AMPLIFYING AWARENESS OF THE STRUGGLES AND RESILIENCE OF WIDOWS IN KZN

By Nonhlakanipho Masola.

• ⁠Department of Social Development hosted a special event in eDumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, to draw attention to women who are often overlooked and even ignored – the widow.
• The event, designated Widow’s Day, was part of the National Widows Programme, which seeks to confront socio-economic challenges, harmful traditions, and systemic injustices affecting widows.
• The presence of uNdlunkulu Jabu Dlamini of eBukhosini bakwaDlamini in eBadeni at the event underscored the important role of traditional leadership in supporting vulnerable groups.

“We are happy that our government cares for us widows,” said uNdlunkulu Jabu Dlamini of eBukhosini bakwaDlamini in eBadeni, as she addressed widows gathered in northern KwaZulu-Natal today, 22 August 2025.

The event in eDumbe, just over 40km from Vryheid, was organised by the national Department of Social Development in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development to commemorate Widows Day and draw attention to women who are often overlooked and even ignored – the widows in the community.

Although International Widows Day is observed on 23 June, the department chose to host the commemoration during Women’s Month to amplify awareness of the struggles and resilience of widows in KwaZulu-Natal.

uNdlunkulu’s presence at the commemoration underscored the important role of traditional leadership in supporting vulnerable groups and ensuring that the voices of widows are not only heard but also acted upon.

uNdlunkulu delivered feedback from recent community dialogues with widows in eDumbe, where concerns were raised about cultural and religious oppression, socio-economic struggles, and the injustices many women face after losing a spouse.

As a traditional leader, her participation carried significance, signalling that cultural authorities must stand alongside government in addressing the daily hardships of widows, while also challenging harmful practices that perpetuate their suffering.

The session formed part of the National Widows Programme, which seeks to confront socio-economic challenges, harmful traditions, and systemic injustices affecting widows.

The programme is anchored in South Africa’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Widows shared their personal struggles, highlighting how social grants remain their only lifeline.

Many explained that the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress and the Child Support Grant help sustain their households, as the majority of them are unemployed.

They also called for ongoing psychosocial support from the Department of Social Development to help them cope with grief, trauma, and social isolation.

uNndlunkulu painted a stark picture of the realities faced by widows, noting the family conflicts that often erupt after a husband’s death.

“Children start behaving differently compared to when their father was alive, and family members, especially from the husband’s side, often take advantage of the situation, even trying to claim the children’s inheritance,” she explained.

She also spoke of the stigma widows endure in society, even through the clothes they are expected to wear during mourning. “The clothes feel heavy because society treats us as though a dark cloud hangs over us.

This stigma has followed widows for generations,” she added.

In her appeal, uNdlunkulu called for practical support from the government, including access to land, opportunities for economic empowerment, and assistance for children to pursue education and employment.

“We would be grateful if the government could assist us with land to cultivate and support our families. We also want our children to be supported in accessing education and jobs so that they can contribute to the household, but at the same time, we ask for assistance so that the burden does not fall on them alone,” she said.

Her voice gave weight to the proceedings, reminding those present that traditional leaders are not only custodians of culture but also bear responsibility for championing the rights and dignity of widows within their communities.

The engagement ended with a message of gratitude and hope. “We are thankful that, through this programme, we at least feel heard and seen,” uNndlunkulu concluded, reflecting the collective sentiment of widows who, for too long, have been marginalised.