Interesting episodes in August, the women�s month!

Is Africa coming or going? August month is dedicated to women’s freedom from the patriarchal prison where they have been incarcerated since Adam. It is the month in which 20,000 rain-bow coloured women converged on Pretoria, the RSA citadel to protest against the diabolical pass laws imposed on them by the apartheid regime.

Buoyed by their numbers and the spirit of resistance, they sang in Nguni language: ‘Wee, Strydom , you have touched the women, you have touched a rock, you’ll perish…!’ Though the petition was specifically against the imposition of passes on African women, previously the albatross on African males’ necks, the big protest march was all-encompassing in as far as discrimination and oppression of all women was concerned. Since the 1994 democratic revolution in RSA, changes by the government of the day, particularly to address women’s inequality with men in all spheres of life, are discernable. Women hold positions of influence and power in politics, business, management and sport.

The efforts of the SA liberation movement and current government has been to inspire the rest of the continent so that Africa marches in step; much remains to be done to end the multiple abuses women are heirs to. Women are still subjected to bashing, murder, rape and more . Admittedly, positive changes occurring in women’s favour, are few and far between, and virtually a slow trickle, to be appreciated.

Editor's Comment
Bulela Ditswe entry fee could hamper broke talent

The fees have been doubled from the previous amounts and raise concerns about political participation accessibility and democratic representation principles.This significant fee increase prompts questions regarding its impact on grassroots democracy.On one hand, the fees act as a filter, ensuring only serious contenders enter the race, potentially reducing frivolous candidacies and generating crucial campaign funds. The BDP argues that aspiring...

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