Abandoned Women's Living Monument an insult to women's legacy and future

The Star

a day ago

Leanne De Jager | Published 4 hours ago
As we commemorate Women's Month and reflect on the historic 1956 Women's March to the Union Buildings, it is crucial to rethink how spaces like the Women's Living Heritage Monument can become engines of economic empowerment.
This is especially important in Gauteng, a province facing one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, particularly among women and youth.
The Women's Living Heritage Monument in Tshwane stands as a powerful tribute to the courage and contributions of South African women in shaping our democracy. However, despite its central location and historical significance, this monument, valued at R280 million, remains closed. It has untapped potential to become a vibrant hub for tourism, culture, education, and economic opportunity for countless women in Gauteng.
Women are not seeking handouts; they are looking for opportunities. This space could host craft markets, small business exhibitions, training workshops, and cultural events led by women. Businesses owned by women could manage the restaurant and conference facilities at the site. However, currently the site remains dormant, marking a missed opportunity in a province where small, micro, and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) are struggling to survive.
The DA will continue to put pressure on Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, and his department to ensure that monuments are not idling, says the writer.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
This month should not be about celebration; it should be about accountability. The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation must provide reasons why this monument remains closed. Opening the Women's Living Heritage Monument would not only honour the women who marched in 1956 but also serve the women of 2025, who continue to march for economic freedom.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has referred the matter to the Public Protector to investigate why the monument remains closed, which makes it vulnerable to vandalism and illegal occupation. Gauteng residents and the families of the celebrated heroines at this monument have the right to know.
A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would have fast-tracked the opening of the monument. This would have prevented the monument from incurring extra costs and ensured value for money for our people.
The DA will continue to put pressure on Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, and his department to ensure that monuments are not idling but are allowed to inspire and remind us of our shared humanity and values that unite people.
Leanne De Jager MPL, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation