The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has launched two new circulation coins honouring the legacy of Charlotte Maxeke. She took part with many women in the historic 1956 Women’s March against the extension of pass laws to women. The coins were officially unveiled as part of efforts to commemorate the contribution of women to South Africa’s struggle for equality and freedom. One of the coins features the profile of Charlotte Maxeke, who became the first Black South African woman to earn a university degree 125 years ago. The second coin commemorates the thousands of women who marched against the extension of pass laws in 1956.
Speaking at the launch, SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago said the coins were intended to keep the legacy of these women alive while inspiring young people, particularly women, to pursue leadership and achievement. “This is a circulation coin; it’s an ordinary coin. The only difference is it carries the image of this great woman. Remember, we are launching two coins: one is about this great woman, Charlotte Maxeke’s graduation, and the other is celebrating the women who gathered just across the road from here, where the State Theatre is now, who marched against the extension of pass laws to women. This is taking place in the month that we have always celebrated women,” said Kganyago.
The launch also prompted reflection on how Maxeke’s legacy can be applied to the challenges facing South Africa today. Thulasizwe Makhanya, chairperson of the Charlotte Mannya Maxeke Institute, said the country should remain committed to the principles of equality and freedom that generations of South Africans fought for. “In many instances, she stood her ground and was not intimidated by the boys in the club of her time. Perhaps the most difficult task is to unpack and define Charlotte Maxeke for ourselves and ask how she would have defined and responded to the challenges we face today. How would she have responded to gender-based violence and femicide? How would she have judged the performance of the government and its institutions? How would she have responded to how the churches are being led today, and many other issues,” said Makhanya.
The legacy of the 1956 Women’s March also remains relevant to discussions around citizenship, inclusion and human rights. Elinor Sisulu, Executive Director of the Puku Children’s Literature Foundation, said citizenship and inclusion were central to the women’s march and should continue to shape South Africa’s understanding of freedom. “One thing we must remember is the issue of citizenship, the fact that black South Africans today are citizens. The march of the women advanced that struggle for citizenship and what that means, respecting the rights of others and not repeating what’s been done to you. That I think, is very important because we are moving into an era globally and in our country where the rights of people, especially black people, and I think this citizenship which these women fought so hard for must be seen as freedom that respects others from this continent,” said Sisulu.
The launch of the two coins serves as a reminder of the role women played in shaping South Africa’s history, while highlighting the continued relevance of their struggle in addressing inequality, discrimination and other challenges facing the country today.
