26-05-2025
From grief to purpose: Widow builds a supportive community in Mbombela
Widows' Lives Matter (WLM) hosted a group of widows to celebrate Mother's Day in style at Ndalo Lodge on Saturday, May 17.
WLM, an NGO that was founded by Sibongile Sithole (herself a widow), is instrumental in addressing challenges that widows often face after the death of their husbands.
During the event, representatives of Matsilele Attorneys taught the ladies a few legal tricks that are important for any woman who lost a husband to know.
'These included information regarding legal routes when dealing with wills, estates and other important aspects relating to the rights of widows. Most often, the challenges they face are due to a lack of knowledge,' said Sithole.
When Sithole lost her husband, Samuel, more than a decade ago on Valentine's Day, she never expected she have to go through an ordeal that would prevent her from even burying the man she so dearly loved.
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She said that accusations were made after her husband's death, some of which came from relatives and her in-laws, which caused their relationship to sour.
'I went through a lot after the death of my husband. I did not get support from anyone, including my in-laws; only nasty, unfounded accusations that even prevented me from attending his funeral,' said Sithole.
She thought deeply and conducted research that made her realise that many other widows experienced all sorts of challenges without any shoulder to lean on.
This is what made her decide to start the NGO.
The women who attended the Mother's Day event told this publication that they had enjoyed themselves to the fullest during the function.
'The event was well organised. I enjoyed the food as well as the sleepover. It was soothing to have such an outing where we learnt a lot regarding challenges that we face as widows,' said one of the women, Thembi Dube.
Langutane Matsilele, a director at Matsilele Attorneys, said he taught the women about types of marriages and the importance of wills.
'Wills are very important because the distribution of assets is done according to the wishes that are stipulated in one's wills,' said Matsilele.
Gladys Pule, also known as Make Pule to her listeners on Ligwalagwala FM, was the motivational speaker of the day. 'As widows we need to be assertive and stand our ground so that our voices can be heard,' she said.
WLM was launched at Mgwenya Park in Matsulu on November 16 last year.
'Our mission as Widows' Lives Matter is to provide legal, financial and psychosocial support through the promotion of widows' programmes. We aim, through social dialogue and sharing of personal experiences, to educate society on the challenges widows face.'
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