Bokone Bophirima women must continue to embrace the legacy of 1956 women – Premier Mahumapelo
The Premier of Bokone Bophirima Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo says women in the Province must celebrate August activities in a spirit that befits the bravery of 1956 women. The country is this month paying homage to thousands of women who 59 years ago marched to the Union Building in protest of the pass laws, thereby contributing in the struggle for liberation.
Premier Mahumapelo says while various sectors in the Province will be commemorating the 59th anniversary of the women’s march throughout the Province, emphasis should be on reflecting women’s continued role in nation building and socio-economic transformation.
Premier Mahumapelo further appreciates the recognition of women from Motswedi, Dinokana and Lekgopung villages in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality by President Jacob Zuma, for their selfless contributions in the fight against apartheid laws that oppressed women in particular. President Zuma acknowledged these women in his address to thousands of women who attended this year’s national Women’s Day event at Sasolburg, Free State Province.
As Premier Mahumapelo puts it, this recognition will go a long way in enhancing the vision to rebrand, reposition and renew the people’s Province of Bokone Bophirima.
“The African Union has declared 2015 as the Year for Women Empowerment, thus encouraging all sectors to prioritise and invest their resources towards developing women. As the Province of Bokone Bophirima, we commit ourselves to continue focusing our development agenda on women in our villages, townships and small dorpies, this in line with our deliberate drive to improve the people of Bokone Bophirima’s lives”, says Premier Mahumapelo.
Reiterating the Province’s prioritisation of Agriculture, Culture and Tourism as key pillars for economic growth, Mahumapelo urged women in these sectors to take full advantage of opportunities offered by these industries.
“The Provincial Government has distinct programmes specific for women development, and we believe it is through such offerings that the quality of life of the women in this Province will be changed”.
“Bokone Bophirima prides itself in women who have continuously demonstrated their ability in uniting and making a difference in the society. We remain confident that as we will be dedicating the August service delivery approaches to women in our Province, these services will to a greater extent benefit our communities, thereby addressing the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality”, says Premier Mahumapelo.
In line with the declaration of 2015 as the Year for Women Empowerment, South Africa will host this year’s AU 2015 Women in Traditional Leadership conference which will be held towards the end of this month in Bokone Bophirima Province, Bojanala Platinum District. This international event will be attended by amongst others, women traditional leaders, women in leadership across all sectors, as well as former and current First Ladies from across the African continent.
“The hosting of this international event will certainly give meaning and value to the vision of rebranding, repositioning and renewal of our Province. Furthermore, the prioritisation of three sectors which include tourism will find expression from the hosting of this big event in our soil”.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Women United in moving South Africa Forward”.
Enquiries:
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 084 702 4501 / 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
