Women’s Month celebrations continued on 13 August 2026 with an event that brought together women and young people to reflect on the strength, resilience and leadership of women, while drawing inspiration from generations that came before them.
Led by Vuyiswa Mhlongo of IMBUMBA Yabafazi, the event was held in collaboration with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the University of South Africa (UNISA) College of Human Sciences.
Held under the theme “Shaping Our Future: Inspired by the Women of Yesteryear,” the programme placed a strong focus on resilience, dignity, leadership and justice, while encouraging women to recognise their abilities and the important role they continue to play in families and communities.
One of the highlights of the celebration was a prayer-poem delivered by Kulungile Nokwazi Tshabalala of Umusa Community Development Projects, daughter of Pastor Nomsa. Her message focused particularly on young women, encouraging them to recognise their worth, embrace their individuality and confidently pursue their purpose.
“My prayer for women this month is that every woman would know and never forget that from creation you are distinct, divinely equipped and born invaluable. You are not an afterthought,” Tshabalala said.
She encouraged women not to diminish themselves or doubt their capabilities, describing their strength as grounded and their intelligence as strategic.
Tshabalala also used her message to call for greater unity and support among women, particularly as young women navigate their own journeys of growth and leadership.
“When another woman rises in her lane, celebrate her. Applaud her. Stay rooted in your own lane, knowing that we are uniquely purposed. There will be a time to shine, a time to rest, a time to grow and a time to lead,” she said.
Her prayer further encouraged young women to embrace their talents and use them to strengthen their families, communities and the country.
Concluding her message, Tshabalala emphasised that the success of one woman does not have to come at the expense of another.
“There is abundance, and there is enough space for all of us. Let us release selfishness and scarcity. There is more than enough success, more than enough opportunity, more than enough ‘piece of the cake to go around’,” she said.
The Women’s Month gathering served as both a celebration of the contributions made by women of previous generations and a reminder of the responsibility carried by the next generation to continue building communities rooted in dignity, resilience, leadership and justice.
