KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, conducted a series of media interviews ahead of the Women’s Day celebrations at Johannes Phumani Phungula Local Municipality, under the Harry Gwala District Municipality, on Sunday, 09 August 2026.

During the interviews, Premier Ntuli reflected on the progress made in advancing the rights and empowerment of women, while expressing concern that gender-based violence and femicide continue to threaten their safety, dignity and economic advancement.

The Premier lamented the fact that women continue to experience violence and abuse, saying gender-based violence remains one of the major obstacles preventing women from enjoying their freedoms and participating fully in society and the economy.

Premier Ntuli highlighted various programmes and campaigns being implemented by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government to combat gender-based violence and femicide, including the #SilwaNechilo campaign, which promotes the protection and safety of women and mobilises communities to take a firm stand against abuse.

He emphasised that the fight against gender-based violence requires collective action and that government, communities, families, law enforcement agencies and other sectors of society must work together to create an environment in which women can live without fear.

Premier Ntuli also hailed the contribution of women in leadership, saying women continue to demonstrate their leadership capabilities with excellence across government, business and society.

He said women play an indispensable role in building families, communities and institutions, and should be afforded greater opportunities to occupy leadership positions and contribute towards the development of the province.

The Premier further encouraged women to take advantage of economic opportunities and support programmes provided by the Provincial Government for women-owned businesses.

He said expanding women’s participation in the economy and supporting women entrepreneurs are critical to creating employment, reducing poverty and driving inclusive economic growth across KwaZulu-Natal.

Premier Ntuli reiterated the Provincial Government’s commitment to ensuring that women are not only protected from violence and discrimination, but are also empowered to participate meaningfully in the mainstream economy.

As KwaZulu-Natal joined the rest of South Africa in commemorating Women’s Day, the Premier called on society to honour the sacrifices and achievements of generations of women by continuing to advance their safety, dignity, equality, leadership and economic emancipation.