Mayoral Women’s Day Celebration in Upington

As we continue to celebrate Women’s Month, the Northern Cape Provincial Government and the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality are celebrating women who are making great strides in ensuring that we accelerate socio-economic opportunities for the empowerment of women.

Today, the Executive Mayor of the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality, Councillor Maryna Basson held her Mayoral Women’s Day celebration under the theme “Acceleration socio-economic opportunities for the empowerment of women” at the Piet Thole Community Hall. Mayoral Committee Member, Councillor Aletta Matshimo welcomed the guests and urged all women from all walks of life to stand together, support and develop each other.

During the keynote address, the Executive Mayor emphasized the important role of women in society. She expressed appreciation for women and the significant role they play in communities and households. She also emphasized the importance of taking care of each other and caring for one another.

The Executive Mayor said the Government is working towards accommodating all, but one needs to understand the injustices of the past make the end goal of the Government difficult to achieve all at once. Women were urged to make use of opportunities made available by the Government to develop, not only themselves but others and entire communities. She said women should take up space in leadership positions and in the development and improvement of socio-economic issues.

Yearly, Women’s Day commemorates the 1956 march of approximately 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to petition against the country’s pass laws that required South Africans defined as “black” under the Population Registration Act to carry an internal passport, known as a the Dompass. The women in attendance were blessed with a short sermon from Pastor Rafisa and were entertained by TikTok comedian, Ouma Sarie.