Pretoria – Veteran of the 1956 Women's March, Sophie De Bruyn, says she is proud to be South African and has had her spirit revived at the National Women’s Day celebrations.
Addressing the celebrations on Tuesday, she said she was pleased to see so many people gathered on the southern lawns of the Union Buildings to mark 60 years since the iconic 1956 women's march against the discriminatory pass laws, which had restricted the movement of black people in the country.
“You display the discipline and the dignity that is deeply impressive, that was also displayed in 1956,” she said to the cheerful crowds.
De Bruyn said the launch of the Women’s Living Heritage Monument, which depicts leaders of the women's march, had touched her.
“My heart was overwhelmed when I saw the statues of the women stalwarts. I think they are smiling wherever they are and I am proud to be a South African,” said De Bruyn.
The march to the Union Buildings by 20 000 women was not only against the extension of carrying passes to Africa women, but also about the challenges and the oppressive system that sought to deepen inequality in terms of race and gender, which resulted in the current triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality which burden women the most.
She said government was still grappling with these challenges and called on youth to take up the baton that she and other heroines had handed over to them, to fight the ills and the injustices in the country.
African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said the women of 1956 were from all racial groups and walks of life. They took a stand and said: “you strike a woman, you strike a rock”.
Dlamini-Zuma said the South African women of 1956 followed the steps of many women in other parts of Africa who despite their positions in their societies stood side by side to fight for liberation of their communities.
“They knew that the only way to fight… was through organisation,” said Dlamini-Zuma.
She called on the South African government to help women move from micro businesses and informal businesses to building big empires.
“Our government must assist us. We must also make sure that women are part of every area of human endeavour.
“We must also continue the fight struggle against violence against women and children. We must continue the struggle against women in conflict and women in peace time,” she said.
Dlamini-Zuma called on President Zuma and his Deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa, to ensure that South Africa remains and grows strong. – SAnews.gov.za
