On 9 August 1956, more than 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest apartheid's oppressive pass laws. Their bravery and unity gave birth to the powerful rallying cry, "Wathint' Abafazi, Wathint' Imbokodo" ("You strike a woman, you strike a rock").
Nearly seven decades later, the spirit of that historic march continues to echo through the lives of women who are not only rising above challenges but also creating opportunities for others.
Women's Month is not just about honouring the heroines of the past; it is also about celebrating today's trailblazers. These are women who prove that resilience, innovation and courage can shape brighter futures for their families and communities.
Take Zwivhuya Madou, founder of Buyie's Cleaning and Laundry Service, for example. In 2020, armed with nothing but determination and a bucket, she started hand-washing clothes to make a living. "I had zero experience. I learned everything on the job, with help from YouTube and people around me," she says.
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Zwivhuya Madou . Photo supplied. |
Today, Zwivhuya's business employs five people — two full-time and three part-time. Her eco-friendly detergents, affordability, and relentless work ethic have turned her hustle into a thriving venture. "Reliability, attention to detail and willingness to learn matter. But attitude is everything," she says. Her advice to women: "Don't wait for the perfect time, because there is no perfect time. Just start. You will learn as you go."
For Andani Netshilaphala, 31, resilience meant transforming hardship into hope. A single mother of four, she refused to let divorce define her future.
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Andani Netshilaphala (31). Photo supplied. |
Through her NPO, Bonolashu, Andani helps restore dignity by providing school uniforms and sanitary pads to girls in need. "No one should miss school or opportunities because they don't have access to necessities," she says.
She also runs Aroro Skin Care, a brand she launched online in August 2024. After months of hard work, she is preparing to open her first physical store in Nzhelele this September.
"Being a mother of four comes with challenges, but I wanted my children to see that, with determination and hard work, anything is possible," she says. Her story is one of grit and generosity, proving that success is most powerful when shared.
In Dzanani, Ha Makatu, Sylvia Nenzhelele, 32, is stitching her dreams into reality. In January 2023, she launched Divine Glance Fashion Designers at Stand 153, Block C. For Sylvia, fashion is not just about style; it is empowerment. She is proving that young women in rural areas can turn creativity into sustainable businesses.
"Starting a fashion business is not easy, but every challenge is a chance to grow," she says. "With focus and persistence, dreams can be stitched into reality."