South Africa: Zuma in tribute to unsung women on Womens' Day

August 14th, 2009

 

 

Johannesburg (South Africa) - President Jacob Zuma on Sunday saluted the role of women in bringing about democracy in South Africa.

He said although enormous challenges faced rural women and those who single-handedly ran households, major strides had been made in improving the lot of women since the advent of democracy.

Addressing thousands of people who had gathered in Vryheid, northern KwaZulu-Natal, to celebrate Women's Day yesterday, Zuma said the women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria 53 years ago - in protest at apartheid in general and the hated pass laws in particular - had become the symbol of women's resistance to all the ills of society.

"It is a day for introspection by those in leadership. We must look at how we can speed up the implementation of programmes that will improve the lives of thousands of women who live in abject poverty."

Zuma said it was also a day for the country to reflect on how far it had come and what else was needed to ensure the full emancipation of women in all spheres of life.

On this day, he said, South Africa should look beyond its leaders and appreciate the role of women who were not in the news but who helped the country succeed.

"In this regard, we wish to single out the working-class women in the factories, who work long hours to support their families.

"We salute rural women, farm workers and domestic workers, who toil so that their families can have something to eat."

Zuma also saluted women who ran households singlehandedly, raising children alone in a difficult global economic climate and social environment.

"We honour our grandmothers who look after grandchildren under difficult conditions. These are all women whose silent contribution to the social stability of our country remains unnoticed."

Zuma said it was important to acknowledge that much progress had been made in emancipating women through legislative initiatives since 1994. Also, more women now had access to basic services.

Ntokozo Mfusi reports that several Women's Day events were held in and around Durban yesterday.

A Women's Day expo was held at Umhlanga's Gateway shopping centre, where women were treated to makeovers, foot massages, and pampered in other ways.

A concert, starring Emmanuel Castis of Isidingo fame, Idols finalist Bianca le Grange, and singer-songwriter Ian Henderson from Cape Town, was held at Sibaya's Club Krakatoa.

The Playhouse Company's 13th SA Women's Arts Festival closed its doors yesterday, after running since July 31.

The metro police marked Women's Day with an all-women roadblock on Friday.

* This article was originally published on page 2 of The Mercury on August 10, 2009

source.The Sunday Independent (South Africa)