Celebrating Our Wonderful Women
South Africa celebrates the women of our country on the 9th of August every year with a public holiday that is unique to our country. We see it as as opportunity to celebrate the bravery and strength of South African women, a day which was first acknowledged in 1995.
The History Of Women’s Day
Women’s Day stands to commemorate the fearlessness of South African women in very desperate times. In 1956, 20,000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to stage a peaceful protest against legislation that required African people to carry a pass.
The pass was an identification document that allowed black people to enter and move freely around white areas. It restricted movement for black people, segregating them and separating them from white people under the Apartheid rule. This first instance of women coming together in solidarity was a massive feat that required courage and determination, definitely something that South African women are not short of.
While we are long past that day, it’s important to always remember why we celebrate it. Not only to honour the women who marched on that day, but also to remember how when women come together in a united cause, incredible things can happen.
We look at the women of Makweti, and we know this to be true, because without these strong, caring and compassionate women, we would not be the lodge we are today.
To each and every woman here at Makweti, in South Africa, and beyond… we salute you this Women’s Day.