Artscape Theatre Centre was alive with activity on August 9th, with Women’s Day festivities celebrating and uniting women from all walks of life. Scores of women, men and children joined in on the celebration at Artscape Theatre Centre in commemoration of the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, to protest against the pass laws and inhumane Apartheid legislation over 60 years ago.
In celebration of the strides we have made as a democratic society, the occasion was utilised to honour struggle icon Albertina Sisulu, and the many women who have paved the way for freedom in South Africa.
The day started off on a high note, with commemorative speeches and blessings, featuring faith leaders from The South African Faith and Family Institute (SAFFI), Artscape CEO Marlene Le Roux and a special appearance from the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Patricia De Lille.
Honouring the theme Uniting in Faith, their words of encouragement, positivity and unity, set the tone for the annual Humanity Walk, from Schotschekloof Civic Centre, Yusuf Drive, Bo Kaap, around the Cape Town CBD, concluding at the Artscape Theatre Centre.
ore than 100 stakeholders exhibited their work throughout the day, affording men, women and children to participate in the celebration.
CANSA in partnership with TBHIV and OTSM home base cares, conducted free health screenings for women, including breast, blood pressure, blood glucose testing and health and wellness risk assessments. Legal advice and counselling was also offered by the Southern Suburbs Legal Advice Centre (SSLAC).
Communities attending the festival were provided with a meal and refreshments, as part of the Humanity Lunch Table sponsored by Naushad Khan, founder and managing editor of The Next 48hOURS.
The festival included a free Piazza Production to entertain the thousands of people, including a flash mob, line dancing, traditional dancers, singing and choral music, amongst others. Groups and artists included in the line-up were the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies, Kleinvlei Fitness Club, Likwezi Dancers, Women Unite, Cape Cultural Collective Rosa Choir, Anathi Mabo (jazz vocalist), Siphesihle (Dee) Mayekane (jazz vocalist), Buyelekhaya Cultural Dancers and more.
The success of the Artscape Women’s Day celebration, remains as an opportunity in the continued effort to mobilise, honour and protect our women, in pursuit of liberation of women and human rights for all.