabosesi labatawusukuma balwele, basite, baphindze bavikele wonkhe umuntfu wesifazane la e-Nkomazi [Today I want to use this opportunity to challenge women and young ladies who will stand up to protect, help and fight for every other woman in Nkomazi.].”