Community Event: Hosted by the Western Cape Premier and the Department of Arts and Culture in Partnership with the National Department of Arts and Culture
DATE: |
8 March 2006 |
CATEGORY: |
Focus Day/Week/Month |
LOCATION: |
Langa, Cape Town |
DESCRIPTION: |
 775 people were invited to attend a community event to commemorate and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1956 anti-pass march on International Women's Day at the Multipurpose Indoor Sport Complex in Langa.The Ilanga Marimba Band welcomed politicians, anti-pass veterans, other dignitaries and guests outside the complex. Inside the hall Women Unite provided vibrant and energetic entertainment and led the guests by singing the national anthem. Thereafter the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation, Mr Whitey Jacobs, welcomed all the dignitaries. Premier Ebrahim Rasool highlighted the importance of this venue for the launch of the commermoration activities in the Western Cape since during the 1950’s various protests against passes took place in Langa, Elsies River and Kensington. The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Ms Dlamini-Zuma) sketched the linkages between international and women’s day and confirmed that we were in the presence of the “giants” of the struggle. She concluded by stating that it is a privilege for South African women to stand on the shoulders of these “giants”. A panel discussion by Amina Cachalia, Joyce Seroke, Hilda Ndude, Nomi Nkondlo and Vuyiswa Tulelo was followed interactive debate. Tozama Yama, Dorothy Masuka and Silvia Mdunyelwa showcased the diversity of our culture and the Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture (Ntombazana Botha) explained the action plan for program for the 2006 women of the year. The inspiring keynote address by Sophie de Bruyn was one of the highlights of the evening. Afterwards dinner was served in a marquee tent on the premises next to the hall, while the watchful Bambanani marshals took care of the safety of the attendees. |
