Unemployment and Inequality’
By Bongane Tshabalala, Central News Digital Editor in Chief
On 8 March 2025, as the world commemorated International Women’s Day, Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae penned a powerful opinion piece reflecting on the strides women have made and the persistent challenges they continue to face.
In her piece, she honoured the women of 1956, who marched against apartheid’s pass laws, while drawing attention to the triple burden of poverty, unemployment, and inequality that continues to disproportionately affect women in South Africa. She also addressed the gender-based violence crisis, describing it as a “second pandemic” that demands urgent action.
⸻
Honouring the Legacy of the Women of 1956
Premier Letsoha-Mathae began by paying tribute to the formidable women of 1956, who stood against oppression by marching to Pretoria in protest against the pass laws.
“These are women who, even in the face of grave danger, stood tall and defiant. Imbokodo!” she wrote, using the Zulu word for “rock,” symbolising women’s resilience and strength.
The march, which saw 20,000 women from different backgrounds coming together, was a turning point in South Africa’s struggle for freedom. It demonstrated the power of unity and how collective action can challenge injustice.
However, while South Africa has come a long way since then, the fight for true gender equality continues.
⸻
Persistent Challenges: The Triple Burden on Women
Despite significant progress since the end of apartheid, Premier Letsoha-Mathae expressed concern that nearly 30 years into democracy, women remain the most affected by poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
Poverty
South Africa’s poverty rate remains alarmingly high, with 62.6% of the population living below the upper-middle-income poverty line. Women, particularly in rural areas, suffer the most. Many are single mothers, informal workers, or caregivers who struggle to access economic opportunities.
“It is unacceptable that women in our country are mostly affected by the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality,” wrote Letsoha-Mathae.Unemployment
The unemployment rate in South Africa remains one of the highest in the world, sitting at 31.9% in late 2024. Young women are particularly affected, with youth unemployment (ages 15-24) reaching 44.6%.
Many women face systemic barriers to employment, including lack of access to education, skills development, and opportunities in male-dominated industries.
Inequality
South Africa is one of the most unequal countries in the world, with a Gini coefficient of 61.8, reflecting severe income disparities.
Women earn significantly less than men for the same work, and corporate leadership remains male-dominated. Access to land, financial resources, and opportunities for economic advancement are still limited for many women.
“We still have a long way to go, but there is hope. We can see a ray of sunshine beyond the dark clouds,” wrote the Premier.⸻
Gender-Based Violence: A Second Pandemic
Premier Letsoha-Mathae echoed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s warning that gender-based violence (GBV) is a “second pandemic” in South Africa.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of femicide in the world. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a woman is killed every four hours in the country.
“It is a world drenched in the blood of thousands of defenceless women who fell victim to violent crime,” she stated.She described GBV as a crisis that demands a united response from all sectors of society.
“It is unacceptable that, nearly 30 years after the attainment of our hard-won freedom, women continue to bear the burden of societal ills,” she wrote.
She called on government, civil society, and individuals to take responsibility for creating a safer society for women.
⸻
Government Initiatives and Legislative Measures
Premier Letsoha-Mathae highlighted some key legislative reforms aimed at tackling systemic inequalities and protecting women’s rights.
- National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill
This bill aims to provide universal healthcare to all South Africans, ensuring that women—especially those in poor and rural communities—have better access to medical services.
- Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA Act)
This law aims to improve educational access and governance in schools, ensuring young girls receive quality education.
- Expropriation Bill
This bill seeks to address land inequality by allowing the government to expropriate land without compensation under certain circumstances. This could create opportunities for women in agriculture and business.
⸻
The Role of the Green Economy in Empowering Women
Premier Letsoha-Mathae also highlighted the potential of the green economy in creating sustainable job opportunities for women.
She referenced women-led initiatives such as that of entrepreneur Thandisile Fatyela, who is at the forefront of environmental sustainability projects while providing skills training for women and youth.
“With some effort, we can transform this world into a safe haven for the women of South Africa,” she wrote.⸻
A Call to Action: Breaking the Cycle of Oppression
Concluding her piece, Premier Letsoha-Mathae issued a call to action, urging all South Africans to take responsibility in the fight for gender equality.
She condemned “backward thinking” men who view women as objects to be controlled, saying that such attitudes must be challenged at all levels of society.
“We owe it to ourselves to continue the struggle for the full emancipation of women,” she stated.She urged all citizens to become active participants in building a more equal and just society.
“We will reach our destination.”⸻
International Women’s Day: A Global Perspective
International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 was observed under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This year’s theme underscores the importance of ensuring that gender equality efforts include all women, regardless of socio-economic status, race, or background.
The day serves as a reminder that the struggle for women’s rights is not limited to one country but is a global movement.
“We celebrate this historic day in recognition of the milestones that women have made in the advancement of society,” wrote Letsoha-Mathae.⸻
Conclusion
Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae’s reflections on International Women’s Day 2025 serve as both a tribute to the courageous women of the past and a call to action for the present and future.
As South Africa continues its journey towards gender equality, addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality remains critical.
Through collective action, policy reforms, and community involvement, the vision of a just and equal society for women is achievable.
“A safe South Africa for women is possible,” the Premier concluded.
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 96 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Gauteng Provincial Government Initiates Lifestyle Audits to Enhance Transparency and Ethical Governance”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Central-News-Issue-096.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube