By Marcus Moloko
As South Africa celebrates 70 years of female-led resistance, President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation from the Union Buildings for National Women’s Day 2026.
The event honors the historic 1956 march where 20 000 women challenged apartheid’s oppressive urban pass laws.
That massive demonstration became a major catalyst for the political shifts that ultimately dismantled the racist regime. This year’s milestone anniversary is officially recognized under the national theme, Empowered Women, Empower Nations.
