AS women’s month came to a close, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government celebrated women in an event that took place at Alfred Nzo District, Mount Ayliff, on August 22 2019.
The event was a collaborative effort of Provincial Government Departments and civil society to commemorate the 63rd anniversary, where more than 20,000 South African women of all races staged a march to the Union Buildings in protest against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act of 1950, commonly referred to as the “pass laws”.
In his main address, Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, emphasised the need for women representation in all sectors – from Government, Business to Civil Society.
“As we reminisce on the events of August 9 1956, I am moved by the scripture, Luke 13:12, which says ‘ntokazi khululeka ebulwelweni’ –‘when Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity”. These are the words that I believe were spoken to the women of 1956, which saw them take a stand to free women and our people. We may take for granted that it was fighting for pass laws but it was more than that…it was the fight for freedom.”
“We can safely say the footsteps left by these women are clearly seen today, women continue to fight for their emancipation, in their homes, place of work and in society.
We are proud of these women. We want to see more women in leadership position”, added Mabuyane. The Premier spoke at length about the need to fight gender based violence and femicide, with men at the forefront. Most significantly, encouraged women to support each other in their endeavours and vowed that the Eastern Cape government would continue to strive towards equality for women and provide them with opportunities to excel in all avenues and contribute to the development of the country.
“Six out of 10 members of the Eastern Cape Cabinet members are women. We are therefore giving women their rightful space in the fight for freedom. Mandela once said it falls upon a particular generation to be great and we can be that generation ourselves. As the province, we want to ensure that we provide platforms and opportunities for our generation especially women to be great in all spheres of life”, affirmed Mabuyane.
He added: “The MEC of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC Nomakhosazana Meth recently held an event to recognise and acknowledge women who excel in agriculture. I am proud of this, as agriculture has been a male dominated industry. Such events elevate women and encourage them to be great”.