The Women's March of 1956: Defying Pass Laws
The Story of South Africa: Empire, Apartheid, and Transformation — Fexingo HistoryPlay episode
Show notes
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the historic Women's March of August 9, 1956, when 20,000 women of all races marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest the extension of pass laws to women. They discuss the formation of the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW), the leadership of activists like Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophie Williams, and the powerful singing of 'Wathint' Abafazi, Wathint' Imbokodo' (Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock). The episode covers the strategic planning, the police intimidation, the 30-minute silent vigil, and the aftermath, including arrests and continued resistance. Lucas highlights the role of the Black Sash and the significance of the chant that became a rallying cry for the anti-apartheid movement. #WomensMarch #FEDSAW #LilianNgoyi #HelenJoseph #RahimaMoosa #SophieWilliams #PassLaws #UnionBuildings #August9 #WathintAbafazi #BlackSash #SouthAfrica #Apartheid #Resistance #History #FexingoHistory #WomenInStruggle #Pretoria #NelsonMandela #ZuluKingdom Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
