A sold-out Women’s Month event, Ixakatho – Xhosa for ‘The Blanket’ – will see more than 250 women from different corners of the Eastern Cape and neighbouring provinces gather at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton on Saturday.
The event, organised by Twenty Three Media Events and Holdings in partnership with Aranda Blankets, is the brainchild of Nelisa Skade, who started Ixakatho five years ago in East London.
Skade said her idea to organise an event for married and single women was born after she got married and was informed at her traditional wedding about the symbolic meaning of the blanket in her new makoti attire.
“I was told the blanket symbolises power: the power of a woman to protect, give warmth and cover everything in the household,” Skade said.
“After my wedding, I became curious to uncover the many stories hidden underneath these blankets. ‘Fortunately, I was an event planner and I knew there weren’t many events for married women, so that is how the Ixakatho idea came to life.”
Fellow event organiser Nomfundo Ngxongo said the day would offer women a platform to engage with other married young women on the challenges they faced.
“This women’s month we are back in Nelson Mandela Bay for the second time, under the theme ‘help me oh Lord, why have you forsaken me’?”
Ngxongo said the celebration would encourage women to speak out about their problems, and to offer support and motivation to each other.
The speakers include:
East London-born motivational speaker Akhona Dube, who will speak on being a young widow after losing her husband at age 22.
Gospel artist Lusanda Mcinga will share about her rough journey in marriage.
Reality TV star Busi Mamkhulu Mseleku is the first wife of Musa Mseleku and will tell her story of being in a polygamous marriage and how to stay strong.
Relationship expert and radio host Noxy Speelman will share how she became a motivational speaker.
Ixakatho starts at 11am and runs until 6.30pm. The dress code is traditional wear or full makoti attire.Inquiries: Nomfundo on 061-020-7310.