The Greater Kokstad Municipality, in partnership with Social Development, EG Usher Memorial Hospital, and SASSA, hosted a send-off ceremony on 11 September 2025 for local maidens heading to the Ophongolo cultural gathering. The event also featured a handover of vital equipment to senior citizen clubs across six wards, reinforcing the Municipality’s dual focus on heritage and community care.
What Happened
The two-part programme was held as a lead-up to Heritage Month and focused on both youth cultural representation and elderly support.
Phase 1: Youth Send-Off
Maidens selected to represent Greater Kokstad Municipality at the Ophongolo cultural event were honoured for upholding traditional values, self-respect, and purity. These young women will travel on 12 September 2025 to participate in a prominent gathering that celebrates cultural identity and womanhood.
“These maidens are not just participants they are ambassadors for our culture and our community,” said a representative from the Department of Social Development.
Phase 2: Support for Senior Citizens
As a gesture of appreciation for the elderly’s role in society, the Municipality distributed sewing machines and overlockers to six senior organisations across Kokstad. The donations aim to strengthen community kitchens, sewing groups, and social initiatives led by senior citizens.
Organisations and Donations:
- Thokozani Luncheon Club (Ward 2) – 1 Sewing Machine
- Noncedo Luncheon Club (Ward 4) – 1 Overlocker Machine
- Nkosinathi Sewing & Soup Kitchen (Ward 10) – 1 Overlocker Machine
- Thandanani Luncheon Club (Ward 8) – 1 Sewing Machine
- Bhongolethu Luncheon Club (Ward 8) – 1 Overlocker Machine
- Kokstad Senior Citizens Club (Ward 9) – 1 Overlocker Machine
Official Response
Municipal officials praised the occasion as an embodiment of unity across generations.
“It’s not just about celebration; it’s about purpose. Our young women carry our culture forward, while our elders remain the backbone of our community development,” said a spokesperson for Greater Kokstad Municipality.
Health and Social Development representatives also emphasized the need for ongoing intergenerational programmes that promote wellbeing, skills development, and dignity.
Community Impact
The initiative served as a symbolic and practical gesture during Heritage Month, fostering pride and purpose among Kokstad residents. Youth felt recognized for their role in cultural preservation, while elders received tools to continue contributing meaningfully to community life.
Ward councillors and community leaders expressed gratitude for the inclusive approach:
“This programme is a bridge linking the past, present, and future of Kokstad,” said one local leader.
FAQ
When will the maidens leave for Ophongolo?
They will depart on 12 September 2025.
Where is the cultural gathering taking place?
In Ophongolo, KwaZulu-Natal.
Who received equipment support?
Senior citizen organisations in Wards 2, 4, 8, 9, and 10 of Kokstad.
