Newcastle Municipality salutes the courage of women such as Charlotte Maxeke, Lillian Ngoyi, Hellen Joseph, Rahima Moosa and many others who fought tirelessly against the brutality of the apartheid government, when they marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.

In line with national government, Newcastle Municipality has made great strides in the advancement of women since the first democratic elections, to ensure that women enjoy the same rights as their male counterparts in relation to education, employment, property, inheritance and justice. Women such as Dorothy Nyembe who hails from our neighbouring town Dundee, paved the way for young girls and women to shape their futures and not be discriminated based on their gender. Our very own Newcastle Municipality, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Racheal Mdluli is an example that young girls can succeed in every career they choose to embark on. Our democracy was built on the actions of the women of
the liberation movement and our Municipality acknowledges that more still needs to be done, to cast off the chains that still hinder the progress of some women. During the month of August, the Newcastle Municipality has planned a variety of programmes to uplift women in business, education and safety.

Women are the guardians of our nation and Newcastle Municipality celebrates women in August and every other month of the year. The Newcastle Municipality will continue uplifting and championing the rights of women because our nation can only become a true success when our women are treated equally and are also successful. Let us unite to move women empowerment forward to combat poverty and encourage sustainable development. Newcastle Municipality salutes all women in our Municipal office and every corner of our communities.

Malibongwe igama lamakhosikazi
Let the name of women be praised.