Women's Day celebrations, Vryheid
9 August 2007
This year's national Women's Day comes 40 years after the death of Inkosi
Albert Luthuli and 52 years since the 1956 women's march on Union Buildings. In
2006, we commemorated the centenary of the Bhambatha uprising and recently we
celebrated the women of the Ingcugce Regiment for the stand they took in
defence of the rights of women to choose their partners.
We also commemorated the life of Mahatma Ghandi, recalled the heroic acts of
Inkosi uBhambatha who in 1906 resisted the introduction of poll tax and led one
of the most memorable defences for African independence and freedom. At the
same time, this year marks 60 years since the signing in 1947 of the three
doctors' pact in which doctors Dadoo, Naicker and Xuma called for a full
franchise for all and set the stage for the successful drafting of the Freedom
Charter a few years later.
This above context is important for us to properly commemorate Women's Day.
This is because the struggle for women is not a struggle that begins today, but
dates back hundreds of years. It is also important to note that the struggle
for the rights of women is a struggle for the rights of all human beings and is
therefore a part of the efforts we all make towards a better more secure
future. Chief Luthuli said this when he called for the freedom of oppressed
people in South Africa:
"No true peace and progress can be secured in any country as long as there
are others in that country that are denied full democratic rights and
duties."
Paraphrasing Inkosi uLuthuli, this is what we must say in relation to the
rights of women in this country and elsewhere in the world:
"No true peace and progress can be secured in any country as long as women
in that country are denied full and democratic rights and duties."
Women in government (national)
Addressing a women's empowerment gathering in Durban, Deputy President
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said:
* South Africa prides itself with having a Cabinet consisting of 43% women
representation. Four of the nine provinces are led by women Premiers.
* Our Parliament has more than 30% women representation. This is also
translating to local government level as well where women representation stands
at 40%.
* South Africa is rated number 10 out of the 130 parliaments in the world in
terms of women's advancement in governance.
Province of KwaZulu-Natal
The contribution of women inspires us to continue with our commitment to the
goal of a better life for the women of this country and our people as a whole.
In this regard, as government, since 2004 we have taken deliberate steps to
place more and more women in positions of effective power. When we were
mandated by the electorate of KwaZulu-Natal to lead the provincial government,
circumstances were such that we could only have one woman in the Executive
Council.
* We have four women out of a total of ten MECs that is close to 50% of our
cabinet.
* Out of 14 provincial departments, half of them, seven, are headed by
women.
* Out of a provincial budget of R49,9 billion these women are managing 59% of
the budget which translates to R29,6 billion.
Women in business
On the side of business, the following statistics are relevant:
* Small-medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) constitute about 95% of all
enterprises in the country.
* SMMEs currently absorb between 50% and 60% of the formally employed labour
force and at present, contribute 30% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
* Women comprise 83% of the informal economy, of which 61% are African
women.
One of the lessons we learn from this is that women represent a growth area
as business people and leaders in the community and various sectors of our
lives. This, therefore, means we need to double our efforts at providing for
the advancement of our womenfolk, going forward.
Here are some of the events which we hope will highlight women's
contribution to the growth of humanity.
* On 31 July we celebrated Pan-African Women's Day.
* Today we are commemorating national Women's Day.
* During the month of September we will commemorate the Heritage of
KwaZulu-Natal and on 15 October we will host International Rural Women's
Day.
Today we are recalling Princess Mkabayi ka Jama, daughter of King
Senzangakhona who for decades was the power behind the throne during the reign
of successive Zulu Kings including King Shaka. She lies buried here in Vryheid
at KwaSgwegwede and led the only woman headed royal homestead of the time,
eBaqulusini, KwaSgwegwede.
A military genius, a political strategist, a networker and mobiliser of note
Princess Mkabayi ranks alongside the well-trained army of women in the West
African kingdom of Benin/Dahomey. This army was reported to be vastly superior
to that of men. Soldiers in this army continued to undermine and sabotage the
new French colonisers even after Dahomey's official defeat at the end of the
19th century.
We must spotlight the challenges faced by women today such as rape,
violence, poverty and unemployment. We must focus on the girl child whom we
believe will help us deal with some of the challenges we face such as teenage
pregnancies, HIV and AIDS, etc.
We want to encourage a buy-in from men and boys to rid KwaZulu-Natal of all
its discriminatory ills. A standing Men's Forum must speak loudest when the
women, girls and children are raped by men. They must help us inculcate a new
culture which places women in their rightful place, as equals with men in every
aspect of life.
Masisukume Sakhe.
Thank you.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
9 August 2007
