About Woman’s Day
Women’s Day in South Africa is a National Holiday that commemorates the historic march which was staged by the brave and resilient South African women in 1956. About 20000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria protesting against the Urban Areas Act. The Urban Areas Act was the apartheid government’s legislation to control the movement of black women in urban areas by forcing them to carry travel passes. The movement was spearheaded by The Federation of South African Women, FSAW and they declared it a monumental achievement. The most prominent leaders of the movement included Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams.
When is Woman’s Day?
The historic march took place on the 9th of August 1956. The then prime minister JG Strijdom and his senior staff were not at the Union Buildings to address the protestors or to receive their memorandum. The movement leaders left a huge pile of signed petitions outside the prime minister’s office and it was later revealed that he didn’t make an effort to look at them. The first Women’s Day celebration was held in 1994 after South Africa attained democracy and the day was declared a National holiday. The month of August has been declared Women’s Month in South Africa.
How is Woman’s Day Celebrated?
There are several ways to celebrate Women’s Day nationally, regionally and locally. The government hosts an official National Women’s Day celebration each year and this event is televised. This event is attended by the president and members of parliament. Local governments and other political parties also host several commemorative events in certain provinces or municipalities and these events are often at local community stadiums, schools or community centres. A number of corporates, civil society organizations and NGOs also host Women’s Day celebrations and these events include picnics, fun runs, fun walks, rallies, concerts or live shows, theatre and fun family-friendly activities. You can visit the Union Building and take an educational tour at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History to commemorate Women’s Day.
Which Stores Have Woman’s Day Sales?
The month of August has been declared Women’s month in South Africa and major retailers run several promotions throughout the month of August. The biggest supermarkets such as Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Checkers and Spar have massive savings on groceries and household items. For discounts on electronics, appliances and household items, visit Game, Makro and Incredible Connection. When it comes to building materials, DIY Supplies and hardware, Builders Warehouse, Cashbuild and Build it have the best specials. There are plenty of fashion deals at Mr Price, Edgars and Truworths amongst others. Telkom, MTN, Cell C and Vodacom also run the best Women’s Day specials for all your device, voice and data needs.
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