Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities Lulu Xingwana has paid tribute to South African mothers as unsung heroines of the liberation struggle.
"Mothers are the bedrock upon which apartheid was defeated. They literally gave birth to the democracy we are enjoying today. It is mothers who had to raise children and keep the family intact as fathers took part in the struggle for liberation," Xingwana states.
Xingwana says it is important that as South Africans from all walks of life honour their mothers on this Mothers’ Day that we do not forget the critical role played by mothers in shaping the country we live in today.
"The narrative of the journey of South Africa to liberation would be incomplete if it does not reflect the significant contribution made by mothers. We often talk of founding fathers of our democracy which is good but what about the founding mothers?
"As far as 1913 mothers such as Charlotte Maxeke, Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Sophie De Bruyn, Dorothy Nyembe, Albertina Sisulu, Ruth Mompati, Victoria Mxenge, Mmadinoge and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and many others fought against discrimination and the total emancipation of South Africa."
Xingwana wished all mothers a Happy Mothers’ Day and called on all South Africans to ensure that they foster an environment that is free from gender-based violence.
Enquiries:
Mr Motalatale Modiba
Media Liaison Officer
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E-mail: motalatale.modiba@dwcpd.gov.za
