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Contents
#GenerationsofCourage
The theme of this year’s UMLANDO is inspired by important anniversaries marked in 2016,
namely 60 years since the Women’s March on the Union Buildings to protest pass laws, as well
as the Soweto Uprising of June 1976 and 20 years of South Africa’s democratic constitution,
which was adopted in 1996. The editorial team and Local History Museums researchers working
39
on exhibition content noted that these three dates are evenly spaced, occurring two decades
apart in succession. In the same way that warriors faced colonial invaders in the 19th century,
Regulars LHM Holiday Programs Features
and later leaders rose in opposition to policies of segregation and discrimination during the first 4 74
half of the 20th century, each generation has found its own courage to confront oppression. The Editorial
Exhibitions 2nd eThekwini Social Cohesion
Conference
image on the cover of this edition is taken from our archives, and depicts a brave anonymous 10 42
protestor who challenged a Durban municipal policeman outside the Cato Manor Beerhall on 18 Director’s Message Delville Wood Centenary
78
June 1959. Income from municipal beerhalls was used by the Native Administration Department International Council of Museums
45
Historic Moments
to defray expenses of implementing segregation in Durban, and supposedly for “native welfare” Conference, Milan Italy
SA Voices – AIDS2016
or other interests of Africans residing in a town. In reality, for more than 70 years, income from the 81
monopoly was spent on the establishment and maintenance of barracks, hostels, beerhalls and 12 Museums and Galleries History Group
breweries, as well as subsiding the cost of policing the town. Soweto Uprising 40th Anniversary Local Heritage 2016 Conference in Oxford
15 48 84
Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo The Venice Biennale Liberation Heritage: A comparison with Iran
18 52 88
CONTRIBUTORS Sixty Years of the Women’s March: LHM Passbook Competition The Global Youth Ambassadors
Director: LHM
A Reflection Leadership Summit 2016
Sinothi Thabethe 55
20 eThekwini Living Legends 90
Editor Constitutionalism in South Africa: Ulwazi Program
Steven Kotze A Two Decade Milestone 59
steven.kotze@durban.gov.za
Tel: 031 311 2239 23
King Shaka kaSenzangakhona:
Dube Autoharp Donation
60
Special Update
Photographer
200 Years of the Zulu Monarchy Da Gama Clock Restoration 92
Mlungisi Shangase Meet the Team
Designer
Nosipho Mbuthuma Outreach Commemorations
Editorial Contribution
Anthee Ramlucken
UMLANDO 26
4th JT Gumede Lecture & Dialogue
62
Mandela Day
Ayanda Ngcobo Issue 7 | 2016/2017 | First Published 2011
Bonginkosi ‘Rock’ Zuma by the Durban Local History Museums 28 64
Hlengiwe Mzolo International Museum Day 2016 Africa Day
Rebecca Naidoo ISSN 2520-7067
Maypher Mngomezulu 30 66
Mohau Qalaza All material is copyright protected. Inaugural “Abasha Bash!” Commemorates Human Rights Day
Ntokozo Xulu All rights reserved. Queries should be directed to the Editor. However, the views and 40th Anniversary of June 1976 Uprising
Sinothi Thabethe opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Durban 70
Thevan Harry Local History Museums or Editor. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of 34 Struggles of the Workers
Hardy Wilson information, the Durban Local History Museums and Editor cannot be held responsible for Night of the Youth Festival in Bremen
Debbie Heustice any errors or views expressed. © Copyright 2017 72
Bren Brophy
37 Reconciliation Day
“Being Afrikan” Education Programme
An aerial view of Durban Maritime Museum
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56
EDITORIAL
From the Editor’s Desk:
76
Generations of
by STEVEN KOTZE
Courage
Although every year that passes brings its own set of significant anniversaries and centenaries,
2016 marked several important commemorations in the history of South Africa’s liberation
struggle, as well as a momentous bicentennial for the Zulu people and their monarchy.
96
M ilitary regiments solemnly
remembered the centennial of the
Somme. During the course of the year,
that time was a period of relentless
persecution of activists by the National
Party regime, a period of bloodshed,
a new spirit of struggle that continued
across South Africa during the 1980s
and lasted until the National Party finally
as each event was celebrated, it became frequent massacres and widespread conceded that apartheid was no longer an
apparent that our political history during imprisonment. That generation of women acceptable policy.
the second half of the 20th century is stood up to a government fully prepared
After the release of all remaining political
measured out in the bravery of successive to deploy armed police and military units
prisoners, negotiations led to a ceasefire,
generations that faced apartheid. With against them. A veteran of the 1956
then an Interim Constitution and at last
clear disregard for the safety of their Women’s March was included among the
South Africa achieved democracy in April
own lives, but certain that their sacrifices eThekwini Living Legends honoured for
1994. The first democratically elected
would eventually bring down a hated their contributions to society in 2016, and
parliament in our history is known as
regime and allow future generations to the article about those awards provides
the Constitutional Assembly due to its
claim their full rights as citizens, two the fascinating story of Alzina Zondi and
role in debating and completing the task
distinct communities of freedom fighters the other heroes among us who have
of the freedom struggle. This important
confronted the enemy, and claimed an made the world a better place.
task comprised the creation of a legal
important victory.
In the face of government repression framework for our country to ensure
After 1948 the laws of apartheid were during the 1960s and 1970s, many families that all citizens are equal under law, that
inflicted on the people of South Africa faced difficult decisions of how to remain the crimes of the past are not repeated
as the culmination of 300 years of committed to the struggle while protecting and there is redress for the injustice of
legislation that deprived African people apartheid. The Constitution of South The present generation has excellent
the lives of their immediate household from
of their land, freedom of movement and Africa, which is the culmination of three examples of bravery to guide them in their
prison or worse. Twenty years after the
fair compensation for their labour. Both centuries of struggle against prejudice actions, from the strategy and political
women of South Africa made their mark
the consequences and burden of these and dispossession, became the supreme wisdom of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona
on our history it was the turn of school
laws fell unfairly on African women, as law of our nation on 8 May 1996. While who united the Zulu nation, and the soldiers
children, who rose up against the armed
they faced discrimination in urban areas that event ensured the political freedom of of World War One who died in the trenches
might of apartheid on 16 June 1976
and suffered the brutal effects of labour present and future generations of South of Delville Wood or on the deck of SS
despite the terrible risks. Sadly, we know
migrancy in rural areas. The move to Africa, in 2016 it is also clear that crucial Mendi, and the countless unnamed men
that far too many of that generation died as
extend the Pass Laws to African women questions of economic equality, access and women who gave their lives in the fight
a result of ruthless police actions that day,
in 1956 was resisted in a powerful act of to good education and social cohesion against apartheid. The staff of Durban Local
and the photograph of Hector Pieterson’s
mass mobilisation against the proposed under democracy have not yet been History Museums trust the present edition
body being carried through the streets of
legislation. Two of our writers have resolved. The liberation struggle resulted of Umlando serves as inspiration for what
Soweto is a defining image both of the
addressed the legacy of the 1956 protests in a wonderful constitution that protects can be achieved and eagerly await the
anti-apartheid struggle and the undeniable
against the Pass Laws that culminated in our rights, but every generation requires opportunity to document the achievements
courage shown by the youth of 1976. Even
the famous march to the Union Buildings courage of its own to face the social ills of future generations of courage in our
though there was a bloody toll of lives, the
of 9 August of that year. As we know, of the day. exhibitions.
fearless uprising of school children ignited
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1956
WOMEN’S
MARCH
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N A T I O N A L A S S E M B LY
9 9 6
| 1 9 6|1 e
7 fcourag
1956 onso
e r ati
#gen
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LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUMS: DIRECTOR
Director’s Message
SINOTHI THABETHE
This year is the most important year to all South Africans,
as we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Soweto
uprising, the 20th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation and early 1990s, and to serve as a site of It is also important to mention that there This initiative is part of a broader initiative,
Commission, the 40th anniversary of television in South reconciliation among the warring factions are other initiatives that the City has which is driven by the National Heritage
within the township. Moreover, through created in order to transform its heritage Council under the watchful eye of the
Africa, 60 years of the women’s march to the Union Building,
the centre it is hoped that economic landscape. One of such initiatives is the National Department of Arts and Culture.
the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, often known as the development would be a possibility as Durban Liberation Heritage Route project,
Battle of Deville Wood, and the 150th anniversary of Durban many people would begin to visit the site, which seeks to research, document and
High School. thus boosting the local economy. promote the liberation sites within the City.
It is equally important to share with prides itself on some of the major
everyone what our City of Durban has milestones it has made in redressing the
done over the past couple of years in past imbalance on the heritage landscape.
In most cases we often talk about the
unfortunate legacy we inherited from
the past, without really looking into the
trying to deal with the skewed heritage
landscape that we inherited. During the
New museums and heritage centres have
been opened where people live, especially
previous regimes heritage resources those who were previously marginalised,
strides that we have made in dealing with were a preserve for the few who happen and more will be opened in future when
such a legacy. It is a fact that South Africa to be white. Most of the historical and resources become available. Some of
experienced a lot under the colonial and heritage resources given priority in terms the new museums which have opened to
apartheid regimes, and some of the scars of protection, preservation and promotion the public are J.L. Dube Museum, Cato
inflicted by such regimes are still visible on were concentrated in areas where white Manor Museum, Mpumalanga Heritage
many people who miraculously survived people lived. Even most museums were Centre and Mahatma Gandhi Museum.
to tell their narratives of the cruel nature in urban areas to make them easily
of the previous governments. Some of A new state of the art museum is currently
accessible to the white populace. The
their counterparts never had any luck to being constructed in Cato Manor, to tell
heritage resources of the African or
tell their narratives and theirs will never be the narratives of those who were forcefully
Black majority, as they were racially
told by anyone. removed from that area and resettled in
classified, were never given prominence
many townships around the city. Some
This year is the most important year to all and were thus pushed to the periphery.
museums and heritage centres which
South Africans, as we commemorate the Only those few resources which were
are in the pipeline are Mxenge House
40th anniversary of the Soweto uprising, preserved for study purposes by certain
Museum, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial,
the 20th anniversary of the Truth and notable scientists could be protected and
Verulam Heritage Centre and the Museum
Reconciliation Commission, the 40th ultimately promoted for the wider public
of Education. Mpumalanga Heritage
anniversary of television in South Africa, to enjoy.
Centre was constructed by the National
60 years of the women’s march to the When we entered into a democratic Department of Tourism and transferred to
Union Building, the centenary of the dispensation the democratically elected eThekwini Municipality. The main objective
Battle of the Somme, often known as the government ensured that such calamities of such a museum is to tell the narratives
Battle of Deville Wood, and the 150th and inequalities of the past are dealt with of the people of Hammarsdale, who were
anniversary of Durban High School. amicably, and eThekwini Municipality affected by violence of the late 1980s
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HISTORIC MOMENTS
The primary aim of Curriculum 2005
(commonly known as Outcomes-Based
Education (OBE)) was the removal of
the apartheid curriculum. OBE failed
for a number of reasons. According
to Professor Jonathan Jansen, some
Soweto Uprising
of those reasons included: flawed
assumptions about what happens inside
schools, how a classroom is organised,
and the type of teacher within the
40th Anniversary
system; the language of innovation was
too complex, confusing and at times
contradictory; the curriculum makes
problematic claims and assumptions
about the relationship between curriculum
by THEVAN HARRY
and society; administrative burden of OBE
on teachers; and trivialisation of content.
History as a subject was devalued.
“I want to be remembered as a person who wanted to be Consciousness movement came in, According to G. Weldon,
free… so other people would want to be free.” and the beginning of the ’70s there was
a revival of the trade union movement, … avoiding the past in the
(Rosa Parks) so that gave us hope that things are
The 1976 Soweto uprising was triggered by the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction.
curriculum allowed for the
changing. But come ’76, when the
students of Soweto came into the expression of new values
C ommemorations play an important
role in society. They establish a
link between the past and the present,
Education must train people in
accordance with their opportunities in
life, according to the sphere in which
streets unarmed and they were killed
in the hundreds – nobody knows
how many of them were killed – that
is guided by the Constitution, the Schools In his book Thoughts on a New South
and a national identity
located in a vision of an
help build a collective memory and they live. changed history. Fear was now driven
Act and any applicable provincial law. Africa, he recommended that teachers economically prosperous
There can be no racial discrimination with teach in the mother tongue of the learner.
consciousness, foster respect for
The trigger of the 1976 Soweto Uprising
out.
regard to implementation of the policy. nation…
constitutional values, human rights and In 2013 the South African Reconciliation
was the imposition of Afrikaans as the A new era was ushered in in 1994. Official languages that are offered as In conclusion, commemorations of the
diversity, as well as assist with social Barometer estimated that 11% of whites
medium of instruction. A peaceful protest South Africa’s first democratically elected subjects must be accorded equal status. Soweto uprising are important for a
cohesion and building a national identity. and 15% of Blacks attend integrated
turned violent when police opened fire on government faced the unenviable task Dr Graham, speaking at the Teacher number of reasons. It was a historic event
The 40th anniversary of the Soweto schools. This statistic reflects the
students, killing 23 people, including two of dismantling the vestiges of apartheid Upfront Seminar in 2012, highlighted the which challenged the apartheid state.
Uprising was marked on 16 June 2016. stark reality of post-apartheid South
policemen, and leaving scores injured. and constructing a non-racial, non- failings of language policy. He stated: The Soweto Uprising linked the struggle
The significance and importance of this Africa. While apartheid may have been
Memorialised in song, poetry, historical sexist, inclusive society. Education posed for equitable education to the struggle
event has not been lost to the present We have educated our children out of dismantled politically and legislatively,
writings, museums and monuments, the a major challenge. The intervening 22 against apartheid. Slogans like “Liberation
generation, whose struggle for equitable their ability to do maths because we geospatial and economic realities remain.
significance of the uprising will never be years has seen the amalgamation of nine before Education” became popular after
education continues 22 years into our lack a language policy that is aware These vestiges impede integration in
forgotten. The Soweto Uprising inspired education departments, dealing with the Soweto uprising. A generation left
democracy. This year also marked the of its own limitations regarding when schools. Professor Neville Alexander
youth throughout the country to challenge primary and secondary schooling, into the South Africa to join the armed struggle.
20th anniversary of the constitution and children are immersed in English and draws a distinction between integration
the apartheid state. A generation decided Department of Basic Education, as well A review of Curriculum 2005 led to the
the South African Schools Act. how. and desegregation. Twenty-two years into
to leave South Africa and join the armed as the desegregation of schools, changes introduction of the Revised National
our democracy it is questionable whether
Memories of 1976 are deeply etched into struggle. There was a revitalisation of the in curriculum, increased government University of Witwatersrand academic Curriculum in 2002. In 2010-2011 the
integration has been achieved. According
the consciousness of South Africans. Sam struggle against apartheid. The youth spending, the passing of the first Dominique Mwepu stated: Revised National Curriculum was replaced
to Professor Alexander the existence
Nzima’s iconic photograph of Mbuyisa joined community leaders and workers democratic constitution of South Africa by the Curriculum and Assessment Policy
The South African Schools Act gave of private, Model C and government
Makhubo carrying Hector Pieterson’s in formulating a multipronged attack on and the South Africa Schools Act. Despite Statement.
too much power to school governing schools militates against real integration.
lifeless body captures the pain which the apartheid system. Boycotts of rent, these changes, challenges remain. South
bodies to determine language policy. Incidents of racism at some schools, As a consequence of the Soweto
many South Africans felt. The causes buses and meat products, together with Africa’s educational system ranks 140 out
Several case studies have showed that like Curro Roodeplaat Private School Uprising, the apartheid government found
and trigger of the 1976 Soweto Uprising stay-aways and strikes, galvanised the of 144 countries surveyed and second
many Afrikaans-medium schools have and Pretoria Girls High, seem to support it increasing difficult to end its isolation.
are well documented. At the heart of the struggle against apartheid. Slogans like last when it comes to mathematics
invoked the Act to refuse provincial Professor Alexander’s view. Neeshan In post-apartheid South Africa, the
conflict was Bantu Education, which was “Liberation before Education” became and science literacy, despite 20% of
governments’ requests to become Balton, director at the Ahmed Kathrada Soweto Uprising can be seen as one of
designed to provide inferior education popular rallying calls. International the government budget being spent on
dual-medium schools and cater for Foundation said: the yardsticks upon which to measure
and to reinforce the subservience of the coverage of the white policeman shooting education. Redress is slow. Educational
English-speaking pupils. transformation in education. As long as
black majority to a white minority. Henrik young pupils tarnished South Africa’s attainment varies among and within Schools are meant to be laboratories
Verwoerd, the architect of apartheid image and hampered the government’s of nation-building, not enclaves of issues of poverty, medium of instruction,
provinces. The reality of the situation was brought
stated: attempts to end its isolation. Perhaps outdated apartheid thinking… racism, social cohesion, are not dealt
Central to the challenges facing education home when in 2014 the World Economic
Ahmed Kathrada best summed up the with, the Soweto Uprising will serve to
is a question of the medium of instruction. Forum Competitiveness Report placed
There is no place for [the Bantu] in Neeshan Balton’s assertion is equally inspire this generation and the next to
effect of the 1976 Soweto Uprising when Forty years after the Soweto Uprising, the South Africa last out of 140 countries,
the European community above the applicable to the curriculum. Since 1994, challenge the system.
he stated: issue is still relevant. While the constitution with regard to mathematics and science
level of certain forms of labour ... there have been three national curriculum
recognises 11 official languages, education. A possible solution to the
What is the use of teaching the Bantu Especially after our sentence in 1964, reforms. On 24 March 1997, the Ministry
the language policy of the school is challenge may lie in the posthumous view
child mathematics when it cannot use the rest of the ’60s was fear among of Education launched Curriculum 2005.
determined by the governing body, which expressed by Professor Neville Alexander.
it in practice? That is quite absurd. the people… End of ’69, the Black
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HISTORIC MOMENTS
Wathint’ Abafazi
by AYANDA NGCOBO
Wathint’ Imbokodo
The year 2016 marks 60 years since the historic march of South African women from different
walks of life to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to agitate against the extended pass laws.
This march happened on 9 August 1956, It is important to look at the different South Africa was formed, bringing
at the peak of apartheid and during the decades to understand what 9 August together British colonies and former
decade where major segregation laws 1956 represented, both in the past and Boer republics. The first major piece of
were being put into effect, but the march after the march. the Union’s segregation legislation was
was multiracial, disregarding the apartheid the Natives Land Act, which defined
Pass documents were used to restrict
system. Reflections of South African territorial boundaries of the different races,
the movement of non-Europeans in
women in history often refer to 9 August dispossessing more Africans of their
South Africa in the 1800s, but slaves
1956, but the activism of women in other land. Following the victory of the National
at the Cape had been forced to carry
historic decades is often ignored. Party in 1948, when the apartheid system
passes since 1709 (South African History
was implemented, the 1950s marked
Online 2011a). In 1910, the Union of
increasingly severe segregation in the
country, which strengthened laws that had
been formed by previous governments.
BERGTHEIL MUSEUM
Museum Hours:
Monday to Friday 08h00 to 16h00
Saturdays 08h00 to 12h00
Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays
Admission: Free
www.durbanhistorymuseums.org.za
Bergtheil Museum: 16 Queens Avenue, Westville.
Tel: 031 266 0271 / 2954 | Email: mohau.qalaza@durban.gov.za
Members of Black Sash protesting in town against racist legislation and forced removals
14 | www.durbanhistorymuseums.org.za UMLANDO #GenerationsofCourage | 15
the forefront of this march and politically in 1994. From 1980, women of Durban democratic government formulated the contribute to the development of this
Segregation was enforced through acts such as active in the struggle for liberation came together to commemorate 9 August National Legacy Project. There were nine country and to ensure that the activism of
included Fatima Meer, Bertha Mkhize, (South African History Online 2011b). heritage programmes under this project, women of 1956 was not in vain?
the Population Registration Act of 1950 (this law Mary Thiphe, Mabel Palmer and Florence Following the State of Emergency, the the Women’s Monument one of them.
classified people according to race and ethnic group) Mkhize. Natal Organisation of Women (NOW) The Monument was unveiled by the
and the Group Areas Act of 1953 (which ensured that Major political parties such as the ANC spearheaded a number of United then president of the country, Mr Thabo
people of different races lived in different areas). and the Pan African Congress (PAC) Democratic Front (UDF) campaigns and Mbeki, on 9 August 2000 at the Union
mass detentions (South African History Buildings in Pretoria. The site has since References
were banned in the 1960s and a great
The pass laws (under the Population Registration Act number of political leaders faced banning Online 2011b) and was concerned been used to commemorate the 1956 Gasa, N. (2007a). “Let them build more gaols”,
of 1950) restricted the movement of black people to with South Africa’s overall struggle for march, and this year statues of women In: N. Gasa (ed.) Women in South African
in the same period. Female leaders of History. Human Science Research Council,
liberation. Women felt the need to form carrying petitions were unveiled as a
and within the areas that were marked as white areas FSAW also suffered from these political
their own associations as they were tribute to the women of 1956. Different
Cape Town.
restrictions. Political activists went into
in apartheid South Africa. The pass laws forced black exile in great numbers and female activists not being heard in male dominated organisations and government structures
Gasa, N. (2007b). “Feminism, Motherism,
Patriarchies and Women’s Voices in the 1950s”,
people to carry pass documents or passbooks that were faced with greater challenges, such organisations although they were fighting have different programmes to celebrate In: N. Gasa (ed.) Women in South African
History. Human Science Research Council,
were known as “dompas”, and also reference books. as sexual harassment. That did not kill the for the same cause, for liberation and the holiday, such as conferences and Cape Town.
spirit of women in their fight for liberation. for a non-discriminatory South Africa. gatherings to empower women. The Local
The dompas served as a permit, and it was a very Numbers of women in workers’ unions History Museums host seminars and put
Healy-Clancy M. (2012). “Women and the
The 1970s are known for student Problem of Family in Early African Nationalist
humiliating document to those who had to carry it and movements, and especially the June 16 increased; however, they felt that male together mini exhibitions to remember the History and Historiography”, South African
produce it each time they were stopped by a police Soweto Uprising. Student activism led to union leaders did not take their concerns struggle of women and celebrate their Historical Journal, 64 (3): 450-471.
seriously. They organised themselves and achievements. In August 2016, Local
officer, who had to make sure that the black person the formation of the Black Consciousness South African History Online (2011a). “Pass
laws in South Africa 1800 – 1994”,
Movement, which inspired the formation hosted conferences such as the COSATU History Museums created and exhibited
had a permit to be in the “white areas”. Women’s Conference of April 1988, which a banner at Red Square, which was a
Available at: http://www.sahistory.org.za/article/
of the Black Women’s Federation in 1975. pass-laws-south-africa-1800-1994 [accessed:
This decade saw an increase in black was a platform for women to discuss place of political meetings and protests 26/09/2016]
young people who were concerned about their issues and what they wanted from against discriminatory government laws South African History Online (2011b). “The
the psychological effect of apartheid on government. during apartheid, to mark the 60-year 1956 Women’s March, Pretoria, 9 August”,
The history of women’s activism can as self-help groups. The African Available at: http://www/sahistory.org.
liberating the black mind. Women were anniversary of the women’s march.
be traced back to the late 1800s; in National Congress Women’s League After South Africa’s first democratic za/topic/1956-womens-march-9-august
1894 women held their first anti- (ANCWL) was launched in 1943 actively involved and had increased elections in 1994, the country began to The struggle today is to create a South
[accessed: 27/09/2016]
pass protest and sent petitions to which was led by women devoted awareness of ideologies regarding black reinterpret its history. Parliament drafted a Africa that is free from gender-based
the municipality in Bloemfontein. In to advancing their rights in South feminism. National Holidays Bill, and 9 August was violence and various forms of harassment.
1913 women also held a mass public Africa. In 1954, the Federation of The 1980s was a decade that marked marked as National Women’s Day. The The question that should be asked to the
protest against the pass system South African Women (FSAW) was the collapse of severe laws of segregation Department of Arts, Culture, Science and women of South Africa today is – what
(Gasa 2007a). The 1913 movement formed, bringing together women’s that eventually led to the end of apartheid Technology (DACST) of the newly elected are you as a woman in 2016 doing to
was a success, which led to the organisations affiliated with Congress
withdrawal of permits that were Alliance, Congress of Democrats, the
extended to women (South African Black Sash, ANCWL, Women in the
History Online 2011a). I would argue Natal or Transvaal Indian Congress “The 1980s was a decade
that these events formed the basis of and broader congress alliances (Gasa
2017
what happened in 1956. Since that 2007b). The Women’s Charter was
that marked the collapse of
March, women continued to actively adopted, expressing the objectives of severe laws of segregation
participate in public political matters the federation. that eventually led to the
and strove to create a society liveable
In 1954 the government started end of apartheid in 1994.
for all. Women organised themselves
and formed associations that were
issuing permits to women, and From 1980, women of
in 1956 reference books. (South
viewed as social welfare or assistance Durban came together to
African History Online 2011b). It
organisations, which somewhat
was then that women took a stand commemorate 9 August
undermined their political influence.
One of those organisations was the
against government, against racial (South African History
Daughters of Africa, launched in the
discrimination and humiliation. Online 2011b). Following
The FSAW wrote to the Prime
1930s. Formed and led by women,
Minister requesting that he meet
the State of Emergency,
some of its meetings were held at the Natal Organisation of
their leaders, but the request was
Inanda and through the Daughters of
Africa women appealed for gender
declined (South African History Online Women (NOW) spearheaded
2011b). Women from all over South
unity (Healy-Clancy 2012). a number of United
Africa decided to sign petitions and
There were a number other hand them to the Prime Minister in Democratic Front (UDF)
organisations started by women that the Union Buildings. Some of the campaigns and mass
were community based and known women from Durban who were at detentions”
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HISTORIC MOMENTS
breadwinner. At some point we even had
some men believing that having sex with a
Sixty Years of the
virgin could cure them of their HIV infection.
The rape of lesbians is also rife and is
perpetrated by men who use their physical
power to forcibly engage in what they call
Women’s March:
“corrective sex”.
Women constitute more than 50% of the
South African society, yet they remain
A Reflection
largely marginalised in the economic sector.
To this day women, in particular the rural
women, are the face of poverty. Women
continue to occupy most of the jobs that
pay the meagre salaries. For example,
by HLENGIWE MZOLO Victoria Mxenge Annual Lecture
women are to be found occupying held at Umlazi Cinema on 10 November 2016
jobs such being domestic workers, so
J.G. Strijdom to present the women’s current generation of women to advance called “tea girls”, personal assistants,
These data are a clear sign that 60 years Busisiwe Mkhwebane succeeded Thuli
demands. On that day, the walls of the their cause further. receptionists, tellers and vendors, among
on, there is still a long road to travel. Madonsela. Meanwhile, another Chapter
Union Buildings trembled as the voices of other menial occupations. Worse still, more
One of the saddest challenges facing towards the economic emancipation of 9 institution, the Independent Electoral
20 000 women across different religions than 50% of women are unemployed and
women today is the issue of gender- women. This is one area whereby the Commission, has also consecutively
and the racial divide chanted in unison: some don’t even have the prospect of
based violence, which is the worst form current generation of women should been led by Brigalia Bam and Patsy
“Wathint’abafazi, wathint’imbokodo, employment given their lack of skills. Also,
of abuse against women. To this day, lead our society in demanding economic Tlakula. Furthermore, South Africa
uzokufa!” (You have struck a woman, you some traditional leaders are still averse to
women continue to be brutalised and emancipation for womenfolk. Having has an Employment Equity (Act 55
have struck a rock; you will be crushed.) granting women land rights. As a result,
murdered by their partners. The term tackled some of the challenges which of1998), which protects women against
Together they stood at the steps of only 1% of land in South Africa is owned by
given to this brutality is Intimate Partner still exist today as alluded by Du Bruyn, discrimination and provides a framework
the Union Buildings and tore up their women, who ironically constitute more than
Violence or IPV. Other forms of women it is important to highlight some of for the implementation of affirmative
“dompasses”, daring the police to arrest 50% of the population.
abuse are emotional, sexual and economic the steps undertaken by the current action at the workplace
them. Such was the courage and fortitude A big question is: How can South Africa government to empower women.
abuse. Our country has one of the highest The information above represents a
of those women. advance economically when more than
statistics of such abuse against women. Under apartheid we had less than 3% number of positive strides made by
As we mark 60 years of this historic march This is despite some of the best reforms half of her population is marginalised?
women Members of Parliament, but our government to transform society
and bravery by women, we need to start and laws. Unfortunately, you cannot The following statics reveal some of the
today almost half of the MPs are women towards creating a non-sexist South
by commending those who were at the legislate against a mindset or a stereotype. challenges which should be addressed if
and 45% of our Cabinet is made up of Africa. However, still more needs to be
forefront of organising the march: Lillian Sadly, it is believed that a woman is killed we are to get women involved as players in
women. Today South Africa also has a done. This means that as we celebrate
Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahina Moosa, every eight hours in South Africa. the economic sector:
Ministry of Women located within the the 60th anniversary of the heroic 1956
Sophie Williams-du Bruyn, Fatima Meer, highest office in the land. The mandate heroic, we should be under no illusion
The biggest contributor to the culture
Amina Cachalia and Bertha Gxowa were of this ministry is to focus on how best that the women are now free. The
Dorothy Nyembe
just some of the activists who played a
of gender violence is patriarchy. For
example, to this day we have some
Only 9.2% women’s issues can be addressed. struggle icon Albertina Sisulu had this to
significant role mobilising women to take of Chairpersons of Boards are women The Chairperson of the African Union say about Lillian Ngoyi: “I joined the ANC
communities that find nothing wrong
up the struggle against the extension of Commission is a South African woman in 1948 because of Lillian Ngoyi. The
“Pass” laws to women. These women had
with the ukuthwala “tradition”, whereby a
woman is forcibly kidnapped by her suitor.
Only 29.3% and eThekwini Municipality made way she used to preach to me about
“Let us be brave: we have to overcome a number of challenges to Executive Managers are women history in 2016 when Councillor Zandile the future of the child you are going to
This is done in the name of culture, which
heard of the men shaking in eventually undertake this historic march,
is just one example to show that the Gumede was elected as the first female bring into this world”. This is the attitude
their trousers, but who ever
but they did so because their courage was
unbreakable and they had the will of steel.
laws such as the progressive Domestic Only 38.2% Mayor to lead our Municipality. The all of us should have, namely an attitude
Violence Act are not enough. Society as Public Sector Senior Managers are Speakers of the National Assembly and that says: “I am going to play my role in
heard of a woman shaking women the National Council of Provinces are the struggle for women’s emancipation,
Speaking at the 60th anniversary of the a whole has a duty to fight against these
in her skirt?” Women’s March, Sophie Williams-du attitudes that justify treating women as both women and we have had a woman not only for myself but for the future
Bruyn had this to say: “It is for the youth commodities or sub-citizens. Only 40% in the Presidency, namely Phumzile
Mlambo-Ngcuka.
generations.”
to take up the baton that we have already of the State Owned Enterprises As we celebrate 60 years of the 1956
T
South Africa records well over 60 000
hese were the words of Lillian Ngoyi handed over to them, and to fight the ills managers are women Section 9 of the Constitution states that women’s heroic march, we should
cases annually of gender-based violence
calling upon the women of South Africa and the injustices in our country right now: all persons are equal. This has advanced concede that it is not yet uhuru for
against women. In 2012 our country was
during the march to Pretoria on 9 August the increase of the abuse of women and
labelled as the rape capital of the world. Only 21% women’s position in relation to a number women. Unless the women are free, we
1956. Last year, 2016, marked 60 years of children, and the inequality, poverty and women hold the Directorship of areas, such as parity of salaries, cannot justifiable claim that South Africa
In 2016 alone more than 42 000 cases
the historic march undertaken by over 20 increasing gap between the rich and poor”. positions access to home ownership and fair is free. Yes there have been some gains,
of rape were reported. It is important to
000 women to the Union Buildings. Never These profound words are indicative of treatment on estate matters. The office but the struggle for the total liberation
emphasise the word “reported”, because
had any sector of our people been that
brave as to dare march to the highest office
the fact that there is still a long way before
the women of this country are completely
many rape cases go unreported for Only 5% of the Public Protector, a critical Chapter of women is far from over, so it is Aluta
various reasons, such as the victim may of the Chief Executive Officers are 9 institution, is being led by a woman Continua, victoria acerta.
of the apartheid regime. Lillian Ngoyi literally and truly emancipated. There is still a lot for the second time, since Advocate
be influenced not to open a case against a women
knocked on the door of Prime Minister of work that needs to be emulated by the
18 | www.durbanhistorymuseums.org.za UMLANDO #GenerationsofCourage | 19HISTORIC MOMENTS
contempt at Section Two of the
constitution. This part of the document
declares that its contents are the
Constitutionalism supreme law of South Africa based on
fundamental values of human dignity,
equality and freedom. These values in
in South Africa: A Two-
and of themselves are beyond question
legitimate, but they also represent a view
of the law and government known as
constitutionalism, which involves limited
Decade Milestone
government. This means that three
branches of government share power
in a way that protects the rule of law
by STEVEN KOTZE and counteracts abuse of power. We
should remember that when this legal
structure was put in place South Africans
F ormer president Thabo Mbeki is an still had recent memories of the many
accomplished orator, well-known for crimes against humanity committed
crafting his own speeches and delivering during apartheid under the cover of an
them with great emotion. There is general authoritarian executive presidency. Many
agreement that his finest accomplishment progressive lawyers from within the
in this regard was the address he made ranks of liberation organisations, some of
to the National Assembly on 8 May 1996, whom later became Constitutional Court
to mark the adoption of South Africa’s Justices, regarded Constitutionalism as
democratic Constitution as the highest the best protection against any future
law of the land. As much a poem as it attempts at authoritarian rule.
was a speech, “I am an African” was a Unfortunately this has led to a situation
remarkable statement that captured the where some court rulings and official
nation’s mood in the earliest phase of reports of Chapter Nine institutions are
our post-apartheid history. With Nelson interpreted as illegitimate assaults on
Mandela looking on, Mbeki cleverly placed actions of the executive branch. Two
Rights of South Africans protected by our constitution, as depicted on the wall of the old
the parliamentary act of adopting our Central Prison, now part of the ICC precinct. decades after the Constitution became
Constitution as both a beginning and an the legal template for all government in
end. He evoked the grand drama of our South Africa, it is possible that many
landscape alongside the tragedy of a of apartheid-era laws and thereby allowed It is perfectly acceptable for politicians
“Despite what its detractors might say, the Constitution the first democratic elections to take of any party, including members of the
citizens have forgotten the lessons
blood-soaked history that very landscape of apartheid and how easily state
gave birth to. Above all, however, he represents the ultimate victory of democracy in South Africa. place in April 1994. The final version of government, to voice their disapproval the
institutions were turned against ordinary
plainly stated that the democratic There is no credible evidence that this set of laws that South Africa’s Constitution was devised Constitution or suggest changes to parts
people in the name of upholding the
collectively, debated openly and freely of it that they disagree with ideologically.
Constitution belonged to each and every governs our nation, and is widely regarded as one of the law. Constitutionalism, as it is outlined
South African in the same way that our ratified by an overwhelming majority in That is the nature of democracy, and
environment, culture and heritage are
finest such constitutions in the world, is anything other than a the Constitutional Assembly, consisting of making changes to the Constitution is
by our Bill of Rights and the rest of our
Constitution, was enshrined to ensure
ultimately communally owned by the proudly South African achievement.” 400 members of the National Assembly provided for within the Constitution itself.
long-term stability and equal protection
entire nation. and 90 members of the Senate (since Any changes must take place by means
for all citizens under law. The separation
renamed National Council of Provinces). of the originally defined processes, and
There is a growing tendency among of power brought about under this
political circumstances surrounding the are the Constitution and all its provisions Considering these circumstances, and acknowledge that the document adopted
politicians to disavow portions of the system has been effective because of
Constitution’s 20th anniversary in 2016, freely available as public documents, the the substantial majority held by the ANC on 8 May 1996 was also legally certified
Constitution they regard as problematic, independently appointed judges who owe
these are indications that the history of parliamentary record of the Constitutional following the 1994 elections, it is difficult as compliant with 34 constitutional
for any host of reasons. A prominent their allegiance to the Constitution, as
our most fundamental law needs wider Assembly contains every word of each to understand allegations that certain principles agreed on and contained in
criticism is that our Constitution well as Chapter Nine institutions including
publicity and discussion. successive debate that informed the Constitutional provisions are contrary the Interim Constitution. As the entire
settlement was somehow imposed the Independent Electoral Commission,
moulding of the final document. or hostile to principles espoused by the structure of South African law and public
upon the nation by a narrow clique of In response to those who claim it contains Human Rights Commission, Auditor-
liberation organisations, somehow secretly administration rests upon the validity
interests and that it somehow betrayed clauses that undermine the liberation It is true that the Constitutional Assembly General and Public Protector, who are
forced upon the majority. and authenticity of the Constitution, it is
either the founding principles of the struggle or that it was secretly laced and the process of forging the final mandated to act in the public interest. The
vital that any opposition to its provisions
African National Congress (ANC) or the with reactionary aims that favour those Constitution were established by a Such allegations and claims must be past few years have witnessed conflicts
should not be confused with the methods
stated objectives of the Freedom Charter. who benefitted from apartheid, it must politically negotiated settlement, the addressed with the historical facts on the between these offices and representatives
employed to create it.
The vivid delivery and soaring prose of be recalled that the entire process of Interim Constitution that was agreed to contents and origins of the Constitution of government as well as the private
Mbeki’s poetic “I am an African” speech creating our Constitution was conducted by unelected officials representing most that are available to us. Failure to do Aside from disparaging how the sector. Such conflicts and the manner in
may sometimes obscure the importance in the open, by publically elected major political parties in 1993. That so unfairly brings the legitimacy of the Constitution was drawn up, latter day which they have been resolved are the
of its actual content, and together with representatives in Parliament. Not only temporary constitution replaced a number process and final outcome into question. critics of that process have aimed best proof that constitutionalism has been
successfully implemented in South Africa.
20 | www.durbanhistorymuseums.org.za UMLANDO #GenerationsofCourage | 21HISTORIC MOMENTS
Other indications that significant
provisions of our Constitution are firmly
in place and working as intended are King Shaka
kaSenzangakhona:
the many elections for national and local
government representatives that have
taken place regularly since 1994. All of
these were found to be free and fair,
and have repeatedly resulted in changes
in power between various parties at
provincial and municipal level. These 200 Years of the Zulu
Monarchy
are signs that people have faith in the
process of government, although the
rise of mass protests and destruction
of public property has become a
by STEVEN KOTZE
recent cause for concern. In 2016 we
celebrated 20 years of a democratic
constitution, and the freedom under law
that it protects. The complex legal theory
and political apparatus it created in our T he founder of the Zulu nation has
achieved near mythical status in
the historical narrative of South Africa.
government and judiciary are regarded
as shining examples among international He is among the few southern African
scholars, but we must remember that Rights of South Africans protected by our constitution, as depicted on the wall of the old rulers whose name is recognised all
we paid a high price for our Constitution. Central Prison, now part of the ICC precinct. over the world, although historically
Generations of freedom fighters over verifiable evidence of his early life and
many centuries, eloquently named in accession to power is both limited and
Mbeki’s “I am an African” speech, fought protection of the law. The Constitution guarantees those rights, but it is up to each new murky. King Shaka kaSenzangakhona
for the right of all South Africans to live in generation of South African citizens to use its provisions and institutions to consciously is believed to have wrested the Zulu
peace beside one another under equal bring about a just society in which past injustices are redressed, and never repeated. throne from Sigujana kaSenzangakhona
before his unfortunate half-brother even
had a proper chance to lay claim to his
inheritance as chief of the Zulu clan. As
this event is thought to have occurred
in 1816, the Zulu nation marked the
brilliant modification of old hunting result of bitter exaggerations related by
200th anniversary of its founding king
techniques in order to envelop opposing adversaries who lost a power struggle
establishing his rule in September 2016.
forces by means of flanking manoeuvres with the king. Setting aside motivation
An enormous celebration known as and deliver shattering defeats to his for these tales, such litanies of brutality
Umkhosi WeLembe was hosted on enemies. This “bull-horned” battle also conceal the full complexity of King
Heritage Day, 24 September, by King formation is considered crucial to the Shaka’s exploits.
Goodwill Zwelithini in Moses Mabhida formation of the Zulu kingdom, alongside
In reality, not all the groups that made up
stadium. Ironically, this is also the date on the equally vital adaptation of long-bladed
the Zulu kingdom were compelled to do
which King Shaka was assassinated in stabbing spears as the weapons of
so by force. Many astute chiefs who lived
1828, and the gathering thus honoured choice for Shaka’s warriors. Two centuries
at that time witnessed the great victories
the entire reign of this legendary monarch. after the events took place, however, it
that Shaka won against his enemies and
The fame of Shaka kaSenzangakhona is impossible to determine the personal
also wanted to be part of his success.
rests largely on his two reputed roles as role the king played in how his armies first
To some extent they probably wanted to
both the supreme military strategist in used these methods.
avoid the misfortune of turning into an
pre-colonial Africa and figurehead of one
Both early settler accounts, as well as adversary of his, and substantial numbers
of the bloodiest reigns in history. While his
African oral versions of the past, appear of such tribal leaders simply asked to
career certainly involved both numerous
to uphold notions that Shaka wielded become followers of Shaka instead. Their
KwaZulu-Natal armed campaigns and a significant
power with an iron fist, which resulted willingness to support the rise of Zulu
degree of retribution against his perceived
in a bloodstained rule. Legends abound power made them valuable allies of King
enemies, to see King Shaka’s life only
of how entire regiments and clans were Shaka and the reward these chiefs were
an agency of the in these terms does not show sufficient
summarily despatched for a variety of given for their allegiance was a much
Department of Arts and Culture regard for his other achievements.
• popular tourist facility • educational amenity and acclaimed centre of research frivolous offences. Recent scholarship greater degree of independence than
• 8 natural history • 10 cultural history galleries • mammals • birds • amphibians • 237 Jabu Ndlovu Street Mon - Fri: 8:15 - 4:30 Although evidence for Shaka’s exploits demonstrates how many of these stories those who had originally opposed the
insects • san rock art • a recreation of a Drakensberg cave • life-size T-Rex model • Pietermaritzburg Sat: 9:00 - 4:00
from either historical sources or have ulterior motives, either written to king. His willingness to accommodate
model of a Victorian street with house, shops, stable and chemist • regional Tel: 033-3451404 Sun: 10:00 - 3:00
archaeology • African cultural products • European settler history • seashells • insects www.nmsa.org.za Entrance: R 10 & R2.50 oral accounts has been difficult to damage the reputation of Shaka in the these potential rivals indicates that his
and other fauna • South African Freedom & Democracy Exhibition • There is always something new to see! authenticate, he is credited with the eyes of British government officials or the diplomatic skills were as developed as his
tactical ability in war.
22 | www.durbanhistorymuseums.org.za UMLANDO #GenerationsofCourage | 23PREVIOIUS PAGE: Excited young women celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Zulu nation at an event held at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 24
September 2016. Photo by Bongani Mbatha – Independent News
TOP LEFT: His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu presided over the Shaka Day celebrations held at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 24
September 2016. Photo by Bongani Mbatha – Independent News
TOP RIGHT: Prince Nhlendla and Prince Nhlangano – sons of King Goodwill Zwelithini, from Sunday Tribune 25 September 2016, by Bongani Mbatha
During the decade he ruled over the into fighting units that were all roughly the built around him. The founder of the Zulu
Zulu people Shaka kaSenzangakhona same age, regardless of where the men nation deserves a place in South African
also faced the immense task of bringing came from. Fighting contingents were history that does not reduce his role to
together the people of many different housed together, in vast barracks known that of a mere caricature. King Shaka
chiefs and clans, and forging a new as amakhanda, during their five-year kaSenzangkhona ultimately demonstrated
nation. To make matters worse, the Zulu period of service. This made sure that old a complex understanding of leadership
kingdom incorporated a region that had regional ties were replaced with a clearer through an approach that involved the
been wracked by terrible violence for perception of what it meant to be part of merger of military strategy and conquest
decades. Communities still retained the the Zulu kingdom. with more delicate requirements of
vivid memory of recent conflict with their bringing his people together by means
Another example of how Shaka sought
neighbours, and a significant portion of of novel social institutions. At a time
to replace old divisions with a new sense
the new realm was made up of folk who when South Africa faces new challenges
of Zulu unity was through the use of
had actually suffered defeat at the hands in the form of nation building during a
national religious ceremonies, such as the
of Shaka and his Zulu warriors. The fact democratic era in the 21st century, it is
First Fruits festival that was celebrated
that the new king adapted his role from fitting to recall that earlier leaders such as
when crops ripened in the fields. The
that of a conqueror to a peacetime ruler King Shaka grappled with similar issues.
KWAMUHLE MUSEUM
main purpose of the week-long festivities
in a very short space of time is further One outcome of his reign, and those of
was to observe the kings’ right of control
evidence that Shaka understood the his brothers during the 19th century, was
over all farming activities, especially the
importance of unifying the region under a nation of Zulu people who withstood
harvests. In practice though, all adult
his control. both tragedies of imperial invasion,
males were expected to attend in order to
colonialism and apartheid with their proud
King Shaka used two clever strategies to participate in religious rites that reinforced
heritage intact.
help bring about the coalition of former a sense of Zulu national identity. The mass
Museum Hours:
enemies and opponents in his kingdom. ceremonies were regarded as necessary
Monday to Friday 08h30 to 16h00
The first was the introduction of age to strengthen the fertility of fields, herds of Umlando would like to thank Independent Saturdays 08h30 to 12h30
grade military units across the entire Zulu livestock and the individual homesteads News for their kind permission to make use of
photographs that illustrate this article Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays
nation. Before this development took of families, but men experienced a greater
Admission: Free
place groups of warriors only served their sense of nationhood through the process
own chiefs, and regiments operated on of undergoing the rituals together.
the basis of locally restricted regional
Since his death in 1828, however, Shaka’s www.durbanhistorymuseums.org.za
loyalties. The great innovation of Shaka’s
real legacy has almost disappeared
system for amabutho (Zulu regiments) KwaMuhle Museum: 130 Bram Fischer Road, Durban.
beneath the layers of mythology that his
was that young men were assembled Tel: 031 331 2237 | Email: thevan.harry@durban.gov.za
respective followers and detractors have
24 | www.durbanhistorymuseums.org.za UMLANDO #GenerationsofCourage | 25You can also read
