Alexandra’s ECD women celebrate the fostering of unity and resilience
Women from Alexandra’s early childhood development centres came together to honour their shared strength, reflect on the historic 1956 women’s march, and inspire one another to overcome ongoing challenges.
This year, the women of Alexandra’s early childhood development (ECD) centres carved out a moment to celebrate their resilience, drawing inspiration from over 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings against the extension of pass laws to women in 1956.
At a recent gathering, hosted at Tiny Tots Day Care Centre, these caregivers, who dedicate their lives to nurturing young minds, paused to reflect on their collective strength and the enduring legacy of unity in the face of adversity.
Read more: Alexandra ECD women reflect on the march of 195
Mary Rametsi, president of the Alexandra ECD Association, emphasised the importance of the day as a time to honour and reflect on the past while empowering the present. “We are here to highlight the roles of formidable women, like Winne Mandela [who was part of the later 1958 anti-pass movement], and Lillian Ngoyi, who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 against the oppressive pass laws. So, we wanted to get the message across that, as women, we ought to tackle our challenges head-on.”
The celebration, hosted a day before Women’s Day, served as more than a commemoration, but a vital platform for ECD women to share their struggles and successes. “We shared some of the challenges we often battle within our space. It is difficult, but God makes us able,” Rametsi said. “Sometimes we work without payments, compelled by love and the passion we have for our work.”
Thami Mahlwele, from Nono’s Day Care Centre, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the event’s role in fostering empowerment. “This day reminds us to draw on our collective strength as women, our imbokotho spirit. It’s about celebrating our ability to keep going, to keep nurturing the next generation, no matter the challenges.”
For veterans like Martha Makhafola, of Ithuteng Day Care, who has run her centre for over two decades, the gathering offered her a rare moment of respite. “To me, this is an important day, it is my day of rest. I usually work from Monday to Monday, but today, even my spirit is delighted. We met with others and we demonstrated our love and support for each other.”
The event underscored the enduring truth – unity is the cornerstone of progress. During the celebrations, the ECD women reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration, resilience, and the shared mission of shaping young lives. “Our collective prayer is for God to strengthen us to raise the children we are taking care of,” Rametsi concluded.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
