No words can fully describe the contribution women have made to ensure freedom in South Africa, Deputy President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday.
In a speech prepared for delivery at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, to commemorate the 1956 women’s march, he paid special tribute to those women involved in one way or another in the struggle against apartheid.
”Women have truly earned their place in a free South Africa as they were involved in every aspect of the struggle. When the time came to negotiate a political settlement and to craft a new Constitution, women again played a prominent and invaluable role.
”We salute you for your strength, dedication and courage, and for not losing hope and faith in your country,” Zuma said.
”We have not reached our goals regarding women’s emancipation yet, but already our country has done well enough to become one of the leading countries in terms of the presence of women in senior public office.”
There has been remarkable progress in the increase in the number of women in the Cabinet, while Parliament is headed by women — the National Assembly speaker, chairperson of the National Council of Provinces and the deputy speaker. In addition, four out of nine provincial premiers are women.
However, it should be emphasised that the struggle for the emancipation of women is not about numbers or about appointing a few women into positions of power.
It is about improving living conditions and creating an enabling environment for all women to advance socially, economically and politically, Zuma said. — Sapa