“THE women of 1956 must be turning in their graves.”
These were the words of Sophia Williams-De Bruyn at a commemorative event for the Women’s March held yesterday, 7 August, at Avalon Cemetery in Soweto.
This is where anti-apartheid activists Helen Joseph and Lilian Ngoyi are buried.
The Ahmed Kathrada and Sophie & Henry De Bruyn foundations organised the event to pay homage to the 1956 march organisers.
Young people brought flowers to honour the memory of these brave women.
Williams-De Bruyn said it was sad to see how things had turned out since the struggle.
She said she wondered how the women who led the march to the Union Buildings would feel.
“They must be turning in their graves thinking about their efforts of walking on the streets of Tshwane to the Union Buildings to fight injustice,” she said.
Remembering the historic march, she said some women were arrested on their way to the demonstration against pass laws.
“It was not easy but we all came together, irrespective of our colour or background.
“We had to go as far as going to each province to see if all women were in support of the march,” she said.
Williams-De Bruyn advised young women to stand together and continue fighting for their rights.
“We have left the baton for you to continue the battle.
“Fortunately, you have the means to fight such as education, the internet and the law,” she said.
“When you start this fight, be prepared to face death and be brave.”
Rita Ndzanga (89), who took part in the march, also advised young women to keep fighting.
“We are old now but it’s your time to fight for your freedom,” she said.
After laying flowers at Avalon, the group went to Newclare Cemetery, west of Joburg, to lay flowers at the graves of Rahima Moosa and Albertina Sisulu.
