Address by Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, at the Launch of the "Portraits of Power" by the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI), Union Buildings, Pretoria

Programme Director,
My colleague, Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga,
Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Our Partners - The Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute and the family of our icon,
The Chairperson of the South African State Theatre and your colleagues,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good day,

On the onset, allow me to extend the sincere apology of the Deputy President, His Excellency Mr Paul Shipokosa Mashatile, who wanted to join you on this occasion, but circumstances beyond his control left you saddled with just me.

It is a great honour to join you today for this great occasion at the Union Buildings, on the verge of the 70th Anniversary – more aptly a commemoration – of the historic 1956 Anti- pass Laws Woman’s March.

It is fitting that we are gathered here to celebrate the “Portraits of Power” project which forms part of a series of legacy projects commemorating the 125th Graduation Anniversary of Charlotte Makgomo Mannya-Maxeke, a woman of remarkable firsts and enduring influence. A trailblazer in every sense.

As the first black woman to graduate with a university degree in Southern Africa, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree on 20 June 1901 from Wilberforce University in Ohio, United States of America, Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke lit the path for women’s rights and gender equality.

As the only woman who was present when the South African Native National Congress, later known as the African National Congress (ANC) was formed in 1912, Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke decidedly asserted the need for women representation in the corridors of power in South Africa.

She went on to become the founding President of two of the most important women-led institutions on the continent, the most popular being the Bantu Women’s League which later evolved into the ANC Women’s League in the 1940s. Through these platforms, she shaped not only the future of women, but the trajectory of our country, our continent and indeed the world. It was the leadership of Mme Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke that eventually led the ANC to include women in its leadership.

She also led some of the earliest organised resistance against injustice, including the first women’s protest and the first anti-pass laws march in this country, in Bloemfontein and Winburg. Her life reminds us that courage, conviction and leadership can alter the course of history.

It is therefore most fitting that we gather here today at the Union Buildings, a place that stands not only as the seat of government of the Republic of South Africa, but as a powerful symbol of our democracy, resilience, and national journey.

This historic site, now recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, reflects both our shared past and our collective aspirations for the future. We gather here for an occasion that speaks to legacy, leadership and the enduring power of human expression.

Earlier this year, we gathered in this exact place as we launched the Milestones of Freedom under the theme – Honouring The Past: Delivering the Future, this campaign commemorates significant milestones in South Africa’s struggle for Freedom, with a commitment to deliver on the aspirations of our forebears.

This year, the Milestones of Freedom commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the 1956 women’s March, 60th Anniversary of the 1966 District Six forced removals – where communities were destroyed to enforce racial spatial segregation, the 50th Anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Students Uprising – where young people rose to protest against the forced introduction of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction as part of enforcing the inferior bantu education as a way of keeping black people inferior, and lastly the 30th Anniversary since the adoption of South Africa’s first democratic Constitution.

The 1956 Women’s March would not have been possible, if Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke had not led the mobilisation and organisation of women to fight for their rights.

At the Union Buildings, we don’t just remember the 20,000 strong women of the 1956 women’s March, we have immortalised them. If one stands underneath the reception Dias next to these staircases, you will hear the slogan – Wathinta Bafazi, wathintaiMbokodo and their message is inscribed on these staircases.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we celebrate “Portraits of Power”, an exhibition that honours extraordinary women whose courage, leadership, vision, and talent have shaped our world. We have just listened to their individual stories, and contributions to make the world a better place from their own countries and living by the mantra of Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke by accepting that “this work is not for oneself, kill that spirit of self… If you can rise, bring someone with you”.

At a time when the voices of women were often silenced, these women stood firm, speaking truth to power and laying the foundation for generations to come. Their legacies continue to resonate today, reminding us that true leadership is rooted in courage, service, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

“Portraits of Power” initiative goes beyond celebration, it is a recognition that women’s contributions transcend borders, cultures, and generations. Across the globe, women are at the forefront of leadership, diplomacy, innovation, and development. They are shaping policies, building communities, and driving progress in ways that are both transformative and enduring.

Therefore, the Presidency will continue to support this initiative and others like it because the story of humanity is incomplete without recognising the invaluable contributions of women across all spheres of life.

Yet, even as we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge that the journey toward full equality is not yet complete. There remains work to be done to ensure that women everywhere in the world have equal access to opportunities, resources, and platforms for leadership.

This is where the power of the arts becomes especially important.

Art has the unique ability to preserve our histories, to tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten, and to connect people across cultures and continents. Through exhibitions such as this, we are reminded that art is not only a reflection of society, but also a catalyst for change.

It builds bridges where there are divides.

It fosters dialogue where there is silence.

And it inspires understanding where there is difference.

In this way, “Portraits of Power” serves as both a cultural and diplomatic platform, one that strengthens international understanding while celebrating the shared values that unite us.

As South Africa, we remain firmly committed to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women. This commitment is rooted in our Constitution and reflected in our policies, programmes, and partnerships.

We recognise that inclusive leadership is not optional, it is essential for sustainable development, social justice, and lasting peace.

We also recognise that achieving this vision requires collaboration. It requires governments, the private sector, civil society, and the international community to work together to create environments where women can thrive, lead, and succeed.

Therefore, let this exhibition be more than a moment of admiration let it be a call to action.

Let us commit to supporting and elevating the voices of women in all spaces. Let us invest in their potential and remove the barriers that hinder their progress. And let us strengthen global partnerships that promote equality, dignity, and opportunity for all.

In doing so, we not only honour the legacy of those who came before us, like Charlotte Maxeke, and all those we are honouring today such as:

- Her Excellency, President Dr. NetumboNandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia,
- Her Excellency, former President Dr Joyce Banda of Malawi,
- Dr Wangari Maathai of Kenya,
- Deolinda Rodrigues of Angola, 
- Josina Machel of Mozambique,
- Her Excellency President Mireya Moscoso of Panama,
- Her Majesty, late Queen Marie of Romania,
- Her Excellency, President Dr Mary Robinsonof Ireland,
- Mum Shirl of Australia,
- Trismila Rentería of Colombia,
- Emilija Pliaterytė of Lithuania,
- Madam Chan Choy Siong of Singapore, and last but not least,
- Sabiha Gökçen of Türkiye.

Through this initiative, we are also paving a way for the celebration of future generations of women leaders.

Programme Director,

Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to the organisers, the artists and all those who have made this exhibition possible. Especially the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI) for initiating this epoch-making project and surely through their efforts, the legacies and stories of women will never be the same again. Your work ensures that these powerful stories are seen, heard, and remembered.

May “Portraits of Power” inspire reflection, spark meaningful dialogue, and remind us all of the extraordinary impact of women in shaping our world.

I thank you.