The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Student Representative Council (SRC) members and student leaders will engage with top national and provincial officials during a Women’s Month dialogue on Friday, 15 August, at the Senate Chambers on the University of Durban-Westville campus. The event will be led by Hon. Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
The dialogue is an initiative of the organisers of Symphony by the Water, a one-day music festival to be staged on Saturday, 4 October, on the banks of Midmar Dam with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and special guests. As part of their community commitment, the organisers have hosted several outreach projects, including Mandela Day support for two Pietermaritzburg children’s homes.
Hon. Deputy Minister Letsike will be joined by UKZN Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Poku, KZN MEC for Arts and Culture Hon. Mntomuhle Khawula, SBD Business Systems CEO Mr. Themba Ndhlovu, UKZN Dean of Clinical Medicine Prof. Bonga Chiliza, KZN Legislature Speaker Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, Deputy Minister of Tourism Hon. Makhotso Sotyu, and Student Representative Council members from all UKZN campuses.
Event director Njabulo Shangase said the Women’s Day Dialogue 2025 aims to address South Africa’s high levels of Gender-Based Violence and disparities in women’s health, leadership, and economic participation. The programme will explore GBV prevention, women’s entrepreneurship, mental health and healing, leadership, disability inclusion, campus safety, and the role of the arts in social change.
UKZN alumnae will provide entertainment, including lyric soprano Busisiwe Shazi from KwaMashu and Eastern Cape-born poet and author Lucy Mbali, known as Lucy Impondokazi.
“This event will not only spark vital conversations but also provide a platform for emerging and established female talent,” said Shangase.
For more information, contact Gail Cornhill via WhatsApp at +27 82 445 2577.
