SALGA Western Cape successfully hosted a two-day Women's Commission Lekgotla in Arniston, Western Cape on 5 and 6 September 2024

Posted: 07 September 2024

This year's Western Cape SALGA Women's Commission (SWC) brought together influential speakers who delved into vital topics shaping the future of women in local government. Over the two days, discussions centred around strengthening women's leadership, driving gender mainstreaming in governance and co-creating sustainable development.

Key highlights included an address by outgoing Western Cape SWC Chairperson Cllr. Helen Coetzee who expressed how special it is for her to have the Lekgotla hosted in her hometown of Arniston.

"For me, hosting this gathering in Arniston is incredibly meaningful. It's a place where simplicity meets strength, history meets progress, and the values of community and care run deep. I hope you feel the same sense of inspiration and renewal here that so many of us do," she said.

An address by Ald. Donovan Joubert, Chairperson of SALGA Western Cape PEC reminded the delegates of the powerful role women have played in shaping change throughout history, from leading civil rights movements to driving environmental conservation.

"Women are proven leaders and change-makers, whether in corporate spaces where businesses thrive under their leadership or in communities where they stand as pillars of resilience and innovation," he said.
Ald. Joubert also emphasised that gender equality is not a battle for one gender alone, but a collective effort for everyone. "True progress can only be achieved when all of us, irrespective of gender, join hands to champion equality," he added.

Cllr. Flora Maboa-Boltman, SALGA Deputy President and Acting Chairperson of the National SWC delivered a keynote address stressing the urgent need to accelerate efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV). Shockingly, almost 11 women are murdered daily in South Africa, with over a third killed by intimate partners, and gun violence being the leading cause of death for women. In provinces like the Eastern Cape, where violence against women and children is especially severe, the SWC has made this a central focus.
Aligned with Thematic Area 7 of the SWC's Programme of Action, which seeks to enhance local government responses to social justice and gender equality, the SWC is spearheading initiatives to address GBV. These include Supporting municipalities in localising the National Strategic Plan for GBVF in partnership with key organisations like DWYPD, World of Impact, and COGTA.

A panel discussion on "Enhancing Women's Leadership in Local Government" included panelists such as Prince Albert Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr. Linda Jaquet, along with Cllr. Flora Maboa-Boltman, Cllr. Theresa Els and Ms. Anneleen Vorster, Prince Albert Municipality's Municipal Manager. Speaking on the topic of diverse leadership, Cllr. Linda Jaquet emphasized that true quality leadership is defined by actions, not just words. She said leadership is about fostering an environment where diverse perspectives and voices are genuinely valued - that is the essence of inclusivity.

The panelists that explored the topic of Gender Mainstreaming in Governance included:

• Ms. Mpelo Malebye, Provincial Manager at the Commission for Gender Equality.
• Mr. Craig Mitchell, Director of Public Participation at the Department of Local Government.
• Ms. Funeka Mayembana, Gender Focal Person at Stellenbosch Municipality.

Mr. Mitchell presented actionable strategies for incorporating gender mainstreaming into local government, specifically addressing the training and capacity-building initiatives for officials. Ms. Malebye shared a vision for gender-responsive governance, highlighting its positive impacts. Ms. Makaula emphasized the significance of the Provincial Gender Machinery in advancing this agenda. Ms. Makaula highlighted that they made recommendations to the Western Cape government to incorporate gender-responsive budgeting, alongside clear performance indicators and targets, to be implemented over the next five years and beyond.

Another panel discussion centered on Co-creating Sustainable Development. The panelists included Ms. Karen Shippey, Chief Director for Environmental Sustainability at the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, who delved into the vital role women play in Climate-Resilient Development. The other distinguished panelists include Ms. Marthe Muller, COO of South African Women in Dialogue; Ms. Sixolile Ngcobo, Director of Localisation Navigator at World of Impact; and Ms. Jo-ann Krieger, Director of Development Services at Swartland Municipality.

Ms. Karen Shippey emphasised the critical aspects of operationalising climate change resilience, highlighting the centrality of climate justice in climate-resilient development. She pointed out that every decision moving forward will either advance or hinder climate resilience. She further drew attention to the disproportionate impact of heatwaves on women and children in informal settlements. Her presentation further underscored gender disparities in salaries, which stem from a range of issues including gender roles, asset ownership, resource access, gender-based violence and women's health. The discussions stressed the need to mainstream gender inclusively, ensuring that people living with disabilities are not left behind, and emphasised the importance of involving civil society in dialogues about climate resilience and development. Additionally, the significance of having gender-focal persons on the agenda was highlighted.

Ms. Marthe Muller outlined the work of South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID), emphasising the organisation's commitment to advocating for gender issues and uplifting women. SAWID also acknowledges the importance of women and diverse spiritualities. In her presentation, Ms. Muller also touched on celestial messages and their connection to African women's spirituality, including alignment with the divine, equality, social sustainability, environmental stewardship, education and spiritual growth.
Ms. Nozibele Makanda, SALGA's Portfolio Head of Health, Community Services, and Inclusivity, shared insights on the Multi-Party Women Commissions (MPWCs).

Ms. Makanda mentioned that to advance the gender transformation agenda and ensure local government is held accountable to gender equality bodies, SALGA has established structures at various levels. These include the SALGA Women's Commission (SWC) at both provincial and national levels, and Multi-Party Women Commissions (MPWCs) at the municipal level. SALGA is also required to report to several bodies, including the Commission for Gender Equality, the UCLG, Multi-Party Women's Caucuses in legislatures and Parliament, and on the progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, Ms. Makanda said that mechanisms to oversee and enforce gender transformation in local government remain weak. It is crucial to strengthen MPWCs by establishing them as Section 79 committees within municipalities.

Ms. Sixolile Ngcobo highlighted the significance of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which focuses on gender equality and aims to eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination against women. In her presentation, Ms. Ngcobo indicated the importance of this goal, particularly concerning ending and addressing forced marriages that continue to affect young women.
She noted that in 2023, four municipalities participated in a 100-day challenge to combat GBV. Building on this momentum, 38 municipalities have joined the effort in 2024, indicating a growing commitment to addressing this critical issue. The initiative is aligned with SDG 5 and reflects a broader movement toward achieving gender equality across South Africa.

Ms. Jo-Ann Krieger touched on the critical role of local government in addressing gender equality and women's issues. Speaking on the frameworks available to help meet community needs, Ms. Krieger emphasised the responsibility of municipalities to bridge gaps in service and support, particularly in the fight against GBV.
She shared the impactful initiatives being undertaken in Swartland Municipality, where GBV-related efforts are making a tangible difference. Trained Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Ambassadors have been equipped to raise awareness about GBV within their communities, providing critical information on where victims can seek assistance. These initiatives are part of a broader local strategy to combat GBV, ensuring that help is both accessible and responsive to the needs of those affected.

At the end of the SWC Lekgotla, the women leaders in local government were confident that its intended outcomes had been successfully achieved. By enhancing women's leadership, mainstreaming gender in governance, fostering sustainable development and building resilient communities, the Lekgotla has empowered participants to become drivers of meaningful change. Together, they have strengthened their capacities, integrated gender perspectives and laid a strong foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth, empowering women to shape more resilient and equitable communities for the future.