Although it seems as if South Africa has more public holidays than working days between March and May, it has been quite a while since we’ve been able to take a Friday or Monday off without feeling guilty, packing the car and taking a trip for a long weekend.
But what do I see coming up on my calendar? Friday 9 August is a public holiday and the perfect excuse to head to Knysna for a long weekend of sun, fun, family, friends and a well deserved rest. But let’s take a moment to remind ourselves of just why we get to skip work and school on Friday.
20 000 women marched on the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 9 August 1956. They were protesting against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act (commonly known as the pass laws) and delivered petitions with more than 100 000 signatures to then prime minister JG Strijdom’s office. With many of them carrying their children, they stood silently outside the buildings for 30 minutes and then sang the specially composed Wathint’ Abafazi Wathint’ imbokodo – the meaning of which, loosely translated, has become the well known phrase ‘you strike a woman, you strike a rock’. 
This annual holiday not only reminds us of our past mistakes and triumphs over those mistakes, but also of the strength and courage of our South African women – our mothers, sisters and daughters.
So celebrate the special women in your life and bring them to Knysna for the long weekend – you’re sure to find her the most comfortable accommodation at www.exploreknysna.com. You can take part in the Southern Cross Three Day Trail Run, or enjoy all the fun of the Ross Taylor Surf Benefit Contest.
Photo courtesy of Elle Photography.
And as this post celebrates the women in our lives – here’s an update on two of Knysna’s amazing ladies: Ella Mahlulo and Penny Mainwaring (read their full story here).
As part of 18 July’s International Mandela Day celebrations, Ella and Penny organised a charity drive where residents were asked to join them on a trip to Knysna’s informal areas to hand out donated goods like blankets, clothes and food.
One lady had had everything stolen from her little wooden house just a few days earlier and Penny and Ella were able to drop off not only warm blankets and clothes, but food, crockery and cutlery too. So overwhelmed at the fact that anyone should care to bring her anything, the happy recipient burst into tears – and Ella just gave her a great big hug.
Why don’t we all try to bring someone to tears with our kindness?