Thousands of women gathered in Kimberley on Thursday for national Women’s Day celebrations, some bussed in from as far as Pampierstad.
Groups of singing women had been arriving at Galeshewe Stadium throughout the morning. Many were dressed in the green and black colours of the African National Congress Women’s League.
The crowd were entertained by cultural performances and bands.
Various dignitaries arrived at 11am, including Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and various local politicians.
President Thabo Mbeki was expected to address the gathering at about noon. He would be followed by Minister of Arts and Culture Pallo Jordan.
The day commemorates the August 1956 march of 20 000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against apartheid pass laws.
Mlambo-Ngcuka and fellow politicians were caught up in the celebratory atmosphere and performed a few dance steps on the stage.
Bands listed on the programme included Malaika, Freshly Ground, Karen Zoid and Ringo. — Sapa