As South Africa comes together to celebrate National Women’s Day, we take this opportunity to recognise and honour the indomitable spirit of the nation’s women. This day holds immense significance as it not only commemorates the struggles of women throughout history but also serves as a powerful reminder of their achievements and contributions to every aspect of society.
On August 9th, we remember the courageous march of 20,000 women who, in 1956, took to the streets of Pretoria to protest against the discriminatory pass laws imposed by the apartheid regime. This demonstration of unity and strength laid the foundation for the powerful women’s rights movement that has shaped South Africa’s history.
National Women’s Day is a testament to the resilience and empowerment of women in the face of adversity. From the heroines of the anti-apartheid movement to the trailblazers of today, South African women have always been at the forefront of driving change and progress.
In the workplace, women have shattered barriers and made remarkable strides. They hold influential positions in business, politics, science, and arts, showcasing their talent and expertise on both national and international platforms. Despite facing challenges, South African women have proven time and again that they are forces to be reckoned with, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth and development.
Beyond the workplace, South African women play a pivotal role in building vibrant communities. Their unwavering dedication to nurturing families, supporting neighbours, and advocating for social justice has transformed the nation. They have been at the forefront of initiatives to address pressing issues such as gender-based violence, access to education, and healthcare.
Economically, women have been instrumental in driving entrepreneurship and innovation. Their entrepreneurial ventures contribute to the country’s economic diversity and job creation. Investing in women’s economic empowerment is crucial for South Africa’s sustainable development and prosperity.
However, while we celebrate the achievements of women on this special day, we cannot ignore the persistent challenges they face. Gender-based violence remains a pressing issue, with many women experiencing violence and abuse in their daily lives. Furthermore, gender disparities in pay and underrepresentation in leadership roles continue to hinder the full potential of women.
National Women’s Day calls us to action – to create a society where women can live free from fear and discrimination. We must stand united in eradicating gender-based violence, supporting survivors, and challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours.
Empowering women economically is equally crucial. By providing access to education, skills development, and business opportunities, we can foster a more inclusive economy that benefits all South Africans. A Villagers League supported by largely women groups is seeing the emergence of a peanut butter manufacturing plant in Groutville,home to the late ANC leader, Chief Albert Luthuli . This is one of the outcomes commemorating Women’s Day in KZN.
Additionally, we must continue to promote gender equality in all spheres of life. Encouraging greater representation of women in decision-making processes and leadership roles is essential to ensure diverse perspectives and create a more equitable society.
As we celebrate National Women’s Day in South Africa, let us remember the sacrifices and struggles of the past while celebrating the achievements of the present. Let this day serve as a powerful reminder of the collective power of women and the crucial role they play in shaping the nation’s future.
May every South African woman be recognized, valued, and empowered not just on this special occasion but every day of the year. Together, let us build a South Africa where women can thrive, and their contributions are celebrated, leading us towards a more prosperous and inclusive society for all.
In honour of President Nelson Mandela’s legacy, Al Jama-ah’s lawmakers embarked on constructive and effective action to empower communities. Their 67 minutes of being pro-active included engagement with some religious leaders on matters relating to Muslim Personal Law; providing and planting seeds to sustain food security, acts of solidarity with NPOs by handing over stoves, food and netball kits; name-giving of a baby at Al Jama-ah’s Constituency office; distributing loaves of bread; handing over school shoes to impoverished learners; .
AL JAMA-AH’s MP spends 67 minutes with Muslim leaders to discuss Muslim Personal Law
On 18 July recognised as Mandela Day, Hon Hendricks spent his 67 minutes engaging with members of the Legislative Department of the Masjlisush Shura Al-Islami (Shura) in Cape Town to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) structure for matters relating to Muslim Personal Law (M.P.L).
The 67 minutes engagement with members of Shura served to give effect on the recommendation in the South African Law Reform Commission’s White Paper on a One Statute Marriage Bill for the Muslim and other faith-based communities. The ADR will deal with disputes and matters relating to M.P.L which includes the Nikah (a Muslim marriage in terms of Shariah); Nafakah (Maintenance), Talaqs (Divorces) and other matters which might arise in a marriage.
Hendricks, who have served several decades as an office bearer for Shura, has now drafted a Private Members Bill (PMB) for the ADR. Shura’s Legislative Department will edit the PMB, and they will jointly engage with Parliament’s legislative drafting team. The first reading of the “Amendments to the Arbitration Act” is expected to take place in September 2023 and will make provision for an M.P.L Tribunal/Shariah Court.
AL JAMA-AH MPL OFFICIATES BABY’S NAME-GIVING
The Al Jama-ah’s Member of Provincial Legislature Maulana Galil Brinkhuis, spent part of his 67 minutes by officiating the name-giving of an eight-month-old baby girl at Al Jama-ah’s statutory Western Cape Legislature Constituency office.
Apart from assisting with enquiries on social and local government issues, Maulana was indeed surprised when he was asked to do the name-giving of the baby. The Constituency office is visited by several people daily who need assistance with municipal accounts and enquiries on housing waiting list.
The Party appeals to members of the public to visit their nearest Al Jama-ah Constituency offices.
EXECUTIVE MAYOR AND COUNCILLOR IN CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Al Jama-ah’s Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg and fellow Councillor Imam Thapelo Amad identified the need for garden cleaning at the Japura Retirement Village for the aged. They planted 67 seeds towards creating sustainable food security and spring-cleaned the home.
MADIBENG MUNICIPALITY – AL JAMA-AH’s COUNCILLOR CARES!
Al Jama-ah Councillor Kabelo Nthekiso in the Madibeng Municipality in Northwest Province took the 67 minutes very serious – he not only donated a cooking stoves and food to the NPO Shanah Life House, but also handed over netball kits to the Golden Ladies Netball Team.
WESTERN CAPE
Al Jama-ah Councillor Adv Shameemah Salie (City of Cape Town) handed over loaves of bread to the needy in New Horizons, Pelican Park. In Mbekweni, Paarl, Al Jama-ah’s Drakenstein Councillor Ahmed Stulweni, bought school shoes for two impoverished learners at Mbekweni Higher Primary School.
KWAZULU-NATAL
Al Jama-ah’s Councillor in the Umuziwabantu Local Municipality in Harding, KwaZulu-Natal, G.M Cele and Al Jama-ah members spent their 67 minutes by repairing a broken wall of the house of an unemployed resident in Mkhoba Village. Clr Cele bought cement and they collected bricks from broken buildings to fix the wall.
