President Jacob Zuma will lead the celebrations of National Reconciliation on 16 December 2016 in Zeerust, North West province.

This year’s commemoration builds on the 60th anniversary of the women’s march to the Union Buildings in 1956. It commemorates the bravery of women in 1957 in Zeerust, who revolted against passes in the villages of Dinokana, Lekgopung, and Motswedi villages. They refused to collect their passbooks from mobile units.

“We salute the women of Gopane village in Zeerust who organized a march against pass laws also in 1957. They actions illustrate the active participation of women in the struggle for liberation, not only in urban areas but in rural areas as well. This serves as an inspiration as we continue building a new nation, founded on the values of human rights, justice and equality,’’ said President Zuma.

The 2016 commemoration will be held under the theme “Bridging the Divide Towards a Non-racial Society”.

The details are as follows:

Date: Friday, 16 December 2016 Venue: Black Aces Sports Grounds, Gopane, North West Province Time: 09h00

Enquiries: Dr Bongani Ngqulunga on 082 308 9373 or bongani@presidency.gov.za