Wa Thinta Abafazi, Wa Thinta Imbokodo: Women and the anti-apartheid struggle in Pietermaritzburg

‘At all times the role [Pietermaritzburg] women have played in this war has been understated’
(Kentridge 1990, 40)

This photographic exhibition is about some of the different ways that women contributed to the struggle against apartheid in Pietermaritzburg. Women took part in anti-apartheid marches and campaigned for peace as their communities were ravaged by war and violence. National women leaders visited the city to support people in their resistance to apartheid and to call for peace.

Women were important when burying people who were killed, especially mothers of children. At least 146 women, themselves were killed in political violence in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands between 1987 and 1990 (Fairbairn 1991). One of them was Jabu Ndlovu, a powerful and prominent trade unionist. And women spoke at meetings organised to encourage people to stay strong. Some of these meetings were on National Women's Day. Cultural performances such as plays and choirs also raised the voices of women against apartheid.

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Pamela Mnandi addressing the Women’s Day rally at Lotus Hall, August 1987. Behind her is Jabu Ndlovu.
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People gathering at the Cathedral of the Holy Nativity for the Standing for Truth Campaign Peace march, September 1989.
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Ma Linah Mabhida addressing the Women’s Day rally at Wadley Stadium, August 1989.
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Funeral service for 15 victims of the Seven Day War at the Lay Centre, April 1990.
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The Prestige Choir performing at the Worker Education Day at University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, March 1987.
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Women’s Day rally at Wadley Stadium, August 1989.
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Winnie Mandela and Albertina Sisulu at the National ANC Women’s League march for peace, Pietermaritzburg, July 1990.
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Gertrude Shope and Makhosi Khoza at the National ANC Women’s League march for peace, Pietermaritzburg, July 1990.
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National ANC Women’s League march for peace, Pietermaritzburg, July 1990. From left: Gertrude Shope, Sister Bernard Ncube, Albertina Sisulu and Winnie Mandela.
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Esigodini Cultural Group performing at the May Day meeting at Wadley Stadium, May 1990.
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Commercial Catering and Allied Workers' Union members meeting to discuss the Labour Relations Amendment Act, Pietermaritzburg, August 1989.
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Funeral of Zamo Caiphus Sgemfu at the AME Church, Dambuza, October1988.
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Makhosazana (Khosi) Xaba homecoming event, Ashdown, July 1990. She had been a member of the ANC in exile.
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Black Sash Women’s Day performance at the Lotus Hall, August 1988. From left: Marie Dyer, Renate Cochrane, Jo Stielau, Joan Kerchoff and Bambi Ogram.
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Anti-Gatting cricket tour demonstration, Feb 1990.
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Imbali women protest against violence outside the City Hall, Pietermaritzburg, March 1992. From left: Reggie Hadebe, Happy Mamlili Blose, unknown, Mark Cornell (Mayor of Pietermaritzburg) and unknown.
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Makhosi Hlubi, from Gezobuso, who alleged she had been sjambokked by Inkatha youth, February 1990.
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Jabu Ndlovu addressing the Worker Education Day at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, March 1987.
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Funeral of Jabu Ndlovu at St Mary's Catholic Church, Pietermaritzburg, June 1989.
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Women protest against police brutality, Pietermaritzburg, October 1989.
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Women’s march in Edendale to protest against police bias and violence, March 1990.
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Women’s march in Edendale to protest against police bias and violence, March 1990.
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Funeral of Vusi Dlamini and Mzo Mbongwa at the AME Church, Dambuza, October 1989.
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Members of the Black Sash gather at the Cathedral of the Holy Nativity for the Standing for Truth Campaign peace march, September 1989. From left: Didi Stevens, Beschara Karam and Lorenza Cowling.
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Mrs Mpungose, from Esigodini, addressing the May Day meeting at Wadley Stadium, May 1990.
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Happy Mamlili Blose addressing the protest by Imbali women against violence, outside the Loop Street Police Station, Pietermaritzburg, March 1992.
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Women’s march in Edendale to protest against police bias and violence, March 1990.
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Women protesting against police brutality, Pietermaritzburg, October 1989. The woman in the centre (dark top) is Happy Mamlili Blose.
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Marie Dyer addressing the Women’s Day rally at the Lotus Hall, August 1987.
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Makhosi Khoza addressing the funeral service for 11 victims of the Seven Day War at Wadley Stadium, April 1990.
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Worker Education Day at the University of Natal, March 1987.
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Gladys Manzi addressing the Women’s Day rally at the Lotus Hall, August 1987.
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Pauline Stanford and Jabu Ngidi addressing the Women’s Day rally at Wadley Stadium, August 1989.
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Wa Thinta Abafazi, Wa Thinta Imbokodo: Women and the anti-apartheid struggle in Pietermaritzburg
Slide
‘At all times the role [Pietermaritzburg] women have played in this war has been understated’
(Kentridge 1990, 40)

This photographic exhibition is about some of the different ways that women contributed to the struggle against apartheid in Pietermaritzburg. Women took part in anti-apartheid marches and campaigned for peace as their communities were ravaged by war and violence. National women leaders visited the city to support people in their resistance to apartheid and to call for peace.

Women were important when burying people who were killed, especially mothers of children. At least 146 women, themselves were killed in political violence in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands between 1987 and 1990 (Fairbairn 1991). One of them was Jabu Ndlovu, a powerful and prominent trade unionist. And women spoke at meetings organised to encourage people to stay strong. Some of these meetings were on National Women's Day. Cultural performances such as plays and choirs also raised the voices of women against apartheid.

Slide
Pamela Mnandi addressing the Women’s Day rally at Lotus Hall, August 1987. Behind her is Jabu Ndlovu.
Pamela Mnandi addressing the Women’s Day rally at Lotus Hall, August 1987. Behind her is Jabu Ndlovu.
Slide
People gathering at the Cathedral of the Holy Nativity for the Standing for Truth Campaign Peace march, September 1989.
People gathering at the Cathedral of the Holy Nativity for the Standing for Truth Campaign Peace march, September 1989.
Slide
Ma Linah Mabhida addressing the Women’s Day rally at Wadley Stadium, August 1989.
Ma Linah Mabhida addressing the Women’s Day rally at Wadley Stadium, August 1989.
Slide
Funeral service for 15 victims of the Seven Day War at the Lay Centre, April 1990.
Funeral service for 15 victims of the Seven Day War at the Lay Centre, April 1990.
Slide
The Prestige Choir performing at the Worker Education Day at University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, March 1987.
The Prestige Choir performing at the Worker Education Day at University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, March 1987.
Slide
Women’s Day rally at Wadley Stadium, August 1989.
Women’s Day rally at Wadley Stadium, August 1989.
Slide
Winnie Mandela and Albertina Sisulu at the National ANC Women’s League march for peace, Pietermaritzburg, July 1990.
Winnie Mandela and Albertina Sisulu at the National ANC Women’s League march for peace, Pietermaritzburg, July 1990.
Slide
Gertrude Shope and Makhosi Khoza at the National ANC Women’s League march for peace, Pietermaritzburg, July 1990.
Gertrude Shope and Makhosi Khoza at the National ANC Women’s League march for peace, Pietermaritzburg, July 1990.
Slide
National ANC Women’s League march for peace, Pietermaritzburg, July 1990. From left: Gertrude Shope, Sister Bernard Ncube, Albertina Sisulu and Winnie Mandela.
National ANC Women’s League march for peace, Pietermaritzburg, July 1990. From left: Gertrude Shope, Sister Bernard Ncube, Albertina Sisulu and Winnie Mandela.
Slide
Esigodini Cultural Group performing at the May Day meeting at Wadley Stadium, May 1990.
Esigodini Cultural Group performing at the May Day meeting at Wadley Stadium, May 1990.
Slide
Commercial Catering and Allied Workers' Union members meeting to discuss the Labour Relations Amendment Act, Pietermaritzburg, August 1989.
Commercial Catering and Allied Workers' Union members meeting to discuss the Labour Relations Amendment Act, Pietermaritzburg, August 1989.
Slide
Funeral of Zamo Caiphus Sgemfu at the AME Church, Dambuza, October1988.
Funeral of Zamo Caiphus Sgemfu at the AME Church, Dambuza, October1988.
Slide
Makhosazana (Khosi) Xaba homecoming event, Ashdown, July 1990. She had been a member of the ANC in exile.
Makhosazana (Khosi) Xaba homecoming event, Ashdown, July 1990. She had been a member of the ANC in exile.
Slide
Black Sash Women’s Day performance at the Lotus Hall, August 1988. From left: Marie Dyer, Renate Cochrane, Jo Stielau, Joan Kerchoff and Bambi Ogram.
Black Sash Women’s Day performance at the Lotus Hall, August 1988. From left: Marie Dyer, Renate Cochrane, Jo Stielau, Joan Kerchoff and Bambi Ogram.
Slide
Anti-Gatting cricket tour demonstration, Feb 1990.
Anti-Gatting cricket tour demonstration, Feb 1990.
Slide
Imbali women protest against violence outside the City Hall, Pietermaritzburg, March 1992. From left: Reggie Hadebe, Happy Mamlili Blose, unknown, Mark Cornell (Mayor of Pietermaritzburg) and unknown.
Imbali women protest against violence outside the City Hall, Pietermaritzburg, March 1992. From left: Reggie Hadebe, Happy Mamlili Blose, unknown, Mark Cornell (Mayor of Pietermaritzburg) and unknown.
Slide
Makhosi Hlubi, from Gezobuso, who alleged she had been sjambokked by Inkatha youth, February 1990.
Makhosi Hlubi, from Gezobuso, who alleged she had been sjambokked by Inkatha youth, February 1990.
Slide
Jabu Ndlovu addressing the Worker Education Day at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, March 1987.
Jabu Ndlovu addressing the Worker Education Day at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, March 1987.
Slide
Funeral of Jabu Ndlovu at St Mary's Catholic Church, Pietermaritzburg, June 1989.
Funeral of Jabu Ndlovu at St Mary's Catholic Church, Pietermaritzburg, June 1989.
Slide
Women protest against police brutality, Pietermaritzburg, October 1989.
Women protest against police brutality, Pietermaritzburg, October 1989.
Slide
Women’s march in Edendale to protest against police bias and violence, March 1990.
Women’s march in Edendale to protest against police bias and violence, March 1990.
Slide
Women’s march in Edendale to protest against police bias and violence, March 1990.
Women’s march in Edendale to protest against police bias and violence, March 1990.
Slide
Funeral of Vusi Dlamini and Mzo Mbongwa at the AME Church, Dambuza, October 1989.
Funeral of Vusi Dlamini and Mzo Mbongwa at the AME Church, Dambuza, October 1989.
Slide
Members of the Black Sash gather at the Cathedral of the Holy Nativity for the Standing for Truth Campaign peace march, September 1989. From left: Didi Stevens, Beschara Karam and Lorenza Cowling.
Members of the Black Sash gather at the Cathedral of the Holy Nativity for the Standing for Truth Campaign peace march, September 1989. From left: Didi Stevens, Beschara Karam and Lorenza Cowling.
Slide
Mrs Mpungose, from Esigodini, addressing the May Day meeting at Wadley Stadium, May 1990.
Mrs Mpungose, from Esigodini, addressing the May Day meeting at Wadley Stadium, May 1990.
Slide
Happy Mamlili Blose addressing the protest by Imbali women against violence, outside the Loop Street Police Station, Pietermaritzburg, March 1992.
Happy Mamlili Blose addressing the protest by Imbali women against violence, outside the Loop Street Police Station, Pietermaritzburg, March 1992.
Slide
Women’s march in Edendale to protest against police bias and violence, March 1990.
Women’s march in Edendale to protest against police bias and violence, March 1990.
Slide
Women protesting against police brutality, Pietermaritzburg, October 1989. The woman in the centre (dark top) is Happy Mamlili Blose.
Women protesting against police brutality, Pietermaritzburg, October 1989. The woman in the centre (dark top) is Happy Mamlili Blose.
Slide
Marie Dyer addressing the Women’s Day rally at the Lotus Hall, August 1987.
Marie Dyer addressing the Women’s Day rally at the Lotus Hall, August 1987.
Slide
Makhosi Khoza addressing the funeral service for 11 victims of the Seven Day War at Wadley Stadium, April 1990.
Makhosi Khoza addressing the funeral service for 11 victims of the Seven Day War at Wadley Stadium, April 1990.
Slide
Worker Education Day at the University of Natal, March 1987.
Worker Education Day at the University of Natal, March 1987.
Slide
Gladys Manzi addressing the Women’s Day rally at the Lotus Hall, August 1987.
Gladys Manzi addressing the Women’s Day rally at the Lotus Hall, August 1987.
Slide
Pauline Stanford and Jabu Ngidi addressing the Women’s Day rally at Wadley Stadium, August 1989.
Pauline Stanford and Jabu Ngidi addressing the Women’s Day rally at Wadley Stadium, August 1989.
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1989 Aron Mazel photographing


Aron Mazel

Exhibition Bio

In the 1980s and early 1990s, I worked as an archaeologist at the KwaZulu-Natal Museum. At the time, people in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas were fighting hard against the forces of apartheid. Many people were killed and injured, and few pictures were being taken to show what was happening. As part of my own fight against apartheid, I photographed anti-apartheid events and injustices.

Some of my photographs were published in newspapers and magazines. Sometimes I left the museum during work hours to photograph political actions. One example was from early April 1990 when Nelson Mandela visited the area. He came to see the devastation caused by The Seven Days War and to give people hope.
 
 

References

History of Women’s Struggle in South Africa. https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/history-womens-struggle-south-africa; accessed 19 Feb. 23).

Fairbairn, J. 1991. Flashes in her soul: The life of Jabu Ndlovu. Durban: Natal Worker History Project.

Kentridge, M. 1990. An Unofficial War: Inside the conflict in Pietermaritzburg. Cape Town: David Philip.
 
 
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Opening Times

Monday to Friday - 9:00 to 16:00 
Saturdays - 9:00 to 16:00 
Sundays - 10:00 to 15:00

ENTRANCE CHARGES

Adults (over 17 years) : R 20.00

Children (4-17 years) : R 10.00 

School Learners on tour : R 3.00 per child

Pensioners & toddlers : FREE