The  1956 Events in South Africa?

What happened in 1956 in South Africa?

Women’s March was a march that took place on 9 August 1956 in Pretoria, South Africa. The marchers’ aims were to protest the introduction of the Apartheid pass laws for black women in 1952 and the presentation of a petition to the then Prime Minister J.G. Strijdom.

What happened on the 9th of August 1956?

On 9 August 1956, thousands of South Africa women – ranging from all backgrounds and cultures including Indians, Coloureds, Whites, and Blacks – staged a march on the Union Buildings of Pretoria to protest against the abusive pass laws.

What happened during the women’s march in 1956?

The crowd at the Union Buildings on August 9 1956. About 20 000 women marched to Pretoria to protest against passes for black women. The win by Banyana Banyana in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Wafcon 2022, is perfect timing as we draw close to the commemoration of Women’s Month in August.

What happened after the women’s march 1956?

Unrest spread throughout the province and hundreds of women were sent to prison. Civil disobedience and demonstrations continued sporadically for several years. Ultimately the permit requirement was withdrawn. No further attempts were made to require permits or passes for African women until the 1950s.

What was the pass law in 1956?

Initially, the Pass Law was aimed at African men but the apartheid government extended the issuing of passes to women. Accordingly, the administration enforced a more stringent law, the Natives Abolition of Passes and Co-ordination of Documents Act 67 of 1952.

How apartheid affected people’s lives in South Africa?

Pass laws and apartheid policies prohibited Black people from entering urban areas without immediately finding a job. It was illegal for a Black person not to carry a passbook. Black people could not marry white people. They could not set up businesses in white areas.