Office of the Premier
Media Advisory

The Provincial Women’s Day commemoration will take place in Nkomazi Local Municipality. The annual commemoration seeks to pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women of all races who marched to the Union Buildings on 09 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass laws. 

The law required all South Africans defined as “black” to carry an internal passport that served to maintain segregation, control urbanisation, and manage migrant labour during the former regime. The women conducted a peaceful protest and left petitions whilst singing a song titled: “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ imbokodo” which translates “Now you have touched the women, you have touched the rock”. 

While the commemoration is designed to celebrate the struggle heroines, however the event further brings to attention, contemporary issues which are faced by women. This year’s Women’s Day will be celebrated under the theme: “Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women Empowerment". 

Members of the media are invited to the commemoration scheduled as follows: 

Date: Wednesday, 09 August 2023
Time: 10h00
Venue: Mbambiso Community Hall (Boschfontein), Nkomazi Local Municipality 

For confirmation contact Mr Sibusiso Nkosi from the Department of Culture Sports and Recreation Spokesperson on 072 919 0704. 

ENDS... 

Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government 

Provincial Government’s Spokesperson: George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242 
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za