On August 9, 1956, more than 20,000 women of all races, led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and Sophia Williams, marched peacefully to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the cruel apartheid laws of the time. As they walked, the women sang the now-famous words: “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo,” meaning “You strike a woman, you strike a rock.” Those words have lived on for generations, becoming a powerful symbol of South African women’s courage and strength. In 1994, with the birth of a free democratic South Africa, August 9 was officially declared National Women’s Day. It’s more than just a public holiday, it’s a call to ensure that the rights, dignity and voices of all women are respected and protected, every single day. The Laudium Sun joins the above pictured educators in saluting all the women of South Africa who contribute to the fabric of our society. The teachers had this message for our readers, “On this special day, we celebrate the strength, grace, and resilience of women everywhere. We honour the incredible women who nurture, lead, inspire, and uplift our community daily. To our mothers, daughters, sisters, colleagues, and learners – thank you for the light you bring into the world. Your courage and compassion shape a brighter future for all. May you continue to rise, dream, and achieve. Happy Women’s Day, today and always, we celebrate you.”