18 August 2006

Programme Director

Madam Speaker: Councilor Noluthando Mangole

Area Commissioner Rex Machabi

Correctional Services Head of Social Workers Miss Mapula Rammutla

Honourable Members of our Law Enforcement Agencies in the city

Honourable Women Members of the Mayoral Committee

Members of the media

Ladies and gentlemen:

Thank you Programme Director. 2006 promises to be an eventful year. Apart from the 30th Anniversary of June 16 1976 and the 20th Anniversary of the death of Samora Machel, this year also marks the 60th Anniversary of the African mine workers' strike of 1946 as well as the 50th Anniversary of the historic Women's march to the Union buildings to protest against unjust laws, particularly the pass laws. The African mine workers' strike was a seismic event in the country's history which had a profound effect both on the struggles of South Africa's workers and on the broader struggle for national liberation. Similarly, the Women's march to the Union building was also a historic event that set the tone for what we have been able to achieve as a people today. This has necessitated a change in some of the every day language we use, to correctly capture and reflect the reality of our time. That beside every successful man is a woman.

I greet you therefore, in the name of all the women who dared challenge the apartheid regime in 1956. I salute them for their courage, conviction and strong-mindedness. I greet you also in the name of all women of our city and our country. I salute you for your continued love for this country. I salute you as pioneers that are paving the way for all other women, just like the gallant sheroes of 1976.

It is said that it is a worthier thing to deserve honour than to possess it. It is further said that she who desires honour is not worthy of honour. Many a times you come across people who claim to possess honour when they do not even deserve it. Many a times you come across people who desire honour when they are not even worthy of honour. I am proud to be given an opportunity to pay tribute to you women of our city who deserve honour rather than those who claim to possess it. I am honoured to be standing in front of womenfolk who are worthy of honour rather than those that desire it.

We have always subscribed to the progressive view that the place of a woman is everywhere else but the confines of a kitchen. Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy therefore, that in our country and in our city women continue to play a meaningful role in governing our country. Just as we have women in parliament and government, we have more women increasingly playing an important role in all facets of community life. This has to be because just as women gave our struggle a humane soul, you are giving our law enforcement and our other collective efforts that very same humane soul.

When Oprah Winfrey is asked about where her intimate connection to South Africa comes from, she cannot help but cry. Besides talking about her love and deep respect for Nelson Mandela, she continues to say: "I have traveled to many countries in the world. I have interacted with many different people from different parts of the world. I have never, ever seen such high and unique levels of hope and courage anywhere in the world than in South Africa, particularly the women. When I look at the faces of South African women, I see myself". This is what Oprah Winfrey says and it is no lie. Women of this country have endured many things, but they have never lost hope and courage. I implore you to be proud of who you are. I beg you to never compromise your femininity. I beg you to hold your head up high for you are what makes this country lovable. I implore you to continue your torch bearer responsibility.

Ladies, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for the service you render for the people of this city and this country. You will go down in history as people who made huge sacrifices and contributions to the building of South Africa, the land of winners. You will go down as sheroes!

Wathinta Abafazi!

I thank you.