‘Maxeke Week’ – In honour of the activist, Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke
Long live Charlotte Maxeke's legacy
The Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) hosted an event called ‘Maxeke Week’ in honour of the activist, Mannya-Maxeke, a pioneer and the first president of the Bantu Women’s League which is now known as the ANC Women’s League.
Mannya-Maxeke was born on April 7, 1871, and would have turned 148 this year. A lecture in her honour was delivered by renowned businesswoman and philanthropist, Dr Anna Mokgokong, under the theme “NO ONE LEFT BEHIND” REDEFINING CHARLOTTE MAXEKE’S CALL: 25 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY.” Which is set to take place at Kgorong Building, Unisa Muckleneuk Campus?
Leading up to this event, there were various activities that took place in and around Soweto and on Thursday, April 4, there was a house visit at Charlotte Maxeke Heritage House in Kliptown, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony held at her grave at the Nancefield Cemetery then finally, a church service at the AME Church in Kliptown to commemorate Mme Maxeke.
Attended by family members, women leaders, and women from different churches, including those from the AME church dressed in their beautiful church attires to celebrate Maxeke’s legacy and leadership.
The event was also graced by Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, who emphasised the need to keep celebrating Maxeke.
“Maxeke lived her life like a true messenger of God; she started organisations, one of them being the AME church. She was also the first black woman to graduate and have a BCS Degree in Southern Africa in 1901, if it wasn’t for her, some of us as women wouldn’t be where we are today,” said Nkoana-Mashabane.
“I love what I see today, as we commemorate her today and pay some respect, I would also request those who can assist us with the family to renovate the Charlotte Maxeke House in Kliptown as a way of honouring her,” she added.
Some of the things you need to know about Mannya-Maxeke
• The first woman to participate in the Kings Courts under King Sabata Dalindyebo of AbaThembu and they started a school under this Royal Family. She was given a name Nogazo as a salutation
• She established a school in Evaton, Gauteng in 1908 (Wilberforce Institute)
• She was the only woman that attended the first (African National Congress) ANC conference in 1912 and she made some momentous contributions.
• Initiator, Organizer and the first President of Bantu Women’s League in 1918 which later became ANC Women’s League. This important unit of the governing party of The Republic of South Africa is celebrating a centenary in 2018
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