Alfred Duma Local Municipality Celebrates Women’s Day with Women-Owned Cooperatives
On Saturday, 9 August 2025, the Alfred Duma Local Municipality, under the leadership of His Worship the Mayor, Cllr ZJ Sibisi, marked Women’s Day by celebrating and empowering women-owned cooperatives in Ward 19 and Ward 32.
Empowering women in agriculture, the Deputy Mayor, Cllr S Simelane, in collaboration with the Local Economic Development under DPHS department, visited the Watershed Ziyaqhiyama Primary Cooperative in Ward 19, led by Cllr S Mswane. The event was attended by Cllr TP Dlamini and Cllr T Mlaba. The purpose of the visit was to hand over a Jojo tank and crop material to the 3.5-hectare Ziyaqhiyama Primary Cooperative farm, which is owned by three women from Ward 19 and was established in February 2025.
This initiative forms part of the municipality’s ongoing strategy to promote self-help and self-reliance while also celebrating the strength, determination, and resilience of women in the community.
Celebrating Women’s Day – Ward 32
His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Zama Sibisi, also visited Nazareth Community Hall in Ward 32, under the leadership of Cllr Ngubane. The event, initiated by Ndlunkulu Nxumalo, was held under the theme Malibongwe Igama Lamakhosikazi and focused on empowering women in business, particularly in farming. Attendees included Cllr Ngubane, Cllr Nzuza, Cllr Zuma, Ndlunkulu Nxumalo, Abantwana basendlunkulu, Izinduna, and community members.
Stakeholders such as healthcare representatives were present, emphasizing the importance of utilizing local healthcare facilities.
During the event, Mayor Sibisi celebrated his birthday with the Nazareth community and handed over crop material, seeds, and fertilizers to local women-owned cooperatives. He commended Ndlunkulu Nxumalo for her dedication to empowering women through traditional leadership and applauded the government for including women in traditional leadership roles, such as amakhosi and izinduna.
Mayor further emphasized the importance of creating a society free from gender-based violence and encouraged the community to report crime and drug abuse to local authorities. He highlighted the vital role women play in building strong families and communities. On 14 August 2025, Mayor Sibisi will lead a march in Ward 23, initiated by women to combat crime and other social ills.
Ndlunkulu Nxumalo expressed her gratitude to Mayor Sibisi for celebrating his birthday with the women of Ward 32 and for his generous donations. She encouraged women to participate in the fight against crime, support local leadership, and attend war room meetings. She also thanked community members who contributed to local security efforts.
Issued by Alfred Duma Local Municipality Communications and IGR Section