THANYANI MOSIMANE

GRADE: 12

SUBJECT: HISTORY
THE STRUGGLE
SISTERS
LILIAN MASEDIBA MATABANE- NGOYI

HELEN BEATRICE MAY FENNELL- JOSEPH

LILIAN NGOYI

BORN : 25-September-1911
[Pretoria, Gauteng (then
Transvaal), South Africa ]
DIED : 13-March-1980 [Orlando
Township, Gauteng (then
Transvaal), South Africa ]
SYNOPSIS : Politician and anti-
apartheid activist, Treason
Trialist and President of the
African National Congress (ANC)
Women's League
BORN : 08-APRIL-1905 [MIDHURST, SUSSEX,
ENGLAND ]

DIED: 25-DECEMBER-1992 [JOHANNESBURG,

GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA ]

SYNOPSIS:TEACHER, SOCIAL WORKER,

POLITICAL ACTIVIST, POLITICAL PRISONER,
BANNED PERSON, TRADE UNIONIST,
FOUNDER MEMBER OF THE CONGRESS OF
DEMOCRATS, RECIPIENT OF THE ANC'S
HIGHEST AWARD, THE
ISITWALANDWE/SEAPARANKOE MEDAL FOR
HER DEVOTION TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN
LIBERATION STRUGGLE.

HELEN JOSEPH
 WHY SHOULD OUR SISTERS BE
REMEMBERED?
Let’s find out :
 IDEAS THE WOMEN EMBODIED !
LILIAN NGOYI AND HELEN JOSEPH WERE PROMINENT FIGURES IN THE ANTI-
APARTHEID MOVEMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA. THEY EMBODIED IDEAS OF EQUALITY,
JUSTICE, AND RESISTANCE AGAINST RACIAL SEGREGATION.

LILIAN
• Lilian Ngoyi, known as “ Ma Ngoyi “
was a powerful advocate for women’s
rights and played a significant role in
the Defiance Campaign
HELEN
• Helen Joseph , a tireless activist , was
instrumental in organizing the Women’s
March of 1956, where 20,000 women
protested against the pass laws
 ISSUES THE WOMEN REPRESENT!
LILIAN AND HELEN REPRESENTED A RANGE OF CRITICAL ISSUES DURING THEIR ACTIVISM

• They were at the forefront of addressing racial injustice, gender inequality and the
oppressive apartheid system in South Africa.
• Ngoyi and Joseph both highlighted the struggles of black South Africans,
particularly women, under apartheid laws that enforced racial segregation and
economic disparity.
• They were vocal about the importance of solidarity and collective action in
combating these injustices.
CHALLENGES THE WOMEN FACED THAT ARE STILL
APPLICABLE TO TODAY!
• They both were subjected to intense state surveillance , harassment and imprisonment
for their activism, issues that are still evident today in many countries where activists face
similar repression
• They navigated the complexities of advocating for both racial and gender equality, a
struggle that continues as societies worldwide confront systemic racism and sexism
HOW ARE THE WOMEN EXAMPLES OF CHALLENGES
CERTAIN PEOPLE STILL FACE IN SOCIETY ?

• State Repression: Both women faced state surveillance, harassment, and imprisonment
for their activism, highlighting how governments can suppress dissent and target activists.
This is still a reality for many human rights defenders and activists worldwide.

• Gender inequality: Their activism also focused on women’s rights, illustrating the ongoing
battle against gender discrimination and the fight for women’s equality in various
spheres of life, including politics, employment and education.

• Racial Inequality: Ngoyi and Joseph fought against the systemic racism of apartheid , a
struggle that remains relevant as racial discrimination and inequality persist in
many parts of the world today.
 HOW DID SOCIETY OR THEIR PERSONAL SITUATION
LIMIT OR CREATE THEM
LILIAN
• Societal factors: The daily injustices faced by black
South Africans under the apartheid regime fueled her
resolve to fight for equality and justice. Ngoyi’s
personal experience of poverty motivated her to
advocate for better living conditions and opportunities
for the oppressed.
• Personal factors: Her exposure to labour issues
sparked her involvement in union activities and social
justice movements. Ngoyi’s leadership and oratory
skills were her personal traits that propelled her
activism. She became the first woman elected to the
executive committee of ANC
HELEN
• Societal factors: The apartheid system enforced racial
segregation and economic disparities which became a
limiting factor as it restricted freedom for non-white South
Africans so Joseph witnessing these injustices ignited her
activism and commitment to fight against the regime. As a
women, Joseph faced hurdled in the patriarchal society that
often marginalized women’s voices, these limitations fueled
her to advocate for women’s rights and equality.
• Personal factors: Her social worker career exposed
her to harsh realities faced by communities,
shaping her drive to make a difference, this
background created a strong foundation for her
activism. Joseph’s personal resilience and
commitment to justice helped her overcome these
limitations
WHO I THINK SHOULD BE REMEMBERED IN OUR
HERITAGE
• I think both Lilian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph have to be remembered in our heritage because of
their courageous and pioneering roles in the fight against apartheid in South Africa.
• They were instrumental in organizing the historic 1956 Women’s March to the Union
Buildings in Pretoria, protesting against the oppressive pass laws.

• Their dedication and bravery not only advanced the causes of women’s rights but also
contributed significantly to the broader struggle for equality and freedom in South Africa.

• Exploring their lives offers a profound glimpse into the power of activism and the
impact of determined individuals on societal change.