- Objectives of the Summit: The summit aimed to assess the current state of the Women’s Commission, learn from other municipalities, adopt terms of reference, and establish a Programme of Action for 2025/2026.
- Support and Solidarity for Women’s Empowerment: Key municipal leaders expressed support for the Women’s Commission, recognizing it as a vital platform for addressing women’s challenges across political divides and pledging ongoing support.
- Attendees and Participants of the Summit: The event was attended by district and local municipality officials, representatives from SALGA, COGTA, government departments, and delegates from neighboring districts, fostering broad collaboration.
The Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM) hosted a successful Multi-Party Women’s Commission Summit at the Wild Coast Sun, under the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality. The session was led by Cllr N. Msokana, Portfolio Head for Corporate Services in ANDM.
The Multi-Party Women’s Commission provides a platform for women councillors to advocate for women’s rights and equality, ensuring a gender perspective in local government and addressing issues such as violence, discrimination, and economic empowerment.
Women’s Voices at the Centre
Delivering welcoming remarks, Mayor Cllr T.D. Mafumbatha of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality described the summit as more than just a meeting:
“This gathering is more than a meeting of women but a testament to the power of women leading in the country to strengthen democracy and drive inclusive change. When women from diverse political backgrounds come together with a shared purpose, the result is not just a dialogue, but a vision that will strengthen women empowerment and strive for a free GBV society. We proudly support this commission and remain committed to fostering spaces where women’s voices are not only heard, but heeded.”
Summit Objectives
Chairperson of the commission, Cllr P.M. Ndabeni, introduced committee members and outlined the key objectives of the session:
- Understand the status quo of the Multi-Party Women’s Commission in Alfred Nzo District.
- Learn from sister municipalities.
- Adopt terms of reference for the ANDM Women’s Commission and other gender structures.
- Adopt a Programme of Action and Annual Plan for 2025/2026.
Support and Solidarity
Executive Mayor Cllr V. Mhlelembana of Alfred Nzo District applauded the initiative, saying the Multi-Party Women’s Commission is a powerful way to bring women closer to the challenges they face across political divides. He encouraged all municipalities to embrace the model and pledged his continued support.
In a touching ceremony, the Whip of Council, Cllr N. Ndabeni, together with Deputy Executive Mayor Cllr N. Mshuqwana, led a tribute to fallen women councillors in the Alfred Nzo Region.
Who Attended
The summit was attended by:
- Alfred Nzo District Executive Mayor and councillors
- Mayors, Speakers and Whips of local municipalities
- Representatives from Joe Gqabi District Municipality
- Delegates from SALGA, COGTA, the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, and government departments
