​Thembisa Shologu
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) kicked off its 2023 Women's Month programme by unveiling the statue of the late Bertha Gxowa at its new location, the Bertha Gxowa Hospital in Germiston. 
The life-size statue, previously housed at Ke-Ditselana Cultural Village in Vosloorus since 2015, was relocated due to vandalism. 
Mam'Bertha, a revered anti-apartheid struggle stalwart, played a crucial role in organising the historic Women's March against pass laws at the Union Buildings in 1956. 
She passed away in Johannesburg on 19 November 2010, aged 76.
During the launch event, Thandi Khumalo, Mam'Bertha's second daughter and representative of the Bertha Gxowa Foundation, emphasised her mother's significance as one of the nation's maternal figures. 
"We must recommit as women; we have seen what the 1956 women did; this means when women take action, things happen. 
"So, women, the struggle is not yet over. We still have a lot to overcome," said Khumalo.
Established to continue Mam'Gxowa's vision, the foundation is dedicated to promoting education and empowering women and girl children, which reflects as Mam'Gxowa's passion and love for girls.
Thandi urged women to unite in their ongoing fight against inequality.
"Mam'Bertha was a beacon of hope to the family and the nation. Let us use our resources to develop our nation; there is still much to do. She would say, 'We have achieved, Thandi. We are now giving over the baton to you. I feel ashamed that I was given a baton, and I would not be able to say my achievements," she said.
In another fitting tribute, the Kobbler Muller Hall was renamed to Dr Clarance Mini, an anti-apartheid activist and medical doctor at the same hospital.
Paying tribute to the two icons, Panyaza Lesufi underscored the importance of recognising those who sacrificed for democracy and highlighted the significance of preserving the legacy.
"Let the bringing of Mam'Gxowa statue here serve as a monitoring and evaluation tool of whether you are still committed to her ethos and represent her how she would have loved to be represented. I hand over this powerful name, take care of it, protect it but let it symbolise love, care and support. 
"A person that demonstrated that Ubuntu exists within our society…I speak about Dr Clarence Mini. To his family, thank you for allowing us to capture his name; his name will serve as a reminder to those within the health sector, that they need to serve, support and provide guidance to those in need," said Premier Lesufi.
He also addressed the hospital staff and reminded them of the hospital's mission and the standard it must uphold in memory of the two.
"Our people are not difficult; our people are not asking for difficult things. They are just asking for one thing, if you are a hospital, do what a hospital is supposed to do. If you are a nurse, do what nurses must do, and if you are a doctor, do what doctors must do, but if a hospital is named after Mam'Gxowa, then it means you must do more than what is expected of you. 
"As we come to this hospital, our commitment must be clear; it is a hospital of choice that will never run out of medication and will never neglect our people when they need help," added Lesufi.