21/08/2026
MPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE HOSTS WOMEN PARLIAMENT IN BLM
The Mpumalanga Provincial Women’s Parliament was held today, 21 August 2026, at the Miriam Mogakane Community Hall in Acornhoek, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.
The event was preceded by 2 days dialogues ,one held on Thursday last week and yesterday ,the 20th August at the same venue.
The event was attended by Mpumalanga Premier ,Mr Mandla Ndlovu ,Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina P**e, Speaker of the Legislature ,Ms Makhosazana Masilela, Members of the Legislature BLM Troika ( Executive Mayor Cllr Moroane, Speaker of Council , Cllr Raganya and Chiefwhip, Cllr Malandule) with female councillors ,Women in Construction and women from all the Districts in the province.
Welcoming the delegates,the Executive Mayor, Cllr Moroane paid tribute to the Women who came before us , “who paved the way for us , and that today we enjoy the freedom acquired through their sweat”.
She encouraged the delegates to get time and visit Mariepskop, a beautiful mountain where the province is planning to build a cable way, the same as the one in Cape Town”.
Messages of support were received from all the political parties that are represented in the legislature and from Dr Norah Fakude, who encouraged Women to believe in their potential and not consider themselves as inferior,people who cannot make positive and meaningful change in the communities they reside.
From the 2026 Women s day theme, “Empowered Women Empower Nations,” the gathering provided a platform for women to discuss the challenges affecting them and propose measures to advance women’s empowerment, equality, safety and meaningful participation in society.
In his adress, Premier Mandla Ndlovu reaffirmed the Mpumalanga Provincial government’s commitment of appointing/promoting qualified Women in Senior Management Positions, he reported that women currently occupy at least 46% of Senior Management positions , he emphasised that we are not yet there, we still have a long way to go to reach the acceptable percentage.”
The Premier also highlighted the issue of GBVF which is prevalent in the province , with reports of teenage girls between the ages of 10-14 years having given birth to babies while they themselves are still children,this is really a concern to us as government.
Eliminating GBVF must be everyone’s responsibility,”alluded the Premier.
The gathering also celebrated women who have shattered the proverbial glass ceiling and assumed senior leadership positions, including female MECs, ministers, the Provincial Commissioner, the Provincial Director-General and many Women who occupies Senior positions in different departments and entities.
Delivering a keynote address,Minister of Social Development,Ms Dina P**e paid tribute to the late Ms Merriam Mogakane, after whom the community hall is named. Ms Mogakane was harassed,tortured and eventually killed by apartheid government .The Minister said it was fitting that the Women’s Parliament was held at a venue bearing her name. She also congratulated the women who participated in the dialogue sessions held in the days leading up to the main event.
Concerns were raised about teenage pregnancy, Gender -based violence and mental-health challenges. Women and young people were encouraged to seek assistance whenever they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. The minister emphasised that mental-health challenges are a reality and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage and strength.
The Minister called on the nation to recommit itself to ensuring that every girl child,regardless of where she lives or the circumstances into which she was born, is given an opportunity to grow and become whatever she aspires to be.
Young women were urged not to underestimate themselves, as their places of birth do not determine their future.
“While circumstances may shape their journeys, they should continue acquiring skills, reading and pursuing education to improve their lives”,alluded the Minister.
Women were encouraged to participate actively in civic and economic affairs in their communities and never surrender their voices. Young people who have registered to vote were also urged to exercise their democratic right by going out to vote in their numbers in November .
The gathering recognised the sacrifices of women who opened doors for future generations, including grandmothers who use their social grants to support their grandchildren instead of enjoying the money themselves. Women who are still struggling were encouraged not to lose hope, but to remain resilient because their time will come.
The Women’s Parliament concluded with a call to build communities in which women and girls are always protected.
