​Qaqambile Mdledle
Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Mbali Hlophe together with the City of Johannesburg and Charlotte Maxeke Institute have remembered the life and times of Mma Charlotte Maxeke on Wednesday, 07 April 2020.
Mme Maxeke was a social and political activist who was a passionate community and religious leader. She was the first South African black woman to graduate with a university degree, a BSC from Wilberforce University, Ohio in 1901. This also made her the first black African woman to graduate from an American University.
MEC Hlophe said education was an important part of Mme Maxeke`s life and she was an inspiration to many young and old women in the country.
"Her legacy continues to be an inspiration to many women who keep on breaking new grounds at various levels. She was a strong believer in people, especially women, supporting and carrying each other on their way up," said  Hlophe. 
Her sacrifices and role in the struggle for liberation earned her the title of "Mother of Black Freedom" in South Africa. Today her statue stands at the Pretoria Garden of remembrance, the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg was also named after this notable woman, and there are several streets across the country named after her. Charlotte Maxeke died in Johannesburg at the age of 65 years in 1939.
The MEC praised the spirit of Mme Maxeke and provincial government for the achievements in improving the quality of lives of women.
 "We have removed laws, regulations, conventions and customs that discriminate against women. More women today occupy positions of power in all spheres of life. We continue to accelerate the implementation of gender equality and women empowerment policies, " she said.
An extended programme to celebrate Mme Maxeke`s life will continue until Sunday with sporting and cultural activities around Kliptown. These include soccer, Netball, debates, Visual Arts amongst others.