Hundreds of women marched in a banner procession through the heart of town to open the 17th biennial Mother’s Union conference officially.
Hundreds of women marched in a banner procession through the heart of town to open the 17th biennial Mother’s Union conference officially.
On Friday 12 July more than 450 members of the Mother’s Union in the Grahamstown, King William’s Town, Port Elizabeth and East London regions gathered at the cathedral.
They then proceeded to Rhodes University campus where discussions were held in the Great Hall. The Diocese of Grahamstown hosted this year’s conference dedicated to addressing issues that affect mothers and women at large.
Grahamstown Mother’s Union President Mandisa Mhlwatika said this year’s conference theme was ‘The seed we sow’.
“We must inspire, develop and strengthen our fellowship, families and marriage through Christ,” Mhlwatika told conference guests.
But the operations of the Union are not confined to parishes, they also work hand-in-hand with communities. “We must reach out and help the needy,” Mhlwatika said.
The pressing issue of education was discussed during the conference and the women worked on strategies to ensure good education in the country.
“It was a conference with a difference. As much as I’ve been a member of the Mother’s Union for more than 25 years, every time I attend conferences it’s like something new. I gained a lot as a person,” Mhlwatika told Grocott’s Mail.
In recent years the Union has provided stationery and computers to underprivileged schools, as well as engaging with school governing bodies to offer services like career guidance presentations.
As part of their HIV-awareness programme the Mother’s Union visited Temba Santa TB hospital on Saturday 13 July.
They donated toiletries, blankets and conducted short prayers.
The weekend conference ended with a farewell service on the Sunday.
Organiser Bukelwa Gumenge was pleased with the proceedings and said it was a great conference.
