August is not just an ordinary month, its Mbokodo Month

August is not just an ordinary month in South African calendar. It is one of the significant months in the South African history that played role in recognizing the rights of women. It was during this month in 1956 that about 20 000 women marched against the pass laws imposed by the apartheid government.

In commemorating this important month in the South African history, the Limpopo provincial government launched Women’s Month activities at Church of the First Born in Mogalakwena municipality under the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All” on the 1st of August.

The 1956 women fought against emancipation of women while today, the fight is against inequality and safety. In sending safety messages, the provincial government partnered with various religious dominions and community members to pray against Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as part of Women’s month activities.

Limpopo province is ranked 4th in the country with high rate of GBVF. Outlining the statistics, South African Police Service Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe pleaded with the community not to be party to acts of GBVF, and report cases rather than being bystanders.

“ We plead with you community members to stop being party to these crimes by giving accommodation to these illegal foreigners who are involved in criminal activities. We are currently having a disturbing case of a one-year-old baby that was raped in her parents house by an intruder at around 2 am while parents were in the house”. Pleaded Hadebe

Hadebe further announced that Limpopo province is closer to having their own laboratory which will speed up DNA tests related to GBVF cases. Tests are conducted in Pretoria which contributes to delays in finalizing cases and apprehending perpetrators.

Giving keynote address, Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said it’s time to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness, and mobilise support.
“ As we launch this women’s month, we bow our heads not only in grief but in determination, we pray for the souls of those lost, we pray for healing for the survivors and we pray for courage”. Concluded Ramathuba

The provincial government will continue with rolling out comprehensive programmes throughout the month of August focusing on digital finance for women, aligning with Building Resilient Economies for All national theme. EC