Widows get a helping hand
A PHILANTHROPIC initiative to honour widows was launched by the Okhahlamba Municipality in Bergville, which has partnered with the Methodist Church of South Africa in a bid to assist women in rural areas.
Hundreds of widows gathered at the local community hall where they shared their testimonials, challenges and struggles after losing their spouses.
According to municipal spokesperson Suraya Asmal, the church approached the rural municipality to host an event to establish a psychosocial support system for the widows who face a multitude of challenges.
She said it was an empowerment programme aimed at encouraging widows to self-organise, with the longterm goal of establishing a forum for ongoing support.
“The theme of the event was ‘Restoring the Dignity of a Widow’. A number of stakeholders formed part of the event. Some of these include governmental departments, NPOS, the Master of the High Court and the SA Human Rights Commission.
“Part of the event entailed testimonials from a number of widows who shared some of their struggles and challenges that they faced after losing their spouses,” she said.
Messages of support were offered as part of the programme. These included religious study about a widow and traditions, cultures and widows, strengthening the mental health of widows, human rights and widows, and the role of the Master of the High Court in the processes following the death of a spouse.
Amid concerns from opposition parties that the event was not brought before the council to detail the financial cost, Asmal said all expenses were paid for through donations.
They had complained that the ANC and NFP coalition municipality was spending its budget on non-service delivery events while it was lacking in the provision of basic services such as water and electricity.
Located in a deep rural town with vibrant agriculture and tourism, the Okhahlamba Municipality depended on the government, from which it received over 76% of its budget.
“The matter was not discussed in the council because it was a partnership with the church,” Asmal said.
IFP councillor Philani Zwane said it was a good initiative but they did not attend as they weren’t invited. DA councillor Michael Buthelezi said they weren’t invited, but they supported events that helped the community.
“We never oppose events with good intentions to benefit the community. However, there have been events organised to benefit certain individuals in this municipality. We have to ask questions at all times,” he said.