The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has joined the chorus of voices celebrating National Women’s Day. The union expressed concern that working-class women are being attacked and are not safe anywhere in the country.
NUMSA National Representative, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, says: “NUMSA salutes the brave generation of women who marched in their thousands to the nation’s capital, the Union Buildings, on 9 August 1956 to protest against the oppressive apartheid government. Recently we have been surrounded by reports of shocking attacks on women in South Africa. South African women are living in a war zone and it seems the authorities are too paralyzed to stop it. Capitalism prioritizes the well-being of the rich over the well-being of the poor.’
“Women are not safe in SA”
Dozens of women who joined the 66th Women’s March to union buildings in Pretoria say the gang-rape of eight women in Krugersdorp last week should be a reminder that women in South Africa are not safe.
They urged all women to find their inner voice and demand that they be treated fairly and with respect.
The march will be followed by a dialogue about the challenges women continue to face today and possible solutions. These women say justice must be served for the eight rape victims in Krugersdorp.
“I just feel so sad for the men who did this, for their sisters, for their mothers. Men should not take women for granted. They are not toys that you feel you can play with their bodies. 2 – We don’t need to forget our power, this is a reminder that we have a voice. 3 – With ongoing rapes and assaults on women. We come from the West Rand, where that incident happened, and we are here as women for women. We will not tolerate this. Whether it’s a protest, we’re here to support women.”
