I'd like to address hon Minister Motshekga and say that we should actually say, "Wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo" [When you strike a woman, you strike a rock]! I think we should actually be complementing one another, assisting one another and making a difference in South Africa.
Indeed, it is an honour for me to be part of this debate today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. Let us celebrate women in South Africa and the world. We are 15 years into our democracy and we still have women who do not have access to basic education systems. I would like to quote our former President, Nelson Mandela, when he said, "Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression."
Women make great leaders. Just look around this august House and you will see many great women leaders. Today I would like to honour and remember great women who have made a difference in South Africa, such as three important Helens: Helen Suzman, an MP and the only female parliamentarian for six years, who challenged discriminatory legislation that was introduced by the apartheid regime, and Helen Joseph, an anti-apartheid activist. May their souls rest in peace. Then, of course, may I take this opportunity to wish the Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, a blessed and happy birthday. Halala, Helen, halala!
I would also like to honour Helen, our premier, for her role as an anti- apartheid activist during the 1980s, and one who is still fighting for the rights of the people today.
Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, more fondly known to me as Aunty Sophie, is a living legend and the only survivor of the historic women's march that took place in Pretoria against the pass laws. Aunty Sophie is alive and well and is an MP today in the National Assembly.