Statement by the Executive Mayor, Dan Plato

As the Mayor of Cape Town, on behalf of the City, I would like to extend my gratitude to the hero women of our city who continue to show great strength and kindness under the challenging time of Covid-19.

Resilience is a concept we know well as human beings. Over the past seventeen months we have experienced triumph, loss, challenges, but also joy.

The resilience of Capetonians and South Africans has not been more evident and felt than over the past year-and-a-half of the Covid-19 pandemic. We have turned to those on the frontline services, but also the brave and compassionate women in communities across our beautiful city who have reached out to those in need.

As Executive Mayor, on behalf of Cape Town, we commend the courageous, patient and talented women of our City. You continue to tackle each experience with bravery and kindness. In the same way that on 9 August 1956, thousands of women came together, unified in their hope to change lives for the better, women have been uniting to care for others.

In times of crisis, we reveal our true nature and I’m proud of how the majority of our residents have demonstrated character and dedication to each other. This same unity echoes the efforts of those decades ago as part of our path to democracy and we must cherish and respect the role they play as leaders, nurturers and activists.

The City would like to pay special tribute to the women working on the frontlines to ensure our residents receive services and healthcare; to the women who are leading their families through this pandemic; and to the hundreds of women running feeding schemes within the metro to feed thousands of those in need.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been our biggest test and on this Women’s Day, another opportunity for change presents itself: all residents, including the women of our beautiful city, to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

For the benefit of those you love, your neighbours, friends, colleagues and fellow Capetonians, an appeal is made to register for vaccinations so we can move beyond a need for further lockdowns and navigate our way to rebuilding our economy.

The same way that you all have demonstrated care and courage during Covid-19, let’s continue to show the best parts of our humanity through patience, leadership and kindness.

The City of Cape Town salutes your efforts to care for, to build, and protect communities – you are our heroes.

Happy Women’s Day!

Source: City Of Cape Town