Speaking at a Women's Month celebration at KaMhlushwa Stadium on Saturday, Mabuza said women should use these voices to contribute to all of society.

"While we understand the frustrations the community has about service delivery, burning of property is unacceptable. It will take brave women to stand up and stop the burning of schools and libraries because their children need them.

"When we had protests, women kept quiet, surprisingly, some went as far ... destroying public property like libraries and schools instead of being in the forefront to protect these assets."

Ehlanzeni municipality executive mayor Letta Shongwe said: "It is high time government considered putting women in top administrative positions to ensure women's rights are recognised."