Margaret Mncadi iXobho Project
23 August 2007
As part of Women's Month, government is paying tribute to the unsung
heroines of iXobho in the Sisonke District of KwaZulu-Natal.
To this end, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele together with Members
his Executive Council (MECs) will be at iXobho this Saturday and Sunday (25 and
26 August 2007) from 09h00, as part of the provincial government's 'Taking
government to the People' Programme.
This initiative follows a similar successful event that was hosted at
Sweetwaters near Pietermaritzburg during the past weekend (18 and 19 August
2007).
An array of government services, including on-site applications for grants
and pensions, will be on offer. As part of Women's Month, free medical
check-ups, massages and food parcels will also be given to elderly women.
Entertainment will also be provided.
Members of the public from iXobho and surrounding areas are encouraged to
attend and bring their identity documents along. Local councillors are to be
contacted for transport arrangements.
On Monday, 27 August 2007, commencing at 10h00 at KwaNokweja Sports Grounds
in iXobho, the national Minister of Communications, Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, is
scheduled to address the commemoration ceremony of Margaret Mncadi.
Matsepe-Casaburri in collaboration with Premier Ndebele will pay tribute to
about 335 unsung heroines of iXobho. These are the women who, in 1956, took to
the streets of iXobho to march against the pass laws.
Their struggle was part of the national liberation struggle of 'Mayibuye
Afrika' and the historic women's march of 9 August 1956.
Both Ndebele and Matsepe-Casaburri realised that these women should be
recognised and acknowledged for their unknown efforts and contributions to the
struggle for the liberation of this country.
Their stories should be recorded to preserve the rich heritage of the area
for future generations and particularly the growing iXobho generation and the
community at large.
At this event Matsepe-Casaburri is expected to:
* launch a website which will be used by the community for continued
awareness raising and documenting of information
* hand over specially designed computers to pre-school children
* announce the provision of a tele-centre to the community of Kwa Nokweja.
The Minister will also unveil a memorial stone in recognition of the iXobho
women.
All media are invited to attend the events on 25, 26 and 27 August 2007 in
iXobho. Please note picture opportunities.
For transport arrangements contact:
Jeff Hassan
Cell: 082 884 1872
Journalists attending must confirm their attendance by no later than 14h00
on Friday, 24 August 2007, as per the contact details listed below.
Contact:
Logan Maistry
Premier's Spokesperson
Cell: 083 644 4050
E-mail: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
23 August 2007
