Unsung Heriones - Lillian Ngoyi

Heroines this column is an imperative reminder of our struggle and that this democracy did not come on a silver platter. “So we have to cautiously practice our freedom, celebrating it responsibly… to better our lives.
As we seek to recognize and embrace our living heritage, we should also be in search of our local Icons whom we don't read or hear about?

I wish allude a revolutionary song,
Lullabies commemorating the ‘cry our beloved country,
Seeking comfort in the pen & paper…
On the street walls & bill boards will I write of…

Lillian Ngoyi [1911—1980] has played a significant role in South African politics. And today we celebrate Women's’ Month through courageous icon women like her.
Was a nurse and became a clothing factory machinist, andgot involved in labour action with the Garment Workers Union.
Joined the ANC during the 1950s defiance Campaign. A principled stand, courage and gift as a public speaker helped advance quickly into leadership of the ANC Women's League.
A founder member of FEDSAW in 1954, she then became the first woman on the ANC national executive committee. She was integral to the creation of the Freedom Charter in 1955. On the 09 August 1956 she led the women’s anti-pass march on the union buildings in Pretoria, one of the largest demonstration staged in South African history. In 1956 Lillian goyi was unsuccessfully tried for high treason along 156 others. She was imprisoned, banned and detained in solitary confinement many times.