ANC Veteran Dr. Naledi Pandor Delivers the Gertrude Shope Memorial Lecture
The African National Congress (ANC) veteran and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, delivered the prestigious Gertrude Shope Memorial Lecture on Friday, 19th July 2019. The event, which was held at the University of Johannesburg, was a celebration of the life and legacy of the late struggle icon, Gertrude Shope.
As a highly respected leader and a tireless advocate for women’s rights and social justice, Gertrude Shope played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid and the fight for a democratic South Africa. It is only fitting that her life and contributions are honored and remembered through this annual lecture, which serves as a platform for thought-provoking discussions on issues that were close to her heart.
Dr. Naledi Pandor, who is also a member of the ANC National Executive Committee, delivered a powerful and inspiring lecture on the topic, “The role of women in shaping South Africa’s future”. Her speech was met with a standing ovation from the audience, which included political leaders, academics, students, and members of the public.
In her lecture, Dr. Pandor highlighted the crucial role that women have played in the struggle for liberation and the building of a democratic South Africa. She acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of women like Gertrude Shope, who fought tirelessly for the rights and freedoms that we enjoy today.
Dr. Pandor also emphasized the need for women to continue playing an active role in shaping the future of South Africa. She urged women to take up leadership positions and to use their voices to advocate for change and progress in the country. She reminded the audience that the struggle for gender equality and women’s empowerment is far from over, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to work towards a more inclusive and just society.
The lecture was not only a celebration of the past but also a call to action for the present and the future. Dr. Pandor challenged the audience to reflect on the progress that has been made since the dawn of democracy in 1994 and to identify the areas where more work needs to be done. She also urged women to support and uplift each other, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and unity in the fight for gender equality.
The Gertrude Shope Memorial Lecture was a reminder of the power of women and the impact that they can have in shaping the future of our country. It was a call to action for all South Africans to work together towards a more equal and just society, where every citizen can reach their full potential regardless of their gender.
The event was a testament to the legacy of Gertrude Shope and the many other women who have dedicated their lives to the struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa. It was a celebration of their courage, resilience, and determination, which continue to inspire and guide us today.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Pandor urged the audience to honor the memory of Gertrude Shope by continuing to fight for a better South Africa for all. She reminded us that the struggle for liberation and social justice is ongoing, and it is our duty to carry it forward and build a country that we can all be proud of.
The Gertrude Shope Memorial Lecture was a resounding success, thanks to the powerful and thought-provoking words of Dr. Naledi Pandor. Her message of hope, unity, and empowerment resonated with all those in attendance and left a lasting impact on everyone.
As we commemorate the life and legacy of Gertrude Shope, let us remember her words, “We must always strive for a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, black and white”. Let us continue to work together towards a better future for all, guided by the lessons and inspiration of remarkable women like Gertrude Shope.
