Enoch Mgijima Municipality (EMLM) executive mayor Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe said National Women’s Day commemorated the struggle of women of 1956.
Approximately 20 000 women marched to the union buildings in Pretoria in 1956 to petition against the country pass laws that required Black South Africans under the Population Registration Act to carry internal passports.
Tolashe said this year also marked the centenary of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu.
“This day gave birth to our constitutional democracy and for most South Africans. It needs to be noted that women are still suppressed by the abuse and rampant acts of rape all over country. Fighting against child abuse and rape of women in general will bring back dignity to our people and see the country transformed into a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.”
She urged EMLM community members to rally behind victims of abuse by their partners and family and communities.
“Our freedom remains incomplete without the economic emancipation of the majority of South Africans and abuse of women. As government we are determined to deliver the type of society our heroes and heroines fought for.”
Tolashe said National Women’s Day will give South African an ideal platform to reflect on the progress in transforming society in Education, Health, Land and access to basic services.
“Let us continue to strive for social cohesion and freedom for all and prosperity. “Wathinta Abafazi Wathinta Imbokodo”# THUMA MINA.”
