(Picture Credit: MEC Leah Mabuza (Facebook)
By Duncan Mnisi
Middleburg, Mpumalanga – The provincial government, led by MEC Leah Mabuza, who represented Premier Mandla Ndlovu, hosted an event on the weekend at the Sydney Choma Banquet Hall in Steve Tshwete Municipality that underscored the historical significance of the day and highlighted ongoing efforts to uplift women across the province.
During her address, MEC Mabuza paid tribute to the over 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to protest pass laws, a pivotal moment in South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
She emphasized that their resilience continues to inspire current initiatives aimed at fostering social and economic progress.
The MEC highlighted the province’s strides in economic development, proudly announcing that Mpumalanga now ranks second nationally in job creation—a notable improvement from seventh place—reflecting the province’s dedication to inclusive growth.
Addressing the critical issue of gender-based violence (GBV), MEC Mabuza spoke about the deployment of Rapid Response Teams across municipalities.
These teams are vital to providing immediate support to victims and ensuring swift justice, part of the province’s broader strategy to combat violence against women and girls.
The government’s programs targeted key challenges such as unemployment, GBV, and limited economic participation by women. Initiatives included awareness campaigns against gender violence, child protection efforts, and leadership development programs.
Support for women entrepreneurs was reinforced through policies favoring procurement from women-owned businesses, with plans to allocate nearly 50% of government contracts to them in the next financial year. Additionally, efforts to promote women’s involvement in renewable energy, green economy projects, and sustainable agriculture were highlighted as pathways to resilience and inclusive growth.
Education and skills training also played a crucial role, with over 700 women and youth benefiting from programs in hospitality, technical skills, and entrepreneurship, facilitated by the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust. These initiatives aim to empower women to participate fully in the province’s economic landscape.
Recognizing community efforts, non-profit organizations like Good Morning Kids Zone received acknowledgment for supporting vulnerable children and the elderly through social programs and food distribution, reflecting a holistic approach to social development.
Premier Mandla reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gender equality, quoting Nelson Mandela: “Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all forms of discrimination and poverty.”
The MEC announced the launch of a 90-Day Plan to combat GBV and femicide, designed to enhance multi-sectoral responses and foster a society where women and girls can live free from violence, discrimination, and poverty.
As the province reflects on its achievements and ongoing challenges, it is clear that Mpumalanga remains committed to creating a future where every woman and girl can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity.
