Hope in a hotspot: Legal workshop to tackle GBV crisis in uMfolozi

As part of Women’s Day, the She Knows the Law NPC is hosting a legal empowerment workshop at Zonza Multipurpose Centre in KwaMthethwa this Saturday, 9 August.

This community-focused event will provide women with practical legal education, legal support, as well as trauma-informed guidance for anyone vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV) and legal marginalisation.

This will be hosted by Iphosethu Mkhwanazi, an attorney and director of Sethu Mkhwanazi Attorneys Incorporated, and legal partner Yizozodwa Dlamini who holds an LLB Cum Laude after completing her master’s degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

“Our goal is access to justice, not just in theory, but in practice. We want women in underserved communities to know how to apply for protection orders, what their rights are in matters of abuse, maintenance, child custody and inheritance, where to go for free legal help, and to know they are not alone,” said Mkhwanazi.

“We also aim to foster healing and solidarity by creating a safe space for women to share, learn and connect. In a province where GBV and femicide remain critical issues, and where many communities still struggle to access basic legal support, initiatives like this are urgent.”

SAPS statistics

• King Cetshwayo District reports the second highest number of rape cases. (Source: National Police Report: January to March 2025)

• King Cetshwayo District is in the top three nationally for sexual offences reported. (Source: National Police Report: January to March 2025)

• uMfolozi Municipality is the regional GBV hotspot, with Sokhulu, KwaMthethwa and Slovo high-risk areas for women. (Source: Empangeni FCS)

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