7th ANNUAL HIGH TEA 2026 Women of Integrity: Leading with Courage, Shaping the Future

Ilitha Labantu Annual High Tea 2026Women of Integrity: Leading with Courage, Shaping the Future Ilitha Labantu’s Annual High Tea celebrates exceptional women whose leadership reflects integrity, courage, compassion and service. The gathering provides a platform for meaningful conversations on ethical leadership, human rights, gender equality and social justice, while recognising women who continue to shape communities, institutions and the African continent. Beyond celebrating women’s achievements, the Annual High Tea is an important fundraising initiative in support of Ilitha Labantu’s programmes for women and children affected by gender-based violence. Funds raised will help sustain critical services, including the Dorothy Zihlangu Transitional House, which provides women and children with emergency accommodation, psychosocial support, legal referrals, basic necessities and empowerment opportunities as they rebuild their lives after violence. As we continue to honour the remarkable legacy of our late Founder, Ms Mandisa Monakali, this gathering reaffirms Ilitha Labantu’s commitment to creating safer communities, strengthening women’s leadership and inspiring future generations to lead with courage, compassion and integrity. Her belief that every woman, regardless of her background, should live safely and free from violence remains central to our work. Featured SpeakersThe 2026 Annual High Tea will bring together four distinguished women leaders whose work has contributed significantly to advancing justice, equality, women’s empowerment, ethical governance and human rights in South Africa and across the African continent. Hon. Minister Dina Deliwe PuleMinister of Social DevelopmentHonourable Minister Dina Deliwe Pule is a respected South African political leader with extensive experience in public service, governance, education and community development. She began her professional career as a teacher and became actively involved in the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, the ANC Women’s League and other structures advancing democracy and women’s participation. Minister Pule has served in both provincial and national government, including as a Member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, a Member of the Executive Council, Deputy Minister of Communications and Minister of Communications. She returned to the National Assembly following the 2024 general election and was appointed Minister of Social Development in June 2026. She also serves as Deputy Secretary-General of the ANC Women’s League.Her leadership reflects a longstanding commitment to public service, social development and the advancement of women and vulnerable communities. Mam Thoko MpumlwanaChairperson, South African Women in Dialogue TrustMam Thoko Mpumlwana is a respected national leader and advocate for women’s rights, education, democracy and social justice. She has dedicated her life to promoting ethical leadership, strengthening women’s participation and advancing dialogue across generations, communities and sectors.Through her leadership within the South African Women in Dialogue Trust, she continues to create platforms through which women can influence national development, deepen social cohesion and contribute meaningfully to building a more just and equal society. Ms Khanyisa DunjwaChairperson, SANAC Women’s SectorMs Khanyisa Dunjwa is a respected gender and human rights activist whose work has contributed to advancing community development, women’s empowerment, HIV advocacy and social justice. Through her leadership within civil society and the South African National AIDS Council Women’s Sector, she has helped elevate the experiences and priorities of women affected by inequality, gender-based violence, poverty and HIV. Her work reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that women’s voices remain central to national policy, advocacy and development processes. Hon. Dr Litha Musyimi-OganaCommissioner, African Commission on Human and Peoples’…