EMALAHLENI – The Office of the Speaker has delivered vital support to a group of elderly women engaged in small-scale farming, aligning with the vision of “Building Resilient Economies for All.”
Speaker of Council, Cllr N.M. Shabangu, visited the Phakamani Zimbokodo farming group in Hlanikahle, Ward 2, to hand over essential agricultural resources. The donation included a JoJo tank for water storage, fencing materials, and various gardening tools. These contributions are intended to strengthen the group’s agricultural efforts, directly enhancing their ability to sustain their livelihoods and boost local food security.
Cllr. Shabangu emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable groups, particularly elderly women who often play a pivotal role in the community’s economic stability. “By providing these critical resources, we aim to empower these women, enabling them to overcome challenges and contribute more effectively to their households and local economies,” the Speaker stated.
The visit also served as a platform for the Speaker to address a pressing social issue, making a strong appeal for the protection of women and encouraging communities to stand firmly against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). “In this Women’s Month, we have noted cases of GBVF in Emalahleni. We stand with the victims, and the Office of the Speaker will be in full support of the affected families and victims,” she asserted.
The initiative is part of a broader municipal vision to build stronger, more resilient communities through targeted development. The Office of the Speaker extended gratitude to contributing stakeholders, specifically mentioning Thungela and Jibilika Construction, and encouraged continued support for community upliftment projects.
