In unprecedented solidarity, on 9 August 1956, women of every race marched in protest against the pass laws that proposed even further restrictions on the movement of women. They marched to the government administration capital with the slogan Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo: You strike a woman, you strike a rock.
With that in mind, Samwu honoured De Bruyn as a role-model and a gender activist and recognised her commitment, sincerity and loyalty to the transformation of society. “These are the characteristics we wish to emulate. This is the month of celebration of women’s victories as well as taking stock of our past, present and future actions,” Samwu spokesperson Papikie Mohale said.
Mohale said these included the campaign against domestic violence and sexual harassment, the prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace, and for the improvement of women workers’ lives and working conditions.
He said, “We, therefore, recognise the centrality of promoting gender-sensitive wage demands and women worker leaders being active on this front in collective bargaining.”
Mohale said Samwu was saddened by the ongoing violence against women and children which occur mainly in poor marginalised communities. He also lamented the deplorable forms of mob justice, such as the incident in Soweto against an alleged nyaope addict where a youth was killed for allegedly stealing a lawnmower.
“At the same time we urge government departments such as social development… to work together in providing services, as well as an enabling supportive environment for the youth to take charge and control of their lives in a sustainable and caring manner, such as the provision of job opportunities and recreation centres,” Mohale stated.
He said an important community-oriented action is that of dialogue and debate in building a strong social sphere. Mohale said communities need to strive for unity and togetherness as an essential ingredient for transformation.
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