ANC veteran Naledi Pandor delivered the Gertrude Shope’s Memorial Lecture on Sunday, commemorating the life and legacy of the late struggle stalwart and women’s rights activist. The event, held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by women in the fight against apartheid and their continued contribution to the development of a democratic South Africa.
Pandor, who is currently serving as the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, paid tribute to Shope in her lecture, highlighting her unwavering dedication to the liberation struggle and her tireless efforts to advance the rights of women. She described Shope as a fearless leader, a fierce advocate for gender equality, and a pioneer in the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa.
As a veteran of the African National Congress (ANC), Pandor shared personal anecdotes and memories of her time working alongside Shope in the struggle for freedom. She spoke of Shope’s unwavering commitment to the ANC and her role in mobilizing women to join the liberation movement. Pandor also emphasized how Shope’s leadership and guidance played a crucial role in shaping the ANC’s policies and strategies, particularly in relation to women’s issues.
In her lecture, Pandor also reflected on the progress made in advancing women’s rights since the dawn of democracy in 1994. She acknowledged that while significant strides have been made, there is still a long way to go in achieving true gender equality in South Africa. She called on all South Africans to continue the work of Shope and other women leaders in creating a society where women are treated as equals and afforded the same opportunities as men.
Pandor also used the platform to address the current challenges facing women in South Africa, particularly the alarming rates of gender-based violence and femicide. She called for urgent action to be taken to address this crisis, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of women must be a top priority for the government and society as a whole.
The memorial lecture was a powerful reminder of the significant role that women have played in the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa. It was also a call to action for women to continue pushing for gender equality and to never forget the sacrifices made by those who came before them.
The virtual event was attended by members of the Shope family, ANC leaders, representatives from women’s organizations, and members of the public. The participants paid tribute to Shope’s legacy and expressed their gratitude for her contributions to the liberation struggle and the advancement of women’s rights.
In her closing remarks, Pandor urged all South Africans to honor the memory of Gertrude Shope by actively working towards a society where women are treated with dignity, respect, and equality. She called on women to continue fighting for their rights and for men to become allies in the struggle for gender equality.
The Gertrude Shope Memorial Lecture served as a powerful reminder of the important role that women have played and continue to play in shaping South Africa. It also emphasized the need for continued efforts to create a society where women are truly equal and their rights are protected. Let us all heed Pandor’s call and honor the legacy of Gertrude Shope by working towards a brighter, more equal future for all.
