National Cabinet Ministers, foreign diplomats and other dignitaries enjoyed breakfast while interacting with veterans from the anti-pass process of 50 years ago and young schoolgirls representing the current demographics in and around Cape Town. Traditional music by Mpumie Sizani, a poetry rendition by Primrose Mrwebi and entertainment by Dorothy Masuku followed with relevant inserts of material from National Archives featuring in the background.

The passionate story telling of the anti-pass veterans touched many a heart while the schoolgirls posed questions in between on current and new elements for discussion. Sophie de Bruyn mentioned that the 1956 anti-pass march was done in the spirit of and with the attitude dignity, pride and discipline.

After the Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture (Ntombazana Botha) unveiled the logo of the 50th Anniversary of the Women’s Anti-Pass March. The Director-General of Arts and Culture (Prof Itumeleng Mosala) and an Inter-Ministerial Committee participated in a media briefing on the campaign.

The Minister of Arts and Culture (Dr Pallo Jordan) said that no monuments have yet been erected in honour of the memory of the anti-pass veterans; but their courage, resilience and spirit of self-sacrifice is known to all serious students of history and the politically informed.

He introduced an exciting and inspiring year-long programme of action to celebrate the following anniversaries:

• The Bhambatha Rebellion
• The 30 th anniversary of the Soweto uprising
• The commemoration of the 20 th anniversary of the death of Mozambican president Samora Machel in Mpumalanga,
• The 50 th anniversary of the anti-pass march to the Union Buildings
• The 10 th anniversary of the SA Constitution , and
• The 50 th anniversary of the Treason Trial

• Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport (Provincial Government of the Western Cape)
• Department of Arts and Culture (The Government of South Africa)