Two local Germiston veterans were honoured in the Kobie Muller Hall at Bertha Gxowa Hospital on August 4.
This was seen at the unveiling ceremony of Bertha Gxowa’s statue and mosaic at the hospital that bears her name.
The provincial Women’s Month programme was also launched during the event.
In addition, Dr Clarence Mini was honoured by having the Kobie Muller Hall renamed in his honour.
Dr Chana Pilane-Majake, chairperson for Bertha Gxowa Foundation, attended the event among other guests such as the Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi and the Acting Executive Mayor, Clr Leshaka Manamela.
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Patience Motlana, a representative of Dr Mini’s family, addressed the audience.
“The gesture of renaming the Kobie Muller Hall to Dr Clarence Mini Hall fills our hearts with immense pride and comfort, knowing that his contributions to the medical field are not only recognised but also cherished,” said Motlana.
“It is a special day as we also honour Mama Gxowa. We acknowledge and honour her tireless contributions to the struggle.
Our father often recounted stories of his grandmother participating in the historic women’s march of 1956, and it fills us with deep gratitude to commemorate the sacrifices of Mama Gxowa and others during this month,” said Motlana.
“Germiston held a special place in our father’s heart where he served the community by running his surgery and later working at the hospital.
We carry immense pride in the sacrifices he made not only here but throughout his life’s work. To witness his sacrifices being appreciated and honoured on this significant occasion means the world to our family.
“We hope that our father’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of healthcare professionals to come,” said Motlana.
Manamela said, “Today, we pay tribute to an extraordinary woman who dedicated her life to fighting for freedom and equality in our beloved country. Mama Gxowa fearlessly led the way in advocating for women’s rights.
“Hailing from the Germiston area, Mama Gxowa actively participated in the movement towards emancipation for women,” Manamela.
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“Today we gather at this hospital bearing her name, not only to pay tribute but to also acknowledge her invaluable contributions. Her legacy serves as an inspiration not only to women but to all of us who value democracy.
“Women’s Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and to highlight the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
“It is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made and to renew our commitment to achieving equality.
“Today, as we unveil this statue in honour of Mama Gxowa, may we take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices she made and the challenges she faced in her pursuit of a better future for our country.
Let us also remember the countless other heroines of the struggle who fought alongside her, many of whom gave their lives for the cause,” said Manamela.
MEC of Safety Faith Mazibuko said 2023 marks 68 years since the founding conference of the Federation of South African Women which adopted the 1954 Women’s Charter.
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“The Women’s Month celebrations include the acknowledgement of the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956 in protest against the Pass Laws.
“As we commemorate the month, we must pay tribute to the pioneers of the women’s movement in this country, dating back to 1913, when women like Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke led the way in establishing the ANC Women’s League and encouraging women to engage in the struggle for freedom.
“The disruptors and pioneers include Cissy, Jaynab and Amina Gool, who were amongst the leaders of the National Liberation League and the Non-European United Front of the 1930s,” said Mazibuko.
The Gauteng premier concluded by expressing gratitude to the Mini and Gxowa families for attending the ceremony and honouring of their family members.
