The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Women’s Brigade has announced a Women Empowerment and Anti-Gender Based Violence Summit, set for 21 September at Durban Manor Hotel, starting at 09h00. The gathering will draw members from the eThekwini Metro District and senior party leaders, with National Chairperson Princess Phumzile Buthelezi and Deputy National Chairperson Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa expected to lead proceedings.

In a statement, the party said the summit forms part of an “unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and safety of women, children, and vulnerable groups.” Organisers indicated that discussions will focus on practical ways to curb gender-based violence and femicide, an issue the IFP ranks among the country’s most urgent social crises.

The Women’s Brigade will press its long-standing call for the deployment of specially trained South African Police Service officers who can handle abuse cases “with the urgency and sensitivity they demand,” arguing that expert policing is essential to improving conviction rates and survivor support.

Media representatives have been invited to cover the event, which encourages participants to wear traditional attire or the Brigade’s signature apron. The summit’s organisers say outcomes will feed into the party’s broader policy platform ahead of the 2026 local government elections, where women’s safety and empowerment are likely to feature prominently.