Dlamini-Zuma, UL Chancellor, honours the vital role of women from pre-colonial times to today
By Delsy Sekgobela & Malatji Monyelegwete | malatji.monyelegwete@ul.ac.za
In emphasising the importance of Women’s Month during a webinar organised to commemorate the 1956 generation of women, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chancellor of the University of Limpopo (UL), highlighted the crucial role of women throughout history, tracing their impeccable contributions to society back to pre-colonial times
She pointed out that patriarchy and systemic oppression were not inherent in African societies but were introduced through colonial conquest. Dr Dlamini-Zuma shared these insights during the Women’s Day Webinar hosted by UL’s Department of Business Management.
The event focused on the empowerment of women in a broader spectrum of business through recognising and celebrating their achievements. It was also organised to ignite the spark of inspiration, and discussed solutions to the challenges women face today, particularly in leadership and management roles. Influential leaders came together to reflect on the progress women have made since the advent of democracy and to address the ongoing struggles they encounter.
“Pre-colonial history is rich with examples of powerful women leaders,” Dr Dlamini-Zuma noted, citing Maselekwane Modjadji, the Rain Queen of the Balobedu people, who ruled from 1800 to 1854. She emphasised that while women have been breaking barriers for centuries, their contributions are often overshadowed by narratives of colonialism and slavery.
Dr Dlamini-Zuma also celebrated Nokutela Dube, a multi-talented singer, educator, and advocate who played a key role in founding the Ohlange Institute and the Ilanga lase Natal newspaper. Dube was instrumental in the early years of the African National Congress (ANC). “Even though women were not formally included in the ANC until 1943, they were actively involved in pivotal campaigns like the 1913 march in Bloemfontein, where 5,000 women protested against pass laws. Subsequent to their formal inclusion, they formed the ANC Women’s League in 1952 as a way of creating a platform for feminine advocacy and intensification of the struggle against the then regime,” Dr Dlamini-Zuma recalled.
She honoured the legacy of freedom fighters such as Florence Matomela and the significance of Women’s Month in August, particularly the 1956 march to the Union Buildings led by figures like Sophia Williams-De Bruyn and Helen Joseph. She added that despite the oppressive conditions of apartheid, women played a crucial role in major events like the Sharpeville massacre and the armed struggle.
Looking at women’s status in the society today, Dr Dlamini-Zuma highlighted the progress women have made in reproductive rights, equal education, and economic empowerment. She stated that government has enacted laws to ensure gender equality and combat gender-based violence, including the creation of a National Council for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Nevertheless, she reminded the audience of the ongoing challenges, quoting Nelson Mandela: “After every hill, there are more hills to climb.” She concluded by asserting that “every day should be a Women’s Day,” emphasising the need for continuous efforts to improve South Africa for future generations of women.
Prof Nellie Swart from the University of South Africa (Unisa) provided a broad overview of the current status of women in employment, both locally and globally. While acknowledging women’s achievements, she stressed the need to address persistent challenges such as youth unemployment and issues faced by people with disabilities. “We must have increased female participation in economic and political decision-making, especially within the tourism and hospitality sectors,” Prof Swart urged.
Khutso Senyatsi-Hanser, Chairperson of the University of Limpopo’s Women’s Academic Solidarity Association (ULWASA), highlighted the significant role women played during apartheid, such as organising the 1956 Women’s March. She pointed out that “despite progress, women in academia still face significant challenges, including gender stereotypes and inadequate support.” Senyatsi-Hanser discussed how ULWASA provides mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy to address these challenges and promote women’s empowerment in academia. She expressed a vision of a future where gender equality is not merely an aspiration, but a reality.