Women's Day (Public Holiday)

South Africa celebrates the powerful women who have made such a difference in nation- building with this unique Public Holiday

Women’s day is a wonderful South African Public Holiday, celebrating all the great women who have helped make South Africa what it is today. They truly are the mothers of the nation and Women’s day recognises and remembers women’s achievements in South African history.

In South Africa this date commemorates the national march of women on 9th of August in 1956, to petition against legislation that required African persons to carry the "pass"(special identification documents which curtailed an African's freedom of movement during the Apartheid era).

On August 9, 1956, 20 000 South African women staged a march on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act (commonly known as the pass laws) of 1950.

The women concluded their demonstration by singing Nkosi Sikelel’ íAfrica (South Africa’s National Anthem today) and a new song, which to this day is the rallying cry for South African Women: “If you strike a woman, you strike a rock”.


Molo Says: Women are the bedrock of South African society. Give something back by staying at a township B& B, which are all owner operated by township women. For all the events, concerts and festivals on Women’s day as well as all other events 365 days a year see our comprehensive events section.

Read about all the other South African Public Holidays: Subscribe to our newsletter for more news and information on events, Township tours, and the best things to do in Cape Town and South Africa.

Heritage Day Day of Reconciliation Christmas Day Day of Goodwill New Years Day Human Rights Day Good Friday Family Day Freedom Day Workers Day Youth Day

Molo says: "To all the women in our lives - this is for you!"