A Voice That Roared: Celebrating Sophia Williams-De Bruyn
As we step into August, Women’s Month in South Africa, TEARS Foundation joins the chorus in amplifying the voices of incredible South African women. This month, we draw inspiration from the voices of strength that have and continue to pave the way for equality and justice.
Today, we turn the spotlight on Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, the last living leader of the iconic 1956 Women’s March – a testament to resilience, strength, and unwavering courage.
At just 18 years old, Sophia stood shoulder-to-shoulder with giants like Helen Joseph, Lillian Ngoyi, and Rahima Moosa, leading 20,000 women on a history-making march to Pretoria. Their battle cry, “Wathint’ abaFazi, Wathint’ imbokodo!” (“You strike a woman, you strike a rock!”), echoed through the streets, a powerful statement against the dehumanising “pass” laws (Passes were used to control the movement of African, Coloured, and Indian people) of apartheid, and a battle cry that still rings true to this day.
Sophia’s story is one of unwavering determination. She wasn’t just a teenager at the march; she was a seasoned activist, already a leader in the labour movement. Her commitment to social justice was unwavering, leading her to become a founding member of the South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU), the precursor to COSATU. In 1955, she was appointed a full-time organiser for the Coloured People’s Congress in Johannesburg, where she played a crucial role in mobilising women against the pass laws. This spirit never dimmed. Even today, she continues to be a passionate advocate for equality and justice.
A Legacy of Strength
Her activism extended beyond the march. Sophia continued to fight for gender equality and workers’ rights, earning numerous accolades for her contributions. In 1999, she received the Ida Mntwana Award in Silver, and in 2001, she was honoured with both the Women’s Award for Exceptional National Service and the Mahatma Gandhi Award. She would thereafter serve on the Commission for Gender Equality as Commissioner before joining the Gauteng Legislature in 2004 and becoming its deputy speaker from 2005 until 2009. Today, she sits on various structures and boards including the ANC’s Integrity Commission, and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.
Sophia’s journey is a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power within each of us to fight for what is right. Her unwavering spirit serves as a potent reminder that even the seemingly insignificant voice can rise to become a roar that shakes the very foundation of oppression.
TEARS: Championing Voices of Strength
TEARS recognises the importance of giving voice to the voiceless. We stand with women facing abuse, discrimination, and hardship, offering support and a path to a brighter future. This Women’s Month, keep an eye on our social media platforms as we celebrate more incredible women like Sophia who inspire us every day.
Together, let’s honour the legacy of these heroines and continue their fight for a South Africa where all women can stand tall, voices strong and free. TEARS Foundation is here to support and empower women, today and always.