President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Upington, Northern Cape, today to lead the national Women’s Day commemoration. The event marks the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March, where more than 20,000 women protested against apartheid pass laws at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Reflecting On The 1956 Legacy
The commemorations are centred on the official theme for Women’s Month 2026: ‘Celebrating 70 Years of the Women’s March: Towards Women’s Economic Justice and Equality’. During his keynote address, the President emphasised the need to translate historical resistance into modern-day empowerment.
As we commemorate this significant milestone, we reflect on the courage of the women of 1956 and reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality and economic empowerment for all women in South Africa.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
The South African government observes the month of August to highlight the ongoing achievements of women while acknowledging the persistent barriers to full participation in society. These challenges include high rates of gender-based violence, lingering economic disparities, and the under-representation of women in leadership across both public and private sectors.
The event in Upington serves as a platform to renew policy focus on these systemic issues. It remains unclear what specific legislative or economic interventions will be announced following today’s proceedings, and CapeFlats.co.za will continue to track updates from the Presidency throughout the week.