Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
Helen JosephIn the news
Resistance: The leaders of the Women's March of 1956 clutch bundles of petitions which they are about to hand over to government officials at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Photo by Alf Kumalo courtesy of MBR Projects, Olamuk & the Alf Kumalo Estate
PHOTOGRAPHY

The women history forgot are still here

Marking 70 years since the 1956 Women's March, an exhibition of Alf Kumalo's photography explores the depth, joy, and defiance of the women who fought against apartheid pass laws.

  • Heidi Thembeka Sincuba
8 min read
SOUTH AFRICAN HISTORY

Queen Hoho: An inspirational woman warrior and leader of peace

Exploring the historical legacy of Queen Hoho, the courageous Khoi monarch whose strategic diplomacy with Chief Rharhabe united Khoi and amaXhosa heritage and redefined female…

  • Vusumzi Vusie Mba
8 min read
The crowd at the Union Buildings on August 9 1956. About 20 000 women marched to Pretoria to protest against passes for black women.
WOMEN S RIGHTS

The unfinished march: Why women's empowerment remains South Africa's greatest infrastructure challenge

The 1956 Women's March against apartheid pass laws was a pivotal moment for South African women. Decades later, the fight for true gender equality and economic inclusion remains…

  • Takalani Netshitenzhe
6 min read
SOUTH AFRICAN HISTORY

Before 1956, there was 1913: The forgotten women of the first pass war

While South Africa celebrates the women of 1956, this article sheds light on the largely forgotten women of 1913. Exactly 43 years earlier, thousands of black women in the Orange…

  • Lesley Mofokeng
7 min read