By P.Chiloane

Silindile Masikane, the founder and chairperson of a nonprofit organization called Vessels of Honour Young Ladies Club. When talking to South African Rainbow News Silindile indicated that one of the things that motivated her to start this organization was that she was a victim of sexual harassment and unable to share her traumatic ordeal, and that incident had prompted her to start a nonprofit organization to empower young girls in her community.

Vessel of Honour Young Ladies Club is an initiative founded on the 06th of February 2016, for young girls between ages 12 to 21 years. It aims to advance and shape the thinking of young girls in the community of Ntshongweni, enabling them to discover their identity and worth, supplying a strategic approach to tackling certain challenges in life and spreading hope through supporting one another and uplifting the young lady’s level of confidence by providing a platform where they can express their views freely without restraint. The organization invites guest speakers who are ladies from around Ntshongweni who have made a success of their lives, to encourage the young ladies by sharing their life journey. “This organization started with less than 10 members, but we are proud to announce that the number of attendees has increased to more than 70 members over years” said the Silindile. 

Amongst the range of the activities done by this organization, they also do campaigns-which aid in eliminating the social ills the community is faced with. They have hosted an event for the Women’s Day Celebration on the 12th of August 2023 at Ntshongweni community hall in celebration of women and the amazing people they are. One major success was that they were visited by the Legendary Dr Gcina Mhlophe, who was the guest of honor. Followed by social worker, Hlengiwe Khumalo who was addressing the issue of depression and mental health, sister N.T Thabethe from Ntshongweni clinic came to raise awareness on women’s health and teenage pregnancy, Mthokozisi Msomi who is chairman at SAPS Youth Desk raised awareness on GBV and lastly, they had Jabulani Memela and Linhle Mazibuko from DSW, who were addressing the importance of recycling. 

“The purpose of the event was to inspire and empower women and girls from all walks of life. We celebrated each other’s strength and lifting one another, we focused on women’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being while educating and raising awareness around important issues all concerning women” said Silindile Masikane.

Vessels of Honour Young Ladies Club found an opportunity to celebrate one of their own member, Kholeka Jili. Who was supposed to graduate this year with a bachelor’s degree in education but due to financial constraints, she couldn’t graduate, “we believe no child is not deserving of graduating, all the hard work she had put in should not be in vain” said Silindile. Kholeka Jili is the 2nd graduate they have in the organization and that alone is a huge achievement. She is raised by a single mother who works as a domestic worker and that is the reason why she could not afford to pay for the tuition fees and graduation. The organization then planned a surprise graduation for her, and she was thrilled and her whole family, the whole event was a huge success indeed. It all wouldn’t have happened without Fold Art Production Thandeka Ndlovu from Super spar mega, Nozipho Msomi from Social Development, they contributed towards the success of the event.

For further support towards the organization’s projects, you can reach us at; +27 738 317 861