Women urged to work hard
Sihle believes that today's women must continue where the women of 1956 left off and not let their efforts be in vein.
August is Women’s Month and the Kathorous MAIL spoke to one woman who spends her days selling in the streets of Vosloorus as a means to survive.
Sihle Shuma (47) is a hard-working woman who resides in Vosloorus, Marimba, Section 4. She hates seeing how some women depend on men to put food on the table.
Speaking to Kathorus MAIL about how she struggles to survive, Sihle said that she came to South Africa more than 20 years ago to look for a job.
“I thought it was going to be easier than it is in Zimbabwe. I am a single woman who only survives by selling snacks, sweets, airtime, cigarettes and biscuits on the table outside Vosloorus police station.
“With the money I get here, I manage to feed myself and my kids, send them to school and varsity, and buy them clothes and school uniforms. However, it is not easy,” said Sihle.
Talking to Kathorus MAIL about how she is inspired by women of 1956, she said, “Women saw the need to change the situation that was affecting people at that time.”
Before women changed the situation, people were forced to go around urban townships carrying permits or passes, which they were forced to renew at the end of every month. That did not sit well with women, and as a result they marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to voice their grievances.
“It happened 13 years before I was born but it inspires me as though I was part of the march myself. Looking at the poverty I used to live in, I told myself that if women stood up against the apartheid government and managed to change the situation, why don’t I also stand up and change the situation regarding the poverty I used to live in. I am not saying I am rich now but with the money that I get, I manage to take care of my family,” said Sihle.
She said life is not easy as sometimes she wakes up to rainy and cold weather conditions but still has to go to work.
“It is always difficult for uneducated people because there are no jobs for them. I am no different. But my advice to women out there is that even though it is difficult, they must not depend on men to support them.” said Sihle.
Sihle says she would appreciate if she can get financial support to expand her business. Anyone who might be willing to help by investing in her business would not be wasting their money because she is a born hard worker.
Sihle believes that today’s women must continue where the women of 1956 left off and not let their efforts be in vein.
