KNYSNA NEWS - In honour of August being National Women's Month, the South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) is celebrating the women behind the organisation in the Southern Cape.
In a press release issued by Samwu last week, the organisation stated that this month it is dedicated to celebrating the backbone of the union, the women.
The union honours the following women at the forefront and at the very heart of tackling pressing matters:
Lungiswa Kose, known to most as Mampondo, has been a representative of the union for over 14 years. She is fearless. Mampondo is vocal. She stands and fights for the truth and rights, especially of women. Literally at the forefront of every engagement and knows no filter.
Zoleka Henene joined the union three years ago and says she had an instant connection as representation is everything to her. Her journey with the union has taught her how to find a balance between fighting, finding a solution and the wisdom to know the difference. She advocates for all women to stand up and fight for what is rightfully theirs.
Knysna born and bred Carol Williams has been with Samwu for nine years. The outspoken leader has always been a fighter and it only made sense for her to align herself with a progressive union that is for the people.
She is fiery and stands against all those who infringe employees' rights, especially those of women.
Nosimphiwe Tyala, not a woman of many words but carries so much wisdom and substance. She is an advisor. Her seven years with Samwu pushed her out of her shell and moulded her into a woman who is aware of her rights and knows how to fight and stand firm for the same. Having worked in a male-dominated field, she has toughened up but remains deeply rooted in what she believes in.
Wandisa Mjongile says in the eight years she has been with the union she has witnessed women developing in positions, solidifying their places, and changing the narrative. She never knew she could lead and serve the people, and thanks to the union and the people who believed in her, she has been able to fulfil the role with tenacity.
Last and certainly not least, Nolufefe Mbalo. She is fearless, unflinching, a voice to the voiceless, a prayer warrior and leader that has engraved her initials on her community's DNA.
Apart from being a Samwu member for 18 years, she is involved in various other community-based projects. She is a women's league leader and a school governing body (SGB) member at Concordia High School and Thembelitsha Primary School.
Samwu wishes to thank these women for their heart, drive, zeal, and for showing that the real magic happens when we work together. For far too long, society has taught us that sisterhood is a luxury. It is not a luxury, it is a necessity.
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