On a warm winter’s morning, just before the clock was about to strike 12.00 pm, the women of Londolozi gathered to listen to Dr Rav Kahlon, our local doctor, who’d come to treat patients but also to speak to the ladies of Londolozi on the importance of women’s heath. This was a timely visit with National Women’s Day only a day away.
The talk was informal, gathered around the large table that sits squarely in the Ubuntu Hut, our outdoor ‘meeting room’ where ideas are shared, talks are held and where people gather to simply spend time with one another under the shade of the rondavel’s thatched roof. On the walls posters had been put up, each with a meaningful quote in recognition of National Women’s Month.
Dr Rav and Maureen (Mo) Groch answer some of the questions from the ladies in attendance
The talk was insightful, focused on the main diseases that affect women in our country and prevention around these as well as the importance of regular check-ups and testing.
Posters celebrating the women of South Africa
The following day began with festivities at 11.00 am as staff gathered in the village for our annual Women’s Day celebration. Speeches and poems were read out, followed by singing and dancing that resounded through the village. The Londolozi Ladies choir made their entrance dressed from head to toe in brilliant blue skirts and neatly pressed white shirts. They wore matching headgear and traditional rattles fitted around their ankles.
Some of the youngsters in the village wait patiently for the crowds to gather
The ladies make their bold entrance – singing some of their most popular songs
Smiles and laughter
Molly led the singing and even prepared her own song especially for the day
Our video below shows some of the dancing and festivities of the day. This was followed by the cutting of the cake and a scramble to get ready for the traditional Women’s soccer match…
A group of ladies, some adorned in bright yellow vests, vests worn every Sunday by our team as we devote an hour to sustainable practices, gathered on the soccer field to begin the match.
The teams in hot pursuit of the ball
And it’s a …. goal!
Good sportsmanship all round
Both teams took the game very seriously putting in an impressive effort as they chased the ball and cheered as goals were scored. At half time we ate some oranges before resuming the last 10 minutes of the game. We are happy to announce that the teams drew 2/2!
Woohoo! The final photo of the day.
Most importantly the day honoured the march of 1956 where as many as 20 000 women gathered to protest against the unjust pass laws implemented during South Africa’s Apartheid years. It is because of these brave women, who took a stand for what they believed in, that we celebrate this National Holiday on 09 August.
The protest song ‘You strike a women, you strike a rock!’ reminds us of these powerful stalwarts of South Africa!
Photographed by: Chris-Kane Berman, Kate Groch and Kate Collins
Film clip shared by Richard Laburn on Instagram
It looks like all the ladies had a fun day of activities and just enjoying each other’s company! Thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures and great video….I loved the singing and dancing!
Thank you Jill, the ladies really do know how to shake – they’re pros on the dance floor!
What a wonderful event! When is Rav scheduled to be there? I met her and her now
husband a few years ago. They are wonderful people
Hi Irene, it was such fun, but it would have been even better if you were here! Rav and Ryan are wonderful – Rav is usually at Londolozi on a Saturday to work at the clinic but it all depends on the shifts that the doctors take, hopefully they will be around during your visit in September. I have adjusted my leave dates so that I will be at Londolozi for your stay. Very excited to see you, it’s almost time to start the countdown 🙂
Wish I’d been there to help celebrate! Kudos to all the women of Londolozi!
Thank you Mary, I am sure you would have really enjoyed the day!
EMPOWER HER COMMUNITY
a great great statement
Thanks Kate – love the photos of the ladies soccer team!
Katie, this is such a great reflection on a wonderful day! Thank you for capturing it so beautifully!