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Women of the past

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The Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) organized a mass demonstration against the imposition of pass laws on women in South Africa. More than 20 000 women, led by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, took part in the multi-racial march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, to deliver a petition to the Prime Minister JG Strijdom.
Even though this significant march happened 56 years ago, their legacy continues and their impact still felt and appreciated today. Williams-De Bruyn is the only surviving leader of this historic march. Born in Port Elizabeth, in Eastern Cape in 1938, she was a founding member of the South African Congress of Trade Unions, the predecessor of Cosatu. In 1955 she became a full-time organiser for the Coloured People’s Congress in Joburg.
In 1999, Williams-De Bruyn received an award from Nelson Mandela for meritorious service in the interest of the general public as well as the Ida Mntwa Award Silver for exceptional service to the women of South Africa.

This historic march was a turning point in the role of women in the struggle for freedom

Another survivor of the march is Amina Cachalia, the then treasurer of FEDSAW. Born to a politically active family, Cachalia became very interested activism especially championing the rights of women from a young age.As the trustee of the Mandela Childrens Fund, Operation Hunger as well as Ubebele, which is a rehabilitation centre in Alexandra,Cachaliacontinues to serve the upliftment and nurturing of women, children and disadvantaged.

On August 9, 2012, women followed in the footsteps of the 1956 marchers - image by Christelle du Toit

August 9 was a day when women from all races and walks of life marched to the Union Buildings in protest against oppressive apartheid laws.
This historic march was a turning point in the role of women in the struggle for freedom and society at large. Providing a platform for eqaulity in the struggle for a non-racial and non-sexist South Africa.
In honour of these women amemorialis being built at TheLilian Ngoyi Square,formerly Strijdom Square, in Pretoria.

– By Hasina Gori

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