July 30, 2007
By Tabisa Mntengwana
IN paying tribute to the women who dedicated their lives to bringing freedom to South Africa, the City will host various activities during Women's Month, ranging from dialogues, dance and workshops to art and craft, film, music and theatre.
August has been set aside as Women's Month, with Women's Day on 9 August; the day is a public holiday honouring the 20 000 women who in 1956 marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against one of the cornerstones of apartheid – the pass laws.
This year's Women's Month programme was announced by Gauteng MEC for local government, Qedani Mahlangu, on Wednesday, 25 July at the Office of the Premier in Johannesburg.
Mahlangu said the annual programme provided an opportunity to evaluate the government's progress in improving the lives of women, and to intensify their efforts to promote women's empowerment.
She said that South African women had so much to celebrate, such as women occupying key positions in decision-making structures and a range of healthcare initiatives targeted at improving women's health. Their needs were also being addressed through broad-based black empowerment, job opportunities and skills development.
The programme kicks off with Women's Dialogues on 1 and 2 August, held around Joburg. The dialogues are expected to identify future priorities and to draft a declaration that reflects the deliberations over the two days and commitments ahead.
In Newtown, activities range from music, art and crafts to comedy, spoken word sessions and dance. These activities form part of the Newtown Women in Arts Festival.
Dance Factory
The World, My Butt and Other Big, Round Things runs from 8 to 11 August. The dance, created by Dada Masilo, takes a journey through feminism. It is an extension of her 2005 group and 2007 solo works bearing the same title.
The show features five dancers and choreographers Nicola Haskins, Lulu Mlangeni, Zoey Lapinsky, Thoko Senganye and Mbali Nkosi. Tickets are available at Computicket.
Also on the cards at Dance Factory is a concert by Zamajobe and Wendy Oldfield, who will perform music by prominent South Africa singers, including Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, Margaret Mcingana, Busi Mhlongo, Letta Mbulu and Dolly Rathebe.
Market Photo Workshop
An exhibition, running from 8 August to 6 September, is a collection of works by female and male photographers that bear witness to the range of experiences faced by women.
The images not only give a glimpse into the world of the young and free today, they also reflect the photographers. Photographers include Jennifer Bruce, Tracy Edser, Robin Fortune, Kgaugelo Hlaka, Sabelo Mlangeni, Simangele Kalisa, Babalwa Mtanga, Sechaba Nhlapo and Musa Nxumalo.
Union Buildings
The climax of the 51st anniversary of the Women's March is the celebration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 9 August. Premier Mbhazima Shilowa will deliver a keynote address and entertainment will be provided by prominent South African artists, including Lira, Ladies in Jazz and Nothembi Mkhwebane.
August is Women's Month: MEC for local government Qedani Mahlangu and MEC for sport, arts, culture and recreation Barbara Creecy announce the province's plans
"We are expecting at least 30 000 women at the Union Buildings on Thursday, 9 August and we hope to have an exciting day," said Barbra Creecy, the Gauteng MEC for sport, arts, culture and recreation.
Bassline
Afro-pop musicians take to the stage at Bassline on 10 and 11 August. The line-up includes Simphiwe Dana, Thembisile, Camagwini, Ayanda Nhlangoti, Thandiswa Mazwai, Mingas from Mozambique, and Lira. Both shows start at 10pm.
The Courtyard
Located at 1 Central Place, in Newtown, The Courtyard is the hub of the Women in Arts Festival, which runs from 8 to 11 August. From 5pm to 7pm cocktails are served while popular DJs play some soothing sounds of deep house, Afro-jazz and Afro-pop. The DJs include Nonn Botha, Nicky Blumenfeld from Kaya FM and their young, up-and-coming colleagues.
At 7.30pm various spoken word artists and poets share their stories and experiences. The line-up features Nomsa Mdlalose, Nonhlanhla Hadebe, Nthabi, Napo Masheane and Cindi Sampson. Comedy with Judy Jake, Tumi Morake and Stella Steenkamp starts at 8.30pm.
At 10pm there is a concert with Ammara, Bulelwa and Phyllis, alongside Mingas from Mozambique. The evenings wrap up with SHE, an all-female band.
Horror Café, Shivava Café, Kippies Jazz Club, Fuel Café and Loaded also all have activities lined up, including music by Aya, Khululiwe, Dolly Sitloane, Judith Sephuma and DJs Miss Red, Amanda, Wild Angel and others.
For more information and ticket prices, visit the Newtown website.
Other activities
Other activities include a two-day economic opportunity roadshow focusing on women in Meadowlands, in Soweto. The roadshows take place on 23 and 24 August at 10am.
A two-day workshop highlighting the role of men in gender and child safety is taking place at Parktonian Hotel in Braamfontein on 16 and 17 August.
And the Gauteng department of social development hosts an awards ceremony to honour women who have contributed to poverty eradication, development and improving the lives of the province's people. The ceremony is at Gold Reef City on Friday, 31 August.
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