Students at the University of Cape Town organized a protest march following a mass gathering in the Jameson Hall, where they presented a list of demands to the institution's leadership. This march, largely led by female students, echoes the spirit of the 1956 women's protest against pass laws during apartheid, which played a significant role in shaping South Africa's political course and in celebrating Women's Day.
There are times when a nation awakens differently, when history does not whisper, but gathers, rises, and emerges with a specific purpose. The morning of August 9, 1956, was exactly such a morning. Twenty thousand women crossed the Pretoria winter light and approached the Union Buildings with a calm that felt like a warning. They came not to beg, but to declare. They insisted that South Africa recognize the obvious: women are not footnotes in the struggle, but its foundation.
To understand the power of this march, one must grasp the world these women lived in. A world where Black women bore the burden of the country while being denied the right to stand upright. It was a world where they raised families under an economy designed to destroy them. It was a world where they worked in other people's homes, strengthening communities that the state tried to tear apart, and coping with the dual violence of apartheid and patriarchy.
A world where the pass system was not just a document, but a chain. A world where the state believed it could dictate their movement, labor, belonging, and future. Nevertheless, in this world, they organized. They created networks, uniting people of different races, classes, and geographical regions. They developed strategies with a discipline that is still astonishing. They refused to be divided by the obsession of apartheid classification. They did not let themselves be intimidated by the police, bureaucracy, or the threat of arrest. They refused to be silent.
The march was led by women whose names deserve to be spoken with the same reverence as the giants of the liberation struggle. Among them were Lillian Ngoyi, whose voice could cut through fear and make the crowd feel elevated; Helen Joseph, who carried courage like a lantern through the darkest corridors of repression; Rahima Musa, whose organizational skill held the movement together with threads stronger than steel; and Sophie de Bruyn, the youngest of the leaders, who entered history with a quiet defiance whose echo resonates to this day.
They were not secondary characters. They were architects, strategists, thinkers, and equals. When they left petitions at the Prime Minister's door and stood in silence, it was not the silence of submission, but the silence of judgment. It was the silence of women who carried the country on their shoulders and now demanded that the country acknowledge the weight of that labor. It was the silence of women who understood that dignity does not need noise to be heard.
This silence spread across the lawns of the Union Buildings and settled in the conscience of the nation. It lingered, took root, and became a benchmark for courage. The march did not end apartheid, but it changed the trajectory of resistance. It demonstrated that women are capable of mobilizing on a large scale, building coalitions between political organizations, and directly confronting the state. It showed that they could lead.
And this leadership did not disappear. It hardened, evolved, and sharpened in the fires of the 1970s and 1980s, when the apartheid state became more brutal and paranoid. Women stepped forward again not because they were invited, but because the country needed it. Victoria Msenge is a prime example: a lawyer and freedom fighter who used the law as a weapon against injustice and paid for it with her life. Her murder in 1985 was meant to silence her, but instead, it amplified her influence, and her funeral became a rallying point for resistance.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela demonstrated a different form of leadership—one forged in the brutality of police raids, solitary confinement, exile, and surveillance. It was a leadership that refused to break, even when the state tried to crush its spirit. She became a symbol of defiance not because she sought attention, but because she refused to surrender. Her leadership was complex, contested, and human, but it was leadership, and it mattered.
There were also other women: those who organized underground structures; those who hid activists in their homes; those who smuggled messages across borders; those who created community organizations, supporting families when the state tried to starve them out. Women who led trade unions, student movements, civil protests—those who led from the front and those who acted in the shadows.
The 1956 march sowed the seed, and the women of the 1980s watered it with courage. Then came democracy: a new constitution, a new parliament, a new promise. However, promises do not fulfill themselves. Women had to fight again: insisting on representation, striving for gender equality, and demanding to be seen not as beneficiaries of freedom, but as its creators.
The first democratic parliament included women who participated in marches, organized, and resisted. They brought with them the discipline forged in the struggle. They pushed for the adoption of women's rights protection laws, promoted policies recognizing women's labor, and established institutions capable of holding the state accountable. They advocated for a society that understands: liberation without gender equality is not liberation at all.
Today, seventy years after the march, South Africa is in a different quiet state—a quiet marked by disappointment, inequality, violence, and unfinished democratic work. But in this silence, women continue to drive things. They lead in parliament, in civil society, in business, in communities, in movements against gender-based violence, in art, media, academia, and activism. They lead not because they are allowed to, but because they have always led.
The legacy of the march is not a statue, a celebration, or a slogan. It is a lineage. The lineage of women who refused to be defined by the limitations imposed upon them by society. It is the lineage of women who understood that leadership is not a title, but a practice, discipline, and responsibility. As a man writing about this history, the responsibility is clear: to honor women without patronizing them; to recognize their leadership without appropriating it for oneself; to speak of their contribution without placing men at the center. It is necessary to understand that equality is not a performance, but a principle, a way of seeing the world, a way of perceiving women as full participants in the nation's history, not as footnotes.
The women who marched in 1956 did not ask for permission, wait for approval, or bargain for their dignity—they declared it. They entered the heart of the apartheid state and proclaimed themselves citizens of a future that did not yet exist. That future is still being built, and women continue to construct it. The rest of us must catch up.
Seventy years after the 1956 Women's March, South African women continue to face challenges related to poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, and unequal opportunities. The article asserts that achieving genuine gender equality requires broader economic empowerment, education, leadership opportunities, and more decisive action against gender-based violence.
Every August, South Africa commemorates the legacy of over 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on August 9, 1956. This act of resistance is considered one of the most significant in the country's history. These women of various races, many carrying infants on their backs, protested against pass laws that regulated not only their movement but also their dignity. They carried petitions, chanted, and declared with unwavering confidence: 'Wathint' Abafazi, Wathint' Imbokodo.'
The 1956 march serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the long-standing demand for equality even before it was enshrined in law. It highlighted that unity is the strongest counter to division, demonstrating the remarkable achievements possible when women unite.
Women of the past faced immense hardships and overcame countless obstacles, transforming their darkest days into a brighter future for coming generations. Their courage, resilience, and determination paved the way for the rights and opportunities many enjoy today.
Today, 70 years later, their footsteps still resonate in our national consciousness. Although the country has made significant strides in advancing women's rights since the advent of democracy, many women continue to encounter systemic barriers to full participation in society and the economy. They are disproportionately affected by poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, unequal access to opportunities, and underrepresentation in critical sectors. These issues serve as a stark reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over and requires a collective commitment from all sectors of society.
At the heart of women's transformation lies economic empowerment. Despite numerous policy measures, unemployment, income inequality, and limited access to economic opportunities continue to disproportionately affect women. Many women-owned businesses still struggle to secure funding, procurement opportunities, and established supply chains. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen support mechanisms that enable women to fully participate in the economy through greater access to capital, markets, skills development, technology, and entrepreneurial support. Economic empowerment means much more than just earning higher wages; it signifies increased autonomy, independence for women, and their ability to influence economic outcomes.
The government also recognizes that violence against women violates their dignity, safety, and constitutional rights, and hinders their full participation in societal life. Thus, combating gender-based violence has become a national priority. To demonstrate this commitment, President Cyril Ramaphosa recently established the first legislative National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in South Africa, marking a major step forward in the country's fight against GBV. The Council will lead national initiatives aimed at strengthening prevention, supporting survivors, reinforcing law enforcement, and coordinating actions between government and civil society.
Education and skills development are equally vital in advancing women's empowerment. Quality education opens doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership positions. More needs to be done to encourage girls and young women to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as to expand access to vocational and digital skills. Through the Human Resources Development Council, we focus on gender-inclusive economic growth and skills development to combat unemployment, which disproportionately affects women. We address gender gaps through technical education, digital skills, and training in in-demand professional fields. However, policy measures alone will not suffice for long-term change. South African society must confront deeply rooted patriarchal attitudes and stereotypes that continue to shape the experiences of women.
Gender inequality is often rooted in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities where discriminatory beliefs and practices are normalized. To achieve significant transformation, cultural attitudes must shift with a greater emphasis on equality, mutual respect, and the fair distribution of roles and responsibilities between men and women. It is equally important to involve boys and young men as partners in promoting gender equality and building a society that respects both women and men. Furthermore, significant efforts are needed to increase the representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles. While progress has been made in political representation, women remain underrepresented in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and strategic economic sectors. Various organizations must also actively invest in mentorship, leadership development, and succession planning to ensure that more women occupy positions where they can influence policy, institutions, and economic outcomes.
The transformation of women also requires acknowledging the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, which women often shoulder while balancing professional and caregiving duties without adequate support. Key measures include improving access to childcare, implementing family-friendly workplace policies, and ensuring a fairer distribution of caregiving responsibilities to allow women to participate in education, employment, and leadership. As a government, we are also addressing systemic barriers through targeted allocation in public procurement, specialized financial funds, and multi-sectoral partnerships. Key interventions include implementing a target of 40% preferential procurement for the public sector, utilizing special financing schemes such as the Isivande Women's Fund, and creating structured market fairs. Moreover, the EmpowerHer Market trade fair has been established to promote women-owned businesses, expand market access, and foster investment linkages. This initiative provides women with tangible pathways to enter supply chains, scale their businesses, and transform their communities.
However, the story of women's transformation does not end here. Aluta continua. Real change is a process, not an event, and the path to full equality requires sustained and active participation. Government, business, civil society, traditional leaders, religious organizations, communities, and families all play a role in creating an environment where women can thrive. Ultimately, we must measure success by the degree to which every woman can live with dignity, safety, equality, and the freedom to realize her full potential. Only then will the vision of the women who marched in 1956 be fully realized.
The women leaders of the Madlanga Commission exhibit great courage in difficult and hostile conditions, demonstrating firm resolve in the pursuit of truth. According to the author, they follow the example of women who protested against apartheid seven decades ago, and are now bravely fighting corruption within the criminal justice system.
In August, South Africans once again commemorate the anniversary of the 1956 Women's March. On that day, about 20,000 women gathered to protest the expansion of pass laws for Black women and presented their petitions to the office of Prime Minister J.G. Strijdom. The slogan they chanted—'wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo,' which translates to 'if you beat a woman, you hit a rock'—became a permanent symbol of the resilience of women in the country. The courage of these marchers finds its modern reflection in the women of the Madlanga Commission.
It is not surprising that some people view the Madlanga Commission with skepticism, as South Africa has a well-documented history of commissions that have failed to bring about change. Much time and resources have been spent on previous investigations, and many pieces of evidence have been collected. Unfortunately, their recommendations have often been ignored.
Nevertheless, even the most cynical person must acknowledge the impressive work of the Madlanga Commission. The conduct of the commission members and their support staff, in all aspects—especially the women—inspires respect and admiration. They are eloquent, effective, and highly competent. Their professionalism instills pride, despite the shocking and outrageous findings being uncovered. This level of professionalism serves as a model for other state institutions.
Patriarchy, racism, and class discrimination remain prevalent in South Africa, making the fight of the women who marched to the Union building in 1956 as relevant today as it was then. However, the women leaders of the Madlanga Commission show that when given the opportunity, women succeed as professionals, leaders, and drivers of change. They play a key role in shaping the narrative and outcomes of the proceedings.
Their presence and activities challenge established norms that have historically marginalized women from positions of power, especially in legal and judicial spheres. Their example offers a clear model for institutional reform based on competence, not rhetoric.
Attorney Ceci Baloyi, an outstanding senior counsel, serves as a member of the commission alongside attorney Sandile Humalo SC and Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who heads the Commission. Her successful legal career, including extensive experience in constitutional and administrative law, provides her with the knowledge, sound judgment, and judicial temperament necessary to fulfill the duties of the Commission. Through meticulous and systematic examination of witnesses, rigorous analysis of evidence, and consistently balanced conduct in court, she earns public esteem. During the investigation, she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, justice, and due process, thereby strengthening public trust in the Commission's work.
Lead investigators, attorneys Malape Selo SC, Adila Hashim SC, Lee Segels-Nkube, Ofentse Motlhasedi, and Tabang Pue, all possess strong professional and personal qualities that influence their contribution to the Commission. Each woman possesses a remarkable moral compass and demonstrates principled leadership, quietly but firmly resisting intense political pressure during the investigation. Their collective track record shows that thorough and principled legal work can succeed even in a heavily compromised system.
They demonstrate great courage in dangerous and hostile circumstances, showing firm determination in the pursuit of the truth. Intellectually, they display authority, insight, and forensic accuracy, successfully combining legal rigor with genuine human responses. This quality lends the proceedings a necessary degree of compassion and supports their effectiveness. The issues they face are often complex and controversial. Thanks to their collective commitment and consistent discipline, they uphold the values of the legal profession and earn genuine trust and respect. Through their steady professionalism, the Commission continues to operate with authority. Society, weary of official misconduct, can find hope in the steadfast dedication of these lead investigators.
Dr. Nolita Vukuza, Secretary of the Madlanga Commission, performs a vital administrative function that underpins the entire investigation. Her duty is to manage the investigative and organizational infrastructure of the Commission. She is responsible for the secure handling of confidential evidence, including the organization of testimonies from at-risk individuals. Witness safety is paramount, and Dr. Vukuza ensures appropriate protocols are in place to protect those deciding to testify. Furthermore, her leadership provides the institutional framework necessary for the Commission to carry out its duties transparently, reliably, and credibly. She maintains the integrity of the Commission by signing official documents and making procedural decisions. Dr. Vukuza oversees the financial prudence of the Commission, managing a budget exceeding 147 million rand. This enormous financial responsibility requires acute oversight and unwavering integrity to prevent waste or mismanagement. Without her firm hand guiding the administrative mechanism, the commission members would not be able to focus on substantive legal and investigative work. She is the engine of the Commission, ensuring seamless operation behind the scenes so that public hearings can proceed without interruption or procedural breaches.
The 1956 March was a massive demonstration of courage. Participants were willing to risk their lives and freedom for a better South Africa where all people would be treated as equals and with dignity, regardless of race, class, or gender. At a time when South Africa craves authority and superiority in its state institutions, the staff of the Madlanga Commission, especially the women, stands out as a powerful beacon for a nation going through turbulent times. They reflect the spirit of that historic march and show that the fight for justice and accountability is far from over. Their efforts serve as a reminder that the ideals of 1956 are not mere historical artifacts, but living principles requiring constant vigilance and active defense. Their actions offer a model of renewal that South Africa so desperately needs. By following the example of the courageous women who opposed apartheid seven decades ago, they are now bravely fighting corruption in the criminal justice system, thereby contributing significantly to the creation of a better South Africa for all its residents.
According to Cassius Selala, when South African women hold leadership positions in science, they contribute not only to the transformation of laboratories but also to the transformation of industries, strengthening the economy, inspiring future generations, and building the inclusive, capable, and prosperous South Africa envisioned by the Constitution.
South Africa is at a crucial stage of its democratic journey. In the process of creating an inclusive economy, ensuring sustainable employment, reducing poverty and inequality, and strengthening the potential of a developing state, it has become clear that the country's progress depends on unlocking the full potential of all its citizens, especially women and girls.
During Women's Month, under the national theme 'Empowering women empowers the nation,' it is reminded that supporting women is not just a constitutional requirement or a matter of social justice, but a central element of South Africa's development plan. This is most evident in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The future of the South African economy will be determined by innovation, research, and technological progress. The industries that will shape tomorrow's economy—such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, medical sciences, and climate innovations—require a skilled workforce capable of solving increasingly complex challenges. Women and girls must be at the center of this transformation.
The National Development Plan until 2030 recognizes the need to expand the country's skills base, invest in innovation, and strengthen research capacity to achieve inclusive economic growth. Similarly, the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (2024–2029) emphasizes inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and combating the high cost of living, as well as building a capable, ethical, and developed state. None of these goals can be fully achieved without a significant increase in the participation and leadership of women in science and innovation.
Science extends far beyond laboratories and research institutions; it is the foundation upon which nations build competitive economies. Every medical breakthrough, agricultural innovation, clean energy solution, engineering achievement, and digital technology begins with scientific inquiry. When women participate fully in these fields, they contribute not only to scientific excellence but also to economic expansion, industrial development, and improved public service delivery.
South African women scientists continue to demonstrate outstanding leadership in critical sectors. They advance vaccine research, enhance food security through agricultural science, develop technologies to address water scarcity, drive innovation in mining and manufacturing, and lead research helping communities adapt to climate change. Their work directly contributes to achieving national priorities and improving the daily lives of millions of South Africans.
Despite these successes, women remain underrepresented in many STEM disciplines, particularly in leadership roles, research funding, and commercial innovation. Many girls still face obstacles that prevent them from building careers in science and technology. Gender stereotypes, unequal access to quality education, limited mentorship opportunities, workplace discrimination, and uneven burdens of unpaid care continue to limit their potential.
For a country facing persistent unemployment, especially among women and youth, this represents a missed economic opportunity. Therefore, empowering women in science must become a strategic investment in South Africa's economic recovery and development. Every girl who succeeds in mathematics, coding, engineering, or scientific research strengthens the country's ability to compete in the rapidly changing global economy. Every woman who starts a tech enterprise, leads scientific research, or develops innovative solutions contributes to job creation, productivity, and inclusive growth.
This requires targeted investment across the entire education and innovation ecosystem. Girls must have equal access to quality STEM education from an early age. Universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges must expand opportunities for women in research and innovation. The public and private sectors must invest in scholarships, mentorship, research funding, entrepreneurial support, and leadership development to enable women scientists to thrive.
The Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities continues to advocate for gender-oriented policies aimed at dismantling structural barriers and promoting equal participation in all spheres of society. By collaborating with government departments, academic circles, scientific councils, industry, and civil society, it is essential to ensure that women are not merely participants in South Africa's innovation ecosystem, but its leaders, shaping its future.
Empowering women in science also advances South Africa's international commitments, including the African Union's Agenda 2063, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), as well as commitments under the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
The country's development plan cannot succeed if innovation excludes half its population. Inclusive growth requires inclusive innovation. A capable developing state needs the talents of female researchers, engineers, data scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs. Our industrialization requires women to design the technologies of the future. Our response to climate change depends on women developing sustainable agricultural systems and clean energy solutions. Our healthcare system relies on women to advance vital research.
By investing in women in science, the country strengthens institutions, makes industries more competitive, improves community health, and enhances economic resilience. Opportunities are created not only for individual women but also for families, communities, and future generations.
On the occasion of Women's Month, South Africa must renew its commitment to creating an environment where every girl can dream without limits, every young woman can build a scientific career without discrimination, and every female scientist can lead, innovate, and contribute fully to national development. The success of South Africa's development plan will ultimately depend on whether we can harness the talents of all our people. Thus, empowering women in science is not just a matter of representation; it is an acceleration of economic transformation, the advancement of innovation, the strengthening of our developing state, and the building of a prosperous nation for all.
