With the conclusion of Women’s Month, we bid farewell to the Isithebe Women’s Conference 2021 but not to women’s rights. The final curtain-call event was a widows’ dialogue programme which brought joy, laughter and tears to many.
Widows were celebrated for the role they play in the grooming and nurturing of families, which are the foundation in shaping and developing a healthy society. Event organiser and founder of Makoti Life and Style, Lethiwe Dlamini Shabalala, said that the programme was aimed to inspire, develop and give widows an insight as to opportunities available for them and their children in assisting them to lead a sustainable life after the husband, who plays a significant role in the family, passes on. “Many times, the wife is left to pick up the pieces and fend for her family. It is very often not an easy task as some of them are not able to read and write. They also suffer from depression, anxiety and much more which leaves the family in great distress,” said Shabalala. Speakers were on point and their message clear – it’s okay to cry but learn to move on for the sake of your children’s future. “You need to soar and to fight tooth and nail for your children but most importantly for yourself,” said Evangelist Mrs Nxumalo, who was one of the speakers of the day.
Mika Fruits and Vegetables kindly donated to the widows a pack of fresh fruits and vegetables to take home to the children. “We are grateful to everyone who gave our widows and old people something to take home after the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the looting is being felt, especially by those who are living on a government grant,” said Shabalala. Mrs Khumalo, who is a crafter by trade, also encouraged widows to use their hands to survive, like knitting, hand crafting, weaving and baking. She also encouraged vegetable gardening and opening up small businesses in order to provide financial assistance. The young widows were encouraged to take on the business industry and merge to form NPOs and corporatives in order to survive in unity.To end off the month-long empowerment and celebrations, the Blue Ridge Crystal Lodge hosted the beautiful ladies for the grande finale. The threats of hail and snow did not stop these phenomenal women from gracing Blue Ridge with their presence and flamboyant hats and outfits were the order of the day.
Mrs Simelane, who is the Operational Manager of Madadeni Hospital, highlighted the importance of women taking care of their bodies, especially during these trying times. The event closed on a high note with entertainers from Afro Pop and contemporary poetry. “I would like to thank each person, the Newcastle community and especially the Newcastle Express for such great support from the first week until the last day of the event. I promise that next year will be even bigger and better. I also plead with potential funders and sponsors to lend a helping hand in supporting these women development initiatives that have contributed greatly to the lives of women and children,” said Shabalala.
