EMPOWERING WOMEN: A CELEBRATION OF STRENGTH AT ZANELE MBEKI FRAIL CARE CENTRE

By Lwazi September

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted a Women’s Day celebration at the Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre to honour the spirit and strength of women during South Africa’s Women’s Month.
• The session was inspired by the historic 1956 women’s march against apartheid, focusing on themes of self-love, self-care, and the importance of recognising one’s worth.
• Participants, including staff and residents, shared their hopes for positive change, unity, and empowerment among the women in their community.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted a vibrant Women’s Day celebration at the Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre in Nigel. The session, held in honour of Women’s Month, brought women together to celebrate their collective strength, resilience, and the value of self-love.

August holds special significance in South Africa as Women’s Month—a time to reflect on the historic march of 9 August 1956, when women from across the country marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against apartheid laws. This pivotal moment in history serves as a powerful reminder of women’s courage and determination, making August a month dedicated to celebrating and empowering women.

The atmosphere at Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre was filled with joy and excitement as women participated in the celebration. Njabulo Ntuli, a Social Auxiliary Worker at the centre, shared her hopes for the impact of the event: “I want to see positive changes among the women and staff at Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre. My wish is for everyone to leave this event feeling encouraged and with a fresh perspective.”

The celebration focused on spreading a powerful message of self-love, self-care, and prioritising oneself as a woman. “We as women need to love ourselves,” Ntuli emphasised, underscoring the importance of self-affirmation and recognising one’s own worth.

Sessions like this are vital for uplifting women, making them feel valued and relevant in today’s world. Inspired by her love for her fellow women, Ntuli was passionate about hosting the celebration. “I’m not only celebrating other women; I’m also celebrating myself,” she said, highlighting the significance of self-celebration.

The key takeaway from the event was the importance of putting oneself first as a woman, understanding one’s value, and embracing the fact that every woman is unique and special. The celebration served as a reminder for all women to know themselves better and to cherish their intrinsic worth.