The Breakfast Dialogue, organised by Deputy Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Dr Chana Pilane Majake, on 18 August 2023 honoured the late Bertha Gxowa, a prominent leader and organizer of the historic 1956 Women’s Anti-Pass March.
The Breakfast Dialogue held under the theme: “Women on Whose Shoulders We Stand” celebrated Mama Gxowa’s unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment and her pivotal role in paving the way for generations of women leaders and activists in South Africa.
Dr Pilane-Majake said Mama Gxowa played a significant role in mobilising women in the struggle against apartheid and promoting gender equality within the liberation movement.
“Mama Bertha’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of fighting for justice and equality,” she said.
The Deputy Minister also paid tribute to remarkable women such as the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Lilian Ngoyi, Rahima Moosa, Albertina Sisulu, and the only surviving leader of the 1956 anti-pass law march, Sophy De Bruyne.
“These remarkable women dedicated their lives to the struggle against apartheid and championed the cause of gender equality.
“Today, we celebrate and recognise their contributions, paying tribute to their legacies, and demonstrating the collective strength and resilience of women in the fight for freedom and justice in South Africa,” she said.
Dr Pilane-Majake said Mama Gxowa is not being celebrated only for her contributions to the struggle against apartheid, but also for her unwavering dedication to the advancement of the rights of women.
Ms Gxowa spent most of her youth life working for and leading the South African Clothing Workers’ Union as Secretary and President. Her focus on issues of women resulted in her becoming one of the founding members of the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) which organised the historic women’s march against pass laws in 1956.
In 1990, after the unbanning of all political parties, Gxowa participated in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) talks and later became a member of Parliament.
Deputy Minister Pilane-Majake said Ms Gxowa worked tirelessly throughout her life uplifting communities especially in Gauteng through several community projects.
“She exemplified the spirit of resilience, courage, and determination that continues to inspire women in South Africa and around the world.
“As we engage in our discussions today, let us draw inspiration from Mama Bertha and the countless women who have paved the way for us,” she said.
Speaking at the event, public health specialist, and a strategic leader whose interest is empowerment, excellence and innovation, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa said: “It is important to realise that we are standing on the shoulders of giants like Lilian Ngoyi, Charlotte Maxeke, Ruth First and many heroines who walked this path before us.
“It is crucial that we walk this path with honour so that those who come after us will not walk a crooked path.”
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Ms Pinky Kekana reminded the gathering that the African Union (AU) in 2020, declared 2020-2030, the year of women’s financials and economic inclusion.
“This is 2023, the question is where are we in terms of that declaration as women? We also have Agenda 2063, with all its pillars, there is one flagship project known as the African Continental Free Trade, but do we have a platform where we can discuss as women of South Africa, where we can ask women in the SADC region and the continent about the role that they are playing in this regard.
“We want to encourage South African women to learn to stand up and do things for themselves,” she said.
On 9 August, South Africans celebrate and commemorate the struggle of women for a free, non-racial, and non-sexist country.
The day marked the 67th anniversary of the historic Women’s March to the Union Buildings on August 9, which became a turning point in the history of the country and the role of women in the struggle for freedom and society at large.
The Breakfast Dialogue also reflected on women in various fields of business and academia.
