Remarks by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele during Women's Day celebrations, Vryheid

This year's national Women's Day comes 40 years after the death of Inkosi Albert Luthuli and 52 years since the 1956 women's march on Union Buildings. In 2006, we commemorated the centenary of the Bhambatha uprising and recently we celebrated the women of the Ingcugce Regiment for the stand they took in defence of the rights of women to choose their partners.

We also commemorated the life of Mahatma Ghandi, recalled the heroic acts of Inkosi uBhambatha who in 1906 resisted the introduction of poll tax and led one of the most memorable defences for African independence and freedom. At the same time, this year marks 60 years since the signing in 1947 of the three doctors' pact in which doctors Dadoo, Naicker and Xuma called for a full franchise for all and set the stage for the successful drafting of the Freedom Charter a few years later.

This above context is important for us to properly commemorate Women's Day. This is because the struggle for women is not a struggle that begins today, but dates back hundreds of years. It is also important to note that the struggle for the rights of women is a struggle for the rights of all human beings and is therefore a part of the efforts we all make towards a better more secure future. Chief Luthuli said this when he called for the freedom of oppressed people in South Africa:

"No true peace and progress can be secured in any country as long as there are others in that country that are denied full democratic rights and duties."

Paraphrasing Inkosi uLuthuli, this is what we must say in relation to the rights of women in this country and elsewhere in the world:

"No true peace and progress can be secured in any country as long as women in that country are denied full and democratic rights and duties."

Women in government (national)

Addressing a women's empowerment gathering in Durban, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said:

* South Africa prides itself with having a Cabinet consisting of 43% women representation. Four of the nine provinces are led by women Premiers.
* Our Parliament has more than 30% women representation. This is also translating to local government level as well where women representation stands at 40%.
* South Africa is rated number 10 out of the 130 parliaments in the world in terms of women's advancement in governance.

Province of KwaZulu-Natal

The contribution of women inspires us to continue with our commitment to the goal of a better life for the women of this country and our people as a whole. In this regard, as government, since 2004 we have taken deliberate steps to place more and more women in positions of effective power. When we were mandated by the electorate of KwaZulu-Natal to lead the provincial government, circumstances were such that we could only have one woman in the Executive Council.
* We have four women out of a total of ten MECs that is close to 50% of our cabinet.
* Out of 14 provincial departments, half of them, seven, are headed by women.
* Out of a provincial budget of R49,9 billion these women are managing 59% of the budget which translates to R29,6 billion.

Women in business

On the side of business, the following statistics are relevant:
* Small-medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) constitute about 95% of all enterprises in the country.
* SMMEs currently absorb between 50% and 60% of the formally employed labour force and at present, contribute 30% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
* Women comprise 83% of the informal economy, of which 61% are African women.

One of the lessons we learn from this is that women represent a growth area as business people and leaders in the community and various sectors of our lives. This, therefore, means we need to double our efforts at providing for the advancement of our womenfolk, going forward.

Here are some of the events which we hope will highlight women's contribution to the growth of humanity.
* On 31 July we celebrated Pan-African Women's Day.
* Today we are commemorating national Women's Day.
* During the month of September we will commemorate the Heritage of KwaZulu-Natal and on 15 October we will host International Rural Women's Day.

Today we are recalling Princess Mkabayi ka Jama, daughter of King Senzangakhona who for decades was the power behind the throne during the reign of successive Zulu Kings including King Shaka. She lies buried here in Vryheid at KwaSgwegwede and led the only woman headed royal homestead of the time, eBaqulusini, KwaSgwegwede.

A military genius, a political strategist, a networker and mobiliser of note Princess Mkabayi ranks alongside the well-trained army of women in the West African kingdom of Benin/Dahomey. This army was reported to be vastly superior to that of men. Soldiers in this army continued to undermine and sabotage the new French colonisers even after Dahomey's official defeat at the end of the 19th century.

We must spotlight the challenges faced by women today such as rape, violence, poverty and unemployment. We must focus on the girl child whom we believe will help us deal with some of the challenges we face such as teenage pregnancies, HIV and AIDS, etc.

We want to encourage a buy-in from men and boys to rid KwaZulu-Natal of all its discriminatory ills. A standing Men's Forum must speak loudest when the women, girls and children are raped by men. They must help us inculcate a new culture which places women in their rightful place, as equals with men in every aspect of life.

Masisukume Sakhe.

Thank you.

Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
9 August 2007