KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka, has called upon municipalities in the province to prioritise the empowerment of women and the youth. Hlomuka made these remarks today at the Sectoral Dialogue on Women Empowerment in the Greater Kokstad local municipality.
“It is important that we empower women, especially those in our rural areas. As the government, we want to see women playing an active role in growing the economy of our province. We want to see our municipalities taking the lead in ensuring that they source services from local businesses, particularly those that are owned by women and the youth,” said Hlomuka.
The Mayor of Greater Kokstad Cllr B. Mtolo and the District Mayor of Harry Gwala Cllr N. Maphasa-Duma attended the Dialogue. The mayors committed themselves to continuing with programmes, like these, that are aimed at empowering women.
Officials from various government departments, including Agriculture, Economic Development, Human Settlements, and Arts and Culture also shared their women empowerment programmes.
“There is a variety of opportunities offered to women by this government. The department offers bursaries in Town and Regional Planning, Land Surveying, Project Management, etc, and we encourage black women to take interest in these male-dominated fields and start forming companies in order to benefit from projects provided by the department,” said Mduduzi Nhlozi from Human Settlements.
The gathering was a precursor to the Operation Sukuma Sakhe visit to all the wards in the Greater Kokstad local municipality by the KZN Premier and members of his cabinet tomorrow, 28 August. The large delegation will interact with communities on various service delivery issues.
For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Senzelwe Mzila 082 474 1882
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