The All China Women's Federation donated 600 sewing machines to the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) at the launch of the Albertina Sisulu School of Women Leadership as the world marked International Women’s Day on Sunday. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa, together with senior government officials, including Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, President of the ANCWL Bathabile Dlamini, and Free State premier Sisi Ntombela, officiated at the event in the small town of Tweeling near Frankfort in the Free State on Sunday as the donation was officially handed over by Chinese ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian. 

“The women’s league, you have initiated something that is wonderful, that is going to give skills to our young people. As government, we need to look at how we come in and support you. I am glad you have mobilised assistance, and of course from our great friends from China,” said Ramaphosa. 

“Ambassador Lin, it is wonderful to have you here and to see the commitment and that of the All China Women's Federation, which has committed 600 sewing machines. That is phenomenal, thank you very much.” 

Ramaphosa said the launch of the school of leadership was “the best that could happen as women celebrate International Women’s Day”. 

Adding to the 600 sewing machines, the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria has added 30 computers, 100 chairs, 50 tables, and five printers and metres of cloth to the donation. 

Lin said that during the ongoing fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, the South African government, communities, political parties, companies, and the media had provided “valuable support”. 

“It speaks volumes about our brotherhood and friendship as comprehensive strategic partners in times of difficulties. China highly appreciates that. Let us join hands together to make our bilateral relations more productive and beneficial to our two peoples,” said Lin. 

Icons such as Albertina Sisulu represented "a great force for civilisation", paving the way for numerous South African women serving in influential positions in government, politics, business, and various other fields, he said. 

South Africa commemorates Women's Day annually on August 9 on the anniversary of the celebrated women's march of 1956, when women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against having to carry pass books under apartheid legislation.