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7 August 2008

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sibusiso Ndebele will deliver a keynote address at the 2008 KwaZulu-Natal Women's Day Celebration to be held at KwaMaqhwakazi Primary School Sportsfield in Eshowe on Saturday, 9 August 2008, commencing at 09h00.

The Premier will be accompanied by Members of the KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council (MECs) and senior government officials. Thousands of people are expected to attend.

As part of the celebrations, the Premier will also hand over two houses to two vulnerable families in the area. The construction of these houses are as a result of selfless dedication and sacrifice from various women who are members of different women organisations in the province, including female inmates serving sentences in prison, women parliamentarians and women from the media, all working under the supervision of United Nations-Habitat.

The construction of the houses by these women is aimed at contributing towards efforts to build a caring society, with emphasis on improving the moral fibre, the rehabilitation of inmates back into society, the fight against crime and, particularly, the spirit of volunteerism. This initiative serves as a challenge to other members of society to emulate such practices.

This year's celebration will focus on the legacy of Queen Nandi, the mother of King Shaka. Our country is replete with many examples of female dynasties, regents and rulers who took up positions of leadership during pre-colonial times and through the periods of wars of resistance. Queen Mother Nandi of the Zulu speaking people is one of those who helped shape the Zulu nation behind the scenes to what it is today.

This year's celebrations will be held under the theme, "Business Unusual: All Power to Women!"

Various activities have been planned to celebrate Women's Month in the province and several organisations/stakeholders have partnered with the provincial government for these celebrations. These activities include:

* Men's March
* Church Women's Day Conference
* Women in Business Breakfast Forum/Luncheon
* Women Development Dialogue
* Women's Parliament
* Women's Walk
* Conference on Religion for Peace
* Pastor's Wives conference
* Women at Work Gathering
* Housing for vulnerable women; and
* Provincial Gender Machinery bus campaign.

All media are invited to attend. Please note picture opportunities.

Journalist attending must confirm their attendance by no later than 16h00 today, Thursday, 7 August 2008, as per the contact details listed below.

Journalists who require transport are requested to contact:
Jeff Hassan
Cell: 082 884 1872

Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
E-mail: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za

Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
7 August 2008
Source: SAPA