09/08/2024
*Marching towards freedom: Honoring our mother's courage on National Women's Day*
Today is a very special day for me and family as we honour my mother, Mamothibi Ramothata, born Seleka.
August 9, 1956 is a significant not only because it marks the day she took part in big protest, but also because it is a day that is celebrated as National Women's Day in South Africa.
On this day in 1956, my mother was just a young woman l, but she was one of about 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against legislation aimed at tightening the apartheid government's control over the movement of black women in urban areas. This protest was in response to the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act of 1950, commonly referred to as the "pass laws".
The march was led by some of the most prominent female activists of the time, including Lillian Ngoyi, born Mannya who was also my mother’s home girl from Botlokwa, where she was born.
Ngoyi was joined by Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams, who were all instrumental in the struggle against apartheid.
I remember my mother telling us about this historic march to Pretoria which occurred when my family was still staying in Kliptown, where the ANC adopted Freedom Charter shortly before our family, along with thousands of others were moved to Molapo, Soweto
Kliptown was a vibrant and diverse community that was home to people of different races and backgrounds.
However, under the apartheid government's Group Areas Act, Kliptown was declared a "white area," and the African residents were forcibly removed to various townships , which was built specifically for this purpose.
The removals from Kliptown took place in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with some residents being relocated to Molapo Township.
This was a traumatic experience for the people of Kliptown, who were forced to leave behind their homes, businesses, and community.
The adoption of the Freedom Charter in Kliptown in 1955 was a significant event in South Africa's history, as it brought together various anti-apartheid organizations and individuals to articulate a shared vision for a democratic and equal society.
The Charter's adoption was a powerful statement against apartheid and paved the way for further resistance and activism.
She told us about the courage and determination of the women who marched, and how they refused to be silenced or intimidated by the apartheid government.
The women who marched on that day were not just fighting for their own freedom, but for the freedom of all black South Africans.
They were demanding an end to the oppressive pass laws that restricted their movement and made it difficult for them to find work or support their families.
To our mother, Mamothibi, we say thank you for your courage, your resilience and your unwavering commitment to the struggle for freedom.
You are a true inspiration to us, and we are proud to be your children.
