Speaking during the Women's Day Commemoration at Ixopo Stadium on Saturday 09 August 2026, the MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has urged women to take advantage of opportunities made available in various public and private institutions and in society.

The MEC said the 9th of August marks the day in 1956 when about 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria against the apartheid government's pass laws that required Black women to carry passes.

Mrs kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said the day signifies the important role played by women in society and in building the country's democracy. She encouraged women, especially in rural areas, to take their rightful place in leadership, agriculture, and business.

"Agriculture has many special programmes that we intentionally direct towards women for their emancipation, such as the provision of goats that benefit 181 people, including 105 women, 45 youth, and 15 people with disabilities. All of this is valued at R9.1 million," said kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.