- Umzimvubu Municipality’s Women’s Month Celebration: The event held on 27 August 2025 at Sipilini Community Hall gathered women and stakeholders to celebrate and honor the vital role of women in society, emphasizing unity and resilience.
- Keynote Address by Mayor Zukiswa Ndevu: Mayor Ndevu highlighted the importance of continuing to empower women and fight gender-based violence, encouraging a community where women can lead and thrive.
- Community Empowerment and Support Initiatives: The municipality distributed grocery vouchers to women across wards and donated essential household items to the Matshata family, promoting community care and support.
Umzimvubu Local Municipality brought Women’s Month to a vibrant and heartfelt close on 27 August 2025, with a powerful celebration held at Sipilini Community Hall in Ward 16, KwaBhaca.
The event brought together women from across the municipality and welcomed key stakeholders including the South African Police Service, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the Department of Social Development, and the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC).
Mayor Zukiswa Ndevu delivered a rousing address in which she honoured the vital role women play in society.
“Women’s Month is not just a moment to honour your contribution,” said Mayor Ndevu. “It is a call to continue uplifting, empowering, and recognising the vital role you play in our communities and future. Together, let us build a municipality where women thrive, lead, and unite in fighting gender-based violence.”
The celebration carried a strong message of unity, resilience, and hope. Community elder Mam’ Maqelana affectionately known as Mamisto encouraged women to support one another and recognise their leadership strength both at home and in the workplace. Her words resonated with many in the audience, sparking conversations around sisterhood and solidarity.
As part of the empowerment efforts, the municipality distributed grocery vouchers to two women from each ward across Umzimvubu. In a touching act of community care, the Matshata family of Sipilini received a donation that included essential household items such as a bed, wardrobe, cupboard, blankets, and other necessities.
The celebration served not only as a tribute to women but also as a call to action reminding the community of the ongoing need to combat gender-based violence and support women in all areas of life.
