EMALAHLENI – Women’s Day celebrations in Ackerville brought faith, community and civic leaders together on 8 August 2026 for discussions on mental health, gender-based violence, women’s leadership, financial wellbeing and challenges facing young people.
The event, held at Elshaddai Christian Centre, was hosted by Phidisa Community Project in partnership with eMalahleni Elshaddai Christian Centre and the Thandolwethu Kini Foundation.
eMalahleni Local Municipality Speaker Millicent Shabangu reflected on the legacy of the women of 1956, saying their courage had created opportunities for generations that followed. She urged women to carry that legacy forward by confronting challenges with courage and supporting one another, particularly in leadership and decision-making.
Shabangu also highlighted mental health, warning that burnout, anxiety and unresolved trauma affect people across society.
“Your mental health matters more than anything else,” she said, urging people to speak openly about emotional struggles before they affect relationships and families.
On gender-based violence and domestic abuse, Shabangu urged women in abusive relationships to prioritise their safety rather than remain in harmful situations because of social pressure or fear of judgement.
“If a situation is abusive, get out!” she said, stressing that respect for tradition should never be used to justify violence.
She also encouraged women to support those seeking leadership positions in politics, local government and traditionally male-dominated sectors such as construction.
The wellbeing of young people, particularly those returning from substance abuse rehabilitation, was another concern.
“When a child returns from rehabilitation, we must support them,” Shabangu said.
Thami Nkosi of Anazao Mental Care urged communities to distinguish between mental illness and spiritual beliefs, highlighting conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and postnatal depression. He stressed the importance of professional assessment and treatment, saying faith could provide support but should not replace professional mental healthcare where clinical intervention is required.
Nkosi also highlighted men’s mental health, saying unresolved trauma, family responsibilities and workplace pressure could affect emotional wellbeing and contribute to substance abuse.
“We are encouraging people at Anazao that after all that has happened, you can bounce back. You can make it. You can do it again,” he said.
Pertunia Thabethe from Old Mutual encouraged women to make responsible financial decisions, live within their means and prioritise education and personal development rather than spending to maintain appearances.
“Clothes get torn and phones get lost, but education lasts a lifetime,” she said.
The gathering highlighted that women’s empowerment extends beyond celebrating achievements and includes addressing mental health, violence, substance abuse, financial pressures and unequal access to leadership opportunities.
