Unisa’s Institute for Social and Health Sciences’ (ISHS) Friendship and Hope Campaign commenced with its first social cohesion event for 2022. The Women's Day-related event was hosted in partnership with Imbumbe Yabafazi on 20 August 2022. The Friendship and Hope Campaign aims to create social connections and foster social cohesion amongst the Thembelihle and Lenasia community in Johannesburg South’s Region G.

Drawing on its objectives to bring attention to the dynamic work done in Thembelihle, and to attract resources and support to the community through networking, the event saw many women come from various backgrounds gathering in unity. This resulted in an enlightening and fruitful day for all.

Amongst the guests at the event were women from, Unisa Women's Forum (UWF) represented by Ms Hetta Pieterse of Unisa Press; South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID), represented by Mrs Suraya Bibi Bhyat-Khan, Ms Ntsoaki Mohapi and Ms Puseletso Madumise; Gift of the Givers represented by Ms Karabo Buffel and Mr Vuyo Mdondolo  as well as community partners from surrounding areas such as Vlakfontein and Lehae.

The day’s discussions began with Ms Zandile Chuma from the Institute's Early Childhood Development (ECD) network. She spoke about the ECD work – Ntirhisano Childhood Development, which is based in Thembelihle. She highlighted how this work contributes to the women in the community. This was followed by Ms Leonie Petersen, Programme Ambassador at Articulating Life, who shared her journey of transitioning her family from public schooling to a home-schooling system, and the responses thereof. Mme Moipone Ntilane, who works with people with disabilities, elaborated on the extent of the work that her organisation undertakes, and the overall assistance they require.

Ms Ntsoaki Mohapi (South African Women in Dialogue) discusses the books authored by different women from all walks of life, which sponsored by Ambassador Nozipho January- Bardill.

Partner organisations then responded with presentations of their work. Vlakfontein Men’s Forum (VMF), founded by Mr Bennet Ndzoko, spoke on their work of mentoring young men in the community, with Mr Steve Mahumane, describing himself as a product of this mentorship programme. This was an impactful moment which highlighted their efforts to address issues that also affect women such as domestic abuse. Mrs Bhyat-Khan followed with a presentation on SAWID’s National Action Plan for Women’s Peace and Safety. She also shared emotional personal stories of the experiences and events that led her to be active in the fight for women.

Entertaining the crowd was Ubuhlebendalo Youth Cultural Group, a group of young maidens managed by Nomvula Tsotsetsi from Lehae. They showcased their traditional Zulu dances. Local musical talent, Ms Nontobeko Simelane, gave the ladies a taste of her vocal ability as she performed her songs Ndaliwe and Uhamba Nami from her album also titled Ndaliwe.

The day concluded on a joyous note as the ladies received giftbags courtesy of the Institute,Unisa’s College of Human Sciences, Unisa press, Media 24, Discovery, and Ambassador Nozipho January-Bardill, who provided signed copies of her book for each woman. Additionally, Gift of the Givers donated toiletry packs to the ladies. Additional sponsors to thank are FilTeg Solutions and JD funerals, who donated water bottles, as well as PEM Audiotainment who sponsored the sound.

This event, noted as the first women focused event of the campaign since its launch in 2018, would not have been possible without the dedication and commitments received from the current campaign lead, Ms Nomagugu Ngwenya and colleagues of the ISHS, Ms Vuyiswa Mhlongo (Founder: Imbumbe Yabafazi), all sponsors and speakers as well as each community member. We are certain that more will come from the campaign and that the upcoming soccer tournament in Thembelihle will be equally a success.

*Written by Duduzile Skosana (ISHS Marketing and Communications Intern)