Women's March, 1956

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Women's March, 1956 You have struck a rock WOMEN AGAINST PASS LAWS When the full story of Africa's struggle for meetings, our resolutions," they said. "Let us freedom is written, pride of place will go to the go to Pretoria ourselves and protest to the women who organised and struggled against Government against laws that oppress us." South Africa's hated pass laws. And women While the women of the Transvaal began will tell over and over again the story of how campaigning for their first protest to Pretoria, they went to Pretoria to protest to the Prime African women in Durban organised the first Minister himself — "I was there," they will demonstration to the authorities. First two say, "I was one of the women who went to hundred, then a thousand women demon­ Pretoria." strated to the Native Administration Depart­ ment, spurning the “letters of privilege", fore­ So Thursday, August 9th, 1956, blended runners of passes. "We will never carry into our history, will yet stand out as a rock, passes under any conditions!" they cried. a monumental achievement by the most op­ pressed, suffering and downtrodden of our Then in October, 1955, the women of the people — the women of South Africa. Transvaal went to Pretoria — two thousand women of all races, to the very heart of Union Buildings, of the Government itself. To get THE IDEA THAT GREW. there, they had to overcome innumerable ob­ It started a year before, in August, 1955, stacles; they had met with every possible when the women of the Transvaal, gathered official rebuff and refusal, with police inter­ in Conference organised by the Federation of ference and intimidation, withdrawal of trans­ South African Women, made a simple sugges­ port and deception, to prevent them from go­ tion. "The Government ignores our pleas, our ing. They had overcome personal difficulties, "I was there!" Twenty thousand women filled the Union Building Amphitheatre on August 9th, 1956. Here the women are still pouring in. Photo: Pretoria News. which are always so much greater for a were again protesting, while in March, 1956, woman than a man, and the result of their the women of Germiston led off Transvaal efforts was a demonstration that made head­ demonstrations once more with three hundred lines throughout South Africa, and was women, who, undeterred by extraordinary recorded and televised in other countries in police threats of mass arrests, shooting of the world. The dignity, discipline and quiet leaders, and most severe forms of intimidation, resolution and determination of the women marched to their local offices, declaring "Even impressed even those who did not understand if the passes are printed in real gold we do the true meaning of their demonstration. not want them." The protests grew. The next month, Cape Town women marched through the streets of THE DECISION their city, displaying their protests against passes and deportations; and before the end It was in March, too, that the Transvaal of 1955, the militant women of Durban were women, meeting in Conference, decided to go once again pounding on the door of the Native to Pretoria once again. Two thousand women Administration Offices, declaring that they and men attended that Conference, and with would not carry passes. one voice resolved to fight passes to the bitter end. Early in 1956 the women of East London took up the cry against passes. "Oh, what a Meanwhile, the issue of passes — "refer­ law! We are refusing totally!'' said the memo­ ence books" — to women had begun. In the randum they presented to the local Commis­ Free State town of Winburg, numerous women sioner. A month later, Durban and Cape Town were tricked into taking the new books; many Women travelled long distances to arrive in Pretoria the night before August 9th. Thousands lay all night on hard floors or held "wakes' . Photo: Drum. Many mothers brought their children. They were tired — but their spirit was unquenchable. were brought in by their employers from out­ days later four hundred domestic servants lying farms, ignorant of what was happening; from the suburbs of Johannesburg. Orlando many were persuaded that the books were women marched, and women from Alexandra not passes, but permits that would permit them Township, and on June 23rd, one thousand to move freely anywhere. women of the South Western Areas added Within a week, hundreds of Winburg their protest march and demand that pass women marched silently to the Magistrate's laws be abolished. Court, and burned the new pass books, pre­ In Pretoria, the women outstripped all pared to face the conseguences of such an other areas with a demonstration of four action. thousand women, blocking the streets outside The following month — April — the the Native Commissioner's office. women of Klerksdorp organised a mass pro­ So the demonstrations spread and grew. test, four hundred of them, to the Native Com­ The Commissioners grumbled that all the missioner. Blocked by the police, the women women demonstrators said the same thing. In sat in the road and demanded that the Native reply, they too, told the women the same story: Commissioner come to them. He came. "If that the reference books were for their own you force us to take passes, we shall burn protection -—• not really passes at all. The them!", the women said. women were not deceived. In May, women demonstrated in Brakpan Five hundred women of Venterspost pro­ and Bethlehem — twelve hundred in Brakpan, tested next, handing in ten thousand signed and four hundred in the little town of Beth­ protests. When policemen asked the names of lehem. June saw the women of Johannesburg women leaders in this demonstration, they organising once again — this time, a thousand replied: "Afrika is my name!" Two thousand women from the Western Areas, and a few women of Evaton marched seven miles to the The dense mass of women in colourful dress stream upwards towards the Union Buildings. Those at the top turn back to watch the strik­ ing scene. Volunteers line each side. Reporters scribble their impressions. city, expressing the bitter feeling of African up the fight? RATHER WILL THEY INTENSIFY. women right through the country against the THEIR STRUGGLE TENFOLD. pass laws. And so Pretoria was not the end, but the And throughout the country, the echoes of beginning. Two days later, women at the that demonstration resounded. The conserva­ second National Conference of the Federation tive "white press'' commented on the impres­ of South African Women, resolved to take the sive, moving dignity and discipline of the struggle against pass laws to every woman women. “Those women assembled in Pretoria throughout the land; to the isolated farms and in their thousands", stated the Argus editorial country dorps; to villages and reserves; to comment, "are still only a small reflection of obtain pledges of opposition to passes frorr the deep resentment that this unnecessary women everywhere. legislation has aroused. To ignore them and For the women well understand that this what they represent deepens stupidity into is a bitter struggle, demanding everything they monumental folly." can give. They know now that there is no refuge for them in their homes; they cannot AND NOW? provide for their children by keeping guiet or "The women's campaign has been a "leaving it to the men." Poverty, hardship, in­ model of patient and peaceful organisation," sufficient food and clothes, inadeguate wrote New Age. "What more can they do than housing, they have always known. Now they they have done to make clear to the authori­ know, as well, that the laws of the country ties what they want — or rather what they invade what homes they have, walk right into don't want? . Does Strijdom think, because their kitchens, pervert the minds of their he turns a deaf ear, that they will tamely give children, tear families asunder, demand that Strijdom, we are knocking at your door! Laden down with thousands of protest forms, Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophie Williams knock on the door of Prime Minister Strijdom’s office. mF Native Commissioner's office; (the Commis­ to thousands. In the location Bantu Hall, ,' sioner said of this demonstration: “It never took many other location halls, demonstrators' Mme place!" but ten thousand protest forms were together in all-night "wakes" before The Day. left with him.) Women's contingents had come from Beth­ In Port Elizabeth, two thousand working lehem, Bloemfontein, Natal, Ermelo; from the women gave up a day's wages to tell the Reef, from Kimberley, from Cape Town, Port Native Commissioner: "We shall not rest until Elizabeth, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Worcester. we have won for our children the right to Women gathered at "eve-of-protest" meet­ freedom, jusice, security.'' Three hundred ings along the Reef. Husbands took over women in Kimberley defied continuous intimi­ indispensable household duties. Everything dation to make their protest against the passes. was keyed in readiness for the great day. Durban again, Queenstown, Cape Town, And finally, August 9th, 1956. While Cradock, East London, Grahamstown, Paarl Premier Strijdom remained out of sight, twenty — more and more women all over the country thousand women overflowed the amphitheatre crying "We shall not rest until pass laws, per­ of Union Buildings, rocking the Cabinet — and mits and all laws restricting our freedom have the country — to a realisation that AFRICAN been abolished." As the day of the second WOMEN DO NOT WANT PASS BOOKS. demonstration drew nearer, so the country­ “Only a camera could record the richness oj wide protests grew. the scene: the gay headscarves; the Xhosa women in their ochre dresses; Indian women in bright "STRIJDOM, YOU HAVE STRUCK A ROCK" saris; women from Bethlehem in the Free State The night before the demonstration, wearing embroidered A.N.C.
Recommended publications
  • 17 MAY 2016 PAGE: 1 of 211
    17 MAY 2016 PAGE: 1 of 211 TUESDAY, 17 MAY 2016 ____ PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES ____ The Council met at 14:04. The House Chairperson: Committees, Oversight, Co-operative Government and Intergovernmental Relations took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation. NOTICES OF MOTION Ms E PRINS: Hon House Chairperson, I move without notice: That the Council notes with outmost appreciation the implementation ... The House Chairperson: Committees, Oversight, Co-operative Government and Intergovernmental Relations (Mr A J Nyambi): Hon Prins, Notice of a Motion. Mr B G NTHEBE: Hon House Chair, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day I shall move on behalf of the ANC: 17 MAY 2016 PAGE: 2 of 211 That the Council – (a) notes that the Western Cape has struck off the EFF‘s urgent application to have the NA Speaker interdicted from using the Rules to address their continued disregard of the Rules and the decorum of Parliament during today‘s sessions on questions to the President; (b) further notes that the EFF would also have wanted to the questions postponed until the Speaker had given the court an assurance that there will be no violence against any opposition parties‘ Members of Parliament for anything that they say in the NA, irrespective of their utter disturbing actions to willingfully and with contempt show utter disrespect and contempt to the institution of Parliament, as a cornerstone of our democracy and the will of the people of South Africa who voted us to represent
    [Show full text]
  • These Are the New Street Names That Represent All Racial Groups, Genders and Political Spectrums, Including Afrikaner Religious
    These are the new street names that represent all racial groups, genders and political spectrums, including Afrikaner religious leaders and academics that played an important role in the country's liberation struggle. According to the Executive Mayor, Cllr Kgosientso Ramokgopa, the street name changes were necessary to ensure racial harmony and cohesion in the city. Nelson (Madiba) Mandela (1918 - ) Nelson Mandela is one of the most famous political leaders in the world. He was born in Qunu, near Umtata in the Eastern Cape and is a qualified lawyer. He was the first democratically elected South African president, serving from 1994 to 1999. Before his presidency, Mandela was a militant anti-apartheid activist and the leader and co-founder of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC). In 1962, he was arrested and convicted of sabotage and other charges. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, for treason, by the apartheid government but was released in February 1990 after serving 27 years. Professor Johan Heyns (1928 – 1994) Johan Heyns was an influential Afrikaner Calvinist theologian and moderator of the general synod of the Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk (NGK). He was assassinated at his home in Waterkloof Ridge in 1994. His death drew shock and outrage from all moderates in South Africa, including Nelson Mandela. Heyns was instrumental in the 1986 NGK decision to abandon its support for apartheid and brand it a sin. Although his murder was never officially solved, it is widely believed that it was directly related to his criticism of apartheid. Nelson Mandela paid homage to him as a martyr for his country and a soldier of peace.
    [Show full text]
  • The Changing Roles of Muslim Women in South Africa
    THE CHANGING ROLES OF MUSLIM WOMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA Submitted in partial fulfillment ofthe requirements for the MASTERS (M.A.) degree in the Faculty ofHumanities, School ofReligion and Culure, . University ofKwaZulu-Natal by ZubeidaBux Reg. No. 9601890 Supervisor: Professor Abul FadlMohsin Ebrahim January 2004 DECLARATION The Registrar University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Campus DearMadam I, ZUBEIDA BUX, hereby declare that the dissertation entitled "The Changing Roles of Muslim Women in South Africa" is the result of my own investigation and research and that it has not been submitted in part or full for any otherdegree.orto.anyotherUniversity. •• , .I '. .. z9ux ~ .: Registration No. 9601890 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ill INTRODUCTION 1 Chapter One THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN LIGHT OF ISLAMIC TEACIDNGS Introduction 8 1.1 Education 8 1.2 Women in theMasaiid (Mosques) 13 1.3 The lfijab (Islamic Dress Code for Muslim Females) 16 lA Polygamy 21 1.5 EconomicrightsofMuslim women 27 1.6 Abuse of Working Women 30 1.7 Inheritance 35 Conclusion 36 Chapter Two MUSLIM FEMINIST PERSPECTIVES Introduction 39 2.1 Muslim Feminists Reinterpretation ofIslam 40 2.2 Criticismof the Misuse ofIslamic Sources 41 2.3 Equality ofMen and Women in the Qur'an 47 2.4 Roles ofWomen 54 Conclusion 60 Chapter Three THE ROLE OF MUSLIM WOMEN IN THE POUTICAL ARENA Introduction 64 3.1 Fatima Seedat 65 3.2 Feroza Adams 66 3.3 Rahima Moosa 67 3.4 Zainab Asvat 69 3.5 Fatima Meer 72 3.6 Amina Cachalia 75 Conclusion 79 Chapter Four CHALLENGES CONFRONTING MUSLIM WOMEN IN SOUTH
    [Show full text]
  • Celebrating Women on Women's
    CELEBRATING WOMEN ON WOMEN’S DAY In one of the largest demonstrations staged in this country’s history, 20 000 women of all races marched to Pretoria’s Union Buildings on 9 August 1956, to present a petition against the carrying of passes by women to the Prime Minister, JG Strijdom. This famous march, which was first celebrated on the 9th of August in 1995, is now celebrated and commemorated every year. The march against the pass laws was organised by the Federation of South African Women (FSAW or FEDSAW). The Federation famously challenged the idea that ‘a woman’s place is in the kitchen’, declaring it instead to be ‘everywhere’. Although Prime Minister JG Strijdom was not at the Union Buildings to accept the petition, the women of South Africa sent a public message that they would not be intimidated and silenced by unjust laws. After the petition was handed over to the secretary of the prime minister, the women sang a freedom song: Wathint` abafazi, Strijdom! Since then, the phrase ‘wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo’ (You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock) has come to represent the courage and strength of South African women. - SA History Online Rahima Moosa (14 October 1922 - 29 May 1993) Helen Joseph (8 April 1905 – 25 Dec 1992) is one was a member of the Transvaal Indian Congress of the most well-known South African women and later the African National Congress. She is well to campaign against apartheid. Born in Sussex, known for the role she played in the national uprising England, Helen graduated with a degree in English of women on 9 August 1956.
    [Show full text]
  • The 50Th Anniversary of the 1956 Women's March
    Feature article • 73 • The 50th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March: a personal recollection Elinor Sisulu “Now that you have tampered with the women, you have struck a rock.” Fifty years ago, this was the rallying cry for 20 000 South African women protesting the apartheid regime’s imposition of hated laws requiring black women to carry passes in urban areas. On that extraordinary day, 20 000 women from all over South Africa watched their chosen representatives Lilian Ngoyi, Rahima Moosa, Helen Joseph and Sophie Williams deposit thousands of petitions to the Minister of Native Affairs at the Union Building, the seat of the apartheid government. For a full thirty minutes, 20 000 women stood in silence in the forecourt of the building, before addressing the then South African prime minister J. G. Strijdom in song: “Strijdom, you have tampered with the women, you have struck a rock!” They then dispersed with quiet dignity, con- scious that they had made history. The image of the event was burned into the consciousness of millions of women and men. It inspired future generations of women to celebrate 9 August every year as South African Women’s Day. Fifty years later, on 9 August 2006, thousands of South African women gathered in Pretoria to recreate that historic march from Strijdom Square in central Pretoria (to be fittingly renamed Lilian Ngoyi Square after the leg- endary leader) to the Union Building, now the seat of the democratically elected African National Congress government. I was privileged to be one of those women. Sandwiched between the Limpopo government delegation, a Palestinian solidarity group and a contingent of young professional women from an investment company, I could not help marvelling at the contrast between the two marches, and feeling profoundly moved.
    [Show full text]
  • Mandela Talks
    9 August 1956. A day we celebrate the power of women to transform the world. A day South Africa pays tribute to the more than 20 000 women, iconic women leaders the likes of Ma Albertina Sisulu, Sophie Williams-De Bruyn, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Lillian Ngoyi and Amina Cachalia,women Nelson Mandela hailed as “courageous, persistent, MANDELA TALKS enthusiastic, indefatigable”, women who marched to the seat of the apartheid government to uphold their rights and in protest against the discriminatory pass law imposed upon women. Webinar Nelson Mandela dedicated his entire life to champion the cause for equality, dignity and human rights. The Constitution, 5 AUGUST 2020 which forms part of his legacy and governs our nation, so unequivocally embraces gender equality and proudly affirms the dignity of all as it continues to remind us of his vision. 11:00 – 13:00 SAST WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO TURN THE TIDE? As long as women are bound Celebrating the power of women to transform the world by poverty and as long as they are looked down upon, Chair: Patience Mungwari Mpani human rights will lack substance… Manager, Women’s Rights Unit, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria as long as outmoded ways of thinking Welcome: Prof Frans Viljoen prevent women from making a Director, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria meaningful contribution to society, progress will be slow! Introduction to the Mandela Talks: Dr Liaqat Azam Director, Leading Like Mandela Institute Message by HE Ms Ndileka Mandela Social Activist and CEO of Thembekile
    [Show full text]
  • Heroine A3.Indd
    Garment Workers Union which exposed her to the injustices of the Apartheid MODJADJI DYNASTY MEMORIAL regime, In 1951 Helen took a job with the Garment Workers Union, a move The Balobedu dynasty is part of the national estate. The Balobedu dynasty is which exposed her to the injustices of the Apartheid regime and also became based on divine kingship with rainmaking powers which enhanced their ruling a founding member of the Congress of Democrats. She was also one of the power and influence tremendously. The breakaway of the Balobedu from the few white people to get involved in the ANC activities of the 50’s and one of Mwanamutapa kingdom of Zimbabwe was led by a royal princess, Dzugudini. the one of the leaders who read out clauses of the Freedom Charter at the They traversed the Limpopo River and the Zoutpansberg mountains and Congress of the People in Kliptown in 1955. turned eastward at Soekmekaar and settled in the middle lowveld between the two Lehlaba Rivers. They founded four capitals during the years 1600- Appalled by the plight of black women, she was pivotal in the formation of the 1894: (Khumeloni, Tlatša, Lebjeni and Mudzhidini) for military strategy during Federation of South African Women, and with the organization’s leadership, the terms of six kings and queens. spearheaded a march of 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against pass laws on August 9, 1956. A day which is still celebrated in Modjadji III (Khesetwane) and her uterine brother Ramathithi (Masopa South Africa as the Women’s Day.
    [Show full text]
  • Freedom Charter 5/3/05 4:00 PM Page 1 Final Freedom Charter 5/3/05 4:00 PM Page 2
    Final Freedom Charter 5/3/05 4:00 PM Page 1 Final Freedom Charter 5/3/05 4:00 PM Page 2 Copyright Department of Education 2005 ISBN 1- 77018-047-8 Content All rights reserved. You may copy material from this publication for use in non-profit education programmes if you acknowledge the source. For use in publications, please obtain the written permission of the Department of Education. Minister’s Foreword Page 2 History of the Freedom Charter Page 3 Photos from Bailie’s African History Archives, Wits Archive, Mayibuye Centre, Sowetan, Kliptown Museum, New Age, The Freedom Charter Page 12 Jurgen Schadeberg, South Photos, SASPU National, Andrew Tshabangu and Omar Badsha. Preamble to the 1996 Constitution Page 15 The 1950’s – Planned Inferior Education Page 16 Picture Researcher: Rita Potenza. Celebrating 10 years of Freedom – the rebirth of a truly South African education system Enquiries Honouring the memory of all – a national Oral History Project Page 18 Directorate: Race and Values in Education Guidance for the Creative Process Page 20 Room 223 South African best books of the best 101 African books Page 21 123 Schoeman Street Doing Research in your own community Page 22 Pretoria 0001 Sugestions for teachers Page 23 Tel (012 )312 5080 School Activities Page 24 Fax (012) 326 1909 The Department of Education’s National School Competition Page 27 Entry Forms Page 29 Design and layout : South African History Online Programme of Activities Page 30 www.sahistory.org.za Printed for the Government Printer by ……………………………………….. Final Freedom Charter 5/3/05 4:00 PM Page 4 Minister’s Foreword This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter at the Congress of the People on 26 June 1955.
    [Show full text]
  • Freedom Charter, Women's Charter, Memories, and (Un)
    Article Freedom Charter, Women’s Charter, Memories, and (Un)freedoms Kogielam Keerthi Archary Oral History Association of South Africa [email protected] Abstract More than 60 years ago, South African women declared their aim of striving for the removal of all laws, regulations, conventions and customs that discriminated against women and that deprived them in any way of their inherent right to the advantages, responsibilities and opportunities that society offered to any one section of the population. Women do not form a society separate from men. There is only one society, and it is made up of both women and men. Against this backdrop, after 60 years, and with a Women’s Charter and Freedom Charter in place, there are many issues that still need to be addressed, highlighted and referred to. On the agenda is the investigation of unresolved women’s issues so as to pave the way for emancipation from the (un)freedoms that still prevail. On August 9, 1956, more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the extension of women’s pass laws. This march, organised by the Federation of South African Women, has been recorded as one of the largest demonstrations staged in this country’s history. Women have played an important role in building a better South Africa. They should be protected against abuse, violence and discrimination, and they must be valued and respected in order to uphold the vision of building a non-racist, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa. Against this background, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Women’s Charter and 25 years of freedom indicates that change should have taken place over the last six decades.
    [Show full text]
  • The African Patriots, the Story of the African National Congress of South Africa
    The African patriots, the story of the African National Congress of South Africa http://www.aluka.org/action/showMetadata?doi=10.5555/AL.SFF.DOCUMENT.crp3b10002 Use of the Aluka digital library is subject to Aluka’s Terms and Conditions, available at http://www.aluka.org/page/about/termsConditions.jsp. By using Aluka, you agree that you have read and will abide by the Terms and Conditions. Among other things, the Terms and Conditions provide that the content in the Aluka digital library is only for personal, non-commercial use by authorized users of Aluka in connection with research, scholarship, and education. The content in the Aluka digital library is subject to copyright, with the exception of certain governmental works and very old materials that may be in the public domain under applicable law. Permission must be sought from Aluka and/or the applicable copyright holder in connection with any duplication or distribution of these materials where required by applicable law. Aluka is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to creating and preserving a digital archive of materials about and from the developing world. For more information about Aluka, please see http://www.aluka.org The African patriots, the story of the African National Congress of South Africa Author/Creator Benson, Mary Publisher Faber and Faber (London) Date 1963 Resource type Books Language English Subject Coverage (spatial) South Africa Source Northwestern University Libraries, Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies, 968 B474a Description This book is a history of the African National Congress and many of the battles it experienced.
    [Show full text]
  • AK2117-J3-5-AE2-001-Jpeg.Pdf
    ^ 'ff & W OF THE FEDERATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN WOMTM C •• • ‘ .• " ; ■fhe Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) was launched at * on V* 17th o f April ,954. Over 200 e n th u sia st" * e?ega5« ^t'd' women $ problem and promote women's rights*. A Women's Charter, which set' out basic demands for:- creches; equal opportunities for women- eoual Dav" • " S & t j S 5 ^ . d S & ! ,; >nd the remOTS’of ,nf'ux m and 1. Aims of FEDSAW * The conference set out the AIMS of FEDSAW as follows:- ' « r S H er3sb?2??1?be?at?onr*Clal 0r9a"isJt1°"- t0 “"1te — •»* campaions•hCn* bUlld ^ b H n 9 togethep groups through joint. - to oi-ganlse women around day-to-day Issues like rent and electricity O ! ° J k 5 Increases; removals; creches; township , v»v facilities; and-bus fare Increases; < - to link local demands of women to national struggles; struggle** *" f0r in[ society» an<i in the political « _ 2. How did FEDSAW organise? Women were thus organised at two levels: Firstly, to out forward women's demands’ and, secondly, to play an active Elfin t h T « t W campaigns, like the Defiance Campaign). « lv*-roie in the national FEDSAW encouraged women to participate in planning the Conaress of th» Charter10 Worren collected 'women's demands1 fo>* the Freedom That year a 'Congress of Mothers' was organised to discuss wavs in which women could Implement the aims of tne Freedom Charter. ^ H p n r 2 CUSrJhr°U9hOUt US ex1stence " « basic problems women Mjor source o M ^ r T ^ .
    [Show full text]
  • Chief Bhambatha T Tu the Anti-Poll Tax N E Revolt – 1906 C • Gandhi and the Birth of Satyagraha – 1906
    PE O t H 6 200 F 6 – 190 O m do E ee G Fr to A le gg u E tr S f o H y r • Chief Bhambatha T tu The Anti-Poll Tax n e Revolt – 1906 C • Gandhi and the Birth of Satyagraha – 1906 • African Mine Workers’ Strike – 1946 • The Women’s Anti -Pass March – 1956 • The Treason Trial – 1956 • The Student Revolt – 1976 • Death of Samora Machel – 1986 • The Birth of the New Constitution – 1996 1 © Published by the Department of Education in association with South African History Online. 2006 Enquiries Directorate: Race and Values in Education Room 223 123 Schoeman Street Pretoria 0001 Tel (012 )312 5080 Fax (012) 326 1909 Series Editor: Omar Badsha Text Researchers: Javu Baloyi, Joni Light, Tshepo Legodi Text Editors: Hillary Wilson, Clair Dyer, Andre Croucamp, Picture editors: Omar Badsha, Hildergard Guam, Design and layout: Justin Swarahle & Colin Double Printed by the Government Printer All rights reserved. You may copy material from this publication for use in non-profit education programmes if you acknowledge the source. For use in publications, please obtain the written permission of the Department of Education. Copyright of Photographs held by the respective libraries and individual photographers. ISBN 1- 77018-137-7 Go to http://www.sahistory.org.za to access the history curriculum covering Grades 4 to 12 and for more information on the topics covered in this book 2 Critically engaging with our past helps us to meet the challenges of today Chief Bhambatha and the Anti-Poll Tax Revolt – 1906 Page 6 Gandhi and the Birth of Satyagraha – 1906 Page 12 African mine workers’ strike – 1946 Page 26 The Treason Trial – 1956 Page 36 The Women’s Anti-Pass March – 1956 Page 46 The Student Revolt – 1976 Page 62 Death of Samora Machel – 1986 Page 74 The Birth of the New Constitution – 1994 Page 80 Contents 3 Demonstration against passes, outside the City Hall, Johannesburg, 1957.
    [Show full text]