MEC SHONGWE WARN WIDOWS AGAINST BEN10s
By Staff Reporter
Mbombela widows and widowers from all corners of the province were honored by the Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Ms. Makhosazane Masilela during the Widows Forum that was held at KwaMhlanga Government Complex Chamber last week. The Widows Forum aimed at providing platforms for widows to discuss matters that affect them within society due to the loss of their loved ones. The Widows Forum will be celebrated under the theme: “Making follow up on promises made by government”.
“This occasion is convened as an important platform for dialogue and conversation, to raise public awareness, share experiences, share knowledge, educate and inspire women who have had to undergo the sudden loss of loved ones,” said Speaker Makhosazane Masilela.
“We call for more reliable access to quality education so that the youth are empowered to be their liberators,” further said Speaker Masilela.
Ms. Molta Mavuso, the Manager in the Office of the Gender Commission, was applauded for reporting that an Act was passed in Parliament which is aimed at alleviating tax implications for widows.
Ms. Mumsy Mtsweni a representative from the Department of Social Development highlighted some of the challenges faced by most widows in the province such as the ritual of bathing late at night, not being allowed to sit in the front seat of a taxi, etc.
She further stated that widows are usually robbed of their husband’s estate by in-laws and the accusations leveled against them after the passing on of their loved ones which has been a very painful experience for most widows. She also requested the community to support widows in raising their loved ones.
Mr. Mabhuma, a representative from the Department of Home Affairs encouraged people to register their customary marriage because it is difficult to register the marriage after the passing-on of a partner. “The registering of a marriage after the passing-on of a spouse can take more than five months,” further warned Mr. Mabhuma.
“Please make sure that you draw a will with a legal institution, a will make it easier to execute an estate,” pleaded Ms. Ester Baloyi, an attorney from the Department of Justice.
She further discouraged widows and widowers from remarrying in community of property since by so doing they will be transferring their wealth to the new marriage”.
MEC for the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation, Ms. Thandi Shongwe, who also lost her husband pleaded with widows and widowers to have good character and to be rooted in Jesus Christ. She further discouraged them from dating young men (Ben 10s).
MEC Shongwe shared her challenges as a widow and she encouraged widows and widowers to use state lawyers because they are affordable.
Ms. Masimula, the founder of the Widows Forum in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality mentioned poverty and unemployment as key challenges faced by widows and she further requested that government should assist them by building a shelter for widows in the area.
