​Women's Month in South Africa continues to hold a special place in our national consciousness, serving as a reminder of the courage, determination, and solidarity of the more than 20 000 women who, in 1956, marched to the Union Buildings to demand equality and justice. This year was no exception, with multiple commemorative events and gatherings underscoring the lasting significance of this historic day.
On Saturday, 9 August 2025, women in law enforcement across Gauteng united in a symbolic march from Tshwane House to the Union Buildings. This show of solidarity included the Gauteng Traffic Police, Gauteng Traffic Wardens, South African Police Service, Tshwane Metro Police Department, Johannesburg Metro Police Department, the Department of Correctional Services, Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and various emergency services.
In his keynote address, Gauteng Premier, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, commended the women of 1956 who, without modern tools such as smartphones or extensive resources, successfully mobilised thousands in the fight for women's liberation. He highlighted the importance of continued efforts to support and empower the girl child, while condemning all forms of violence against women and children.
On the same day, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety hosted a multi-site prayer session across several regions in the Eastern Corridor, including Heidelberg Offramp, Roodekop Bridge/Emhlangeni, Leondale Offramp, Barry Marris Offramp, Magagula Heights, and the N3 Petroport Southbound.
Established three years ago, this prayer initiative is a strategic community-based programme designed to bring together road safety officials, faith-based leaders, law enforcement agencies, taxi associations, and community members for collective prayer and reflection. Its primary aim is to seek divine intervention in reducing road fatalities along the N3 route.
In addition to its spiritual dimension, the initiative also serves as a public awareness platform, educating road users about safe driving, honouring the memory of those lost in accidents, and promoting a culture of responsibility, accountability, and compassion on the road.
According to Traffic Statistics, the stretch of the N3 from the Heidelberg-Benoni Road (R42) to the Jacobs Offramp remains a high-risk zone within the Eastern Corridor. While recent data shows a notable reduction in road fatalities and incidents, challenges such as hijackings and other social crimes continue to affect the safety of this corridor.
These two events, the march for women's empowerment and the prayer for road safety, stand as powerful reminders of what can be achieved when communities, law enforcement, and government unite for a common cause. They also reaffirm the Department's commitment to building a safer, more inclusive Gauteng where women's voices are amplified, vulnerable road users are protected, and safety remains a shared responsibility.
As we reflect on Women's Month, let us continue to draw inspiration from the courage of those who came before us, and let us work together to create a province where equality, dignity, and safety are not aspirations, but everyday realities.