Women's Day (Public Holiday)

South Africa celebrates the powerful women who have made such a difference in nation- building with this unique Public Holiday


Women’s day is a wonderful South African Public Holiday, celebrating all the great women who have helped make South Africa what it is today. They truly are the mothers of the nation and Women’s day recognises and remembers women’s achievements in South African history.

In South Africa this date commemorates the national march of women on 9th of August in 1956, to petition against legislation that required African persons to carry the "pass"(special identification documents which curtailed an African's freedom of movement during the Apartheid era).

On August 9, 1956, 20 000 South African women staged a march on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act (commonly known as the pass laws) of 1950.

The women concluded their demonstration by singing Nkosi Sikelel’ íAfrica (South Africa’s National Anthem today) and a new song, which to this day is the rallying cry for South African Women: “If you strike a woman, you strike a rock”.


Molo Says: Women are the bedrock of South African society. Give something back by staying at a township B& B, which are all owner operated by township women. For all the events, concerts and festivals on Women’s day as well as all other events 365 days a year see our comprehensive events section.

Read about all the other South African Public Holidays: Subscribe to our newsletter for more news and information on events, Township tours, and the best things to do in Cape Town and South Africa.

Heritage Day Day of Reconciliation Christmas Day Day of Goodwill New Years Day Human Rights Day Good Friday Family Day Freedom Day Workers Day Youth Day

Molo says: "To all the women in our lives - this is for you!"

 


 

Cape Town Events Calendar
 
August 2010
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31

Aubergine Auslese event featureSophisticated private event space in ...

Bespoke menus, wine pairings, and timeless interiors

Light House Holistic 2026Rooftop clubhouse with yoga, sauna, ...

It’s open from 7am to 5.30pm. 5 reasons to go Light House Holistic

mischu new breakfast 2026Breakfast at mischu: R119 special with ...

Eggs benedict & flat white for R119, + try the viral crookie

Pear Tree 2024Pear Tree, the tiny Hermanus bistro ...

Breakfast poké bowls, egg and kimchi tacos, and fresh juices

Filini interiorFilini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore

Tiramisu martinis, lasagne crocchetta and more

WB TAPSBrewery with food specials every single ...

Daily deals on classic comfort meals like burgers, schnitzel, ribs, steaks…

Woodstock Brewery Taproom NEW 4Cool taproom with amazing happy hour & ...

Craft beer tasting trays, burgers for just R60, R35 happy hour pints

Aubergine Auslese event featureSophisticated private event space in ...

Bespoke menus, wine pairings, and timeless interiors

Light House Holistic 2026Rooftop clubhouse with yoga, sauna, ...

It’s open from 7am to 5.30pm. 5 reasons to go Light House Holistic

mischu new breakfast 2026Breakfast at mischu: R119 special with ...

Eggs benedict & flat white for R119, + try the viral crookie

Milk on the beach wafflesWaffle Shack is the ultimate ...

Waffle crocs on a blue flag beach near Hermanus

Pear Tree 2024Pear Tree, the tiny Hermanus bistro ...

Breakfast poké bowls, egg and kimchi tacos, and fresh juices

Dutchies recurring event Free jazz nights at Dutchies by Grotto ...

Sushi platters, crisp wine, and jazz in the sea breeze

Filini interiorFilini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore

Tiramisu martinis, lasagne crocchetta and more

WB TAPSBrewery with food specials every single ...

Daily deals on classic comfort meals like burgers, schnitzel, ribs, steaks…

Woodstock Brewery Taproom NEW 4Cool taproom with amazing happy hour & ...

Craft beer tasting trays, burgers for just R60, R35 happy hour pints

Bad weather OV Wellington Museum - Sharon WaughWellington Museum, a small town museum ...

Rare antique pianos, Stone Age tools and 5000-year-old Egyptian relics

Aubergine Auslese event featureSophisticated private event space in ...

Bespoke menus, wine pairings, and timeless interiors

West Coast Safaris 2025A seasonal guide to West Coast Private ...

Flowers in spring, whales in summer and wildlife all year

Freedom Adventure ParkThis isn’t just your average play ...

Spaceships, astronauts & glow in the dark obstacle courses

Palm House Boutique HotelPalm House Boutique Hotel and Spa

Glamorous 5-star suites and dining in a 1920s grand home

HintHunt Mission RoomSecret spots + things to do in the ...

Secret forest cafés, wine bars behind bookshelves & more

DAY TIIME EXTRAAFamily eatery with buffet brunch on ...

Brunch is served until 2pm, and kids under 10 eat for half price

SITTING AT BARWhere to go for a long Saturday ...

Breakfast buffet every Saturday with shisha and sport upstairs

GiveawaysTravel Tips