The Makabelo Foundation, in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, hosted a landmark 70 Years Women’s Day Anniversary celebration on 26 August 2026 at the Horseshoe Inn Motel in Kimberley.
The event honoured the sacrifices of the women who have shaped South Africa’s history, drawing crowds from surrounding communities including Galeshewe, Phutanang, Ipopeng and Roodepan, who turned out in numbers to celebrate both fallen heroes and the women still leading the fight today.
CAPTION: PLEASANT EMBRACE
CAPTION: HAVING GOODIES
Unlike previous Makabelo gatherings, this event was designed specifically to celebrate women across generations — from schoolgirls to elderly grandmothers — placing a spotlight on the sacrifices they have made over seven decades of the struggle for liberation. Men were also welcomed, recognised as important allies in the fight against gender-based violence in the Northern Cape.
CAPTION: GUEST SPEAKER JESSICA WALTERS
A Morning of Reflection and Renewal
The programme opened with breakfast as guests, including those travelling from further afield, settled in. Bongiwe Mbele, a Makabelo Foundation mentee, directed proceedings and opened the event in prayer led by Mr P.S. Ntele. Ms Gloria Petersen, Founder of the Makabelo Foundation, welcomed attendees and outlined the goals of the day.
Guest speaker Miss Jessica Walters challenged the room to move beyond dwelling on the past and instead ask, “what did you do?” and “how did you help yourself and others?” She urged young women to stop hiding behind pain, abuse and the men in their lives, and instead to stand up for themselves and fight through prayer. Her address was followed by a tea and biscuits break, thoughtfully timed to accommodate elderly guests managing diabetes and high blood pressure.
CAPTION: DANCERS FROM THE SOL PLAATJE UNIVERSITY
The SPU Move-Makers Dance Group, made up of Sol Plaatje University students aged 18 to 21, energised the crowd with a captivating performance that delighted young and old alike.
CAPTION: KABO MOSANE
Kabo Mosane, a fellow SPU student and the day’s second guest speaker, then took to the stage. A survivor of gender-based violence and multiple suicide attempts, Kabo shared her journey of resilience, faith and surrender with striking grace, leaving the audience with a message drawn from Psalm 30:5 — “Joy Comes in the Morning” — and Jeremiah 29:11. Her testimony resonated deeply with every woman in the room, regardless of age.
CAPTION: LOVIES ALLETA
Lovies Aletta, a Makabelo Foundation mentee currently pursuing doctoral studies in Social Sciences at North-West University while working as an assistant lecturer, spoke next. As a black, queer woman in academia, she reflected on the challenges of her academic journey and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams even without family support or approval. She spoke to the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity for people of all colours and genders, and paid tribute to the mentorship of Ms Gloria Petersen.
A common thread ran through every address: resilience, becoming the woman one is meant to be, and faith. The floor was then opened to the community, and two women from Kimberley came forward to share their own experiences of abuse and the sacrifices that have shaped the nation.
CAPTION: DANCING TIME LED BY MAKABELO FOUNDER GLORIA PETERSEN (GREEN DRESS).
Dance, Reflection and the Balloon Release
The formal programme gave way to dancing, offering elders a chance to relax and everyone an opportunity to connect. The event then moved outdoors for a balloon release — a symbolic moment of letting go of pain, disappointment, disrespect and sabotage carried for far too long, and reclaiming new senses of self. Guests observed a moment of silence for fallen heroes before releasing their balloons in prayer, asking that hurt and worry be replaced with love, kindness, mercy, grace and provision. It was, for many in attendance, an emotional and deeply powerful moment.
CAPTION: BALLOON RELEASE
Looking Ahead
Back inside, Makabelo mentee Shaun closed the programme with words of encouragement, reiterating the importance of including men — both as allies and as survivors — in conversations around gender-based violence. Bongiwe thanked all who attended before lunch was served.
The celebration also served as a recruitment drive for the Foundation’s upcoming November event, which will mark 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. With community members already mobilising, organisers are anticipating an even larger turnout.
CAPTION: SHAUN
Words of Gratitude
The Makabelo Foundation extended special thanks to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in the Northern Cape, MEC Venus Blennies-Magage, and Dr Zamani Saul, for their continued support since the launch of the “I Am A Woman” Seminar Campaigns in Platfontein in November 2023. The Foundation also expressed gratitude to the offices of the MEC and the Premier of the Northern Cape for their unwavering commitment to creating a safe physical and intellectual space for women, men, children and the LGBTQIA+ community.
The 70 Years Women’s Day Anniversary, hosted by the Makabelo Foundation in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, was an unqualified success — a day of remembrance, celebration and renewed purpose for the road ahead.
