South Africa's Women’s Day public holiday, celebrated annually on Aug 9, commemorates the 1956 march by more than 50,000 women, led by anti-apartheid struggle icons Lilian Ngoyi, Sophie de Bruin, Helen Joseph and Rahima Moosa, to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in protest against passbook laws. In addition to the August 9 public holiday, the entire month of August is celebrated as Women's Month in South Africa.
From activism to spoils – if you are wondering how to make the most of it, here are some ideas for where to go and what to see in Joburg.
Celebratory events
Fri, Aug 4 – The Curated Maker's Market will light up Constitution Hill, and here's what you can expect. Sun, Aug 6 – Mpho Phalane from Food I Love You will be creating magic at the Phenomenal Women concert at Nirox, with an incredible music line-up to keep you on your toes. Read our interview with event curator Olwethu Leshabane. Sun, Aug 6 – Victoria Yards comes alive for First Sundays. Always a great way to experience the city. Check out the Mantsho Lifestyle Experience, a fabulous event with one of Joburg's top clothing designers, plus DJs and poetry. Wed, Aug 9 – Always an incredible place to visit, the Constitutional Court Art Collection hosts a walkabout of a new exhibition of women artists. Wed, Aug 9 – Explore interpretations of local landscapes at Liewe Land! III, a group exhibition at UJ Art Gallery. Wed, Aug 9 – Learn about Northwards and the women who lived there with the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation. Wed, Aug 9 – Wake up with a morning dance party with Secret Sunrise at The Maslow. Wed, Aug 9– Take an early morning Graffiti and Coffee Art Running Tour hosted by Hallmark House and Microadventure Tours. Wed, Aug 9 – Kush Beauty Box officially launches the Cannabis Pop-up Market. It will be smoking! With DJs, food stalls and general good vibes, find this event at One Man Studios, 8 Rogers Street in Selby. Wed, Aug 9 –Fri,Aug 18– Elzabé Zietsman presents Femme Is Fatale, her one-woman English/Afrikaans cabaret at the Market Theatre. Sat, Aug 12 – Have a day of music, food and more at the fifth annual Tribute to Women concert in Emmarentia. Sun, Aug 13 – The Johannesburg Opera presents Heroines in Opera and Song at Northwards House.
If all you want to do is relax, then booking a day of luxurious spa treatments is a good place to start, especially if you can nab an appointment at one of Joburg's many hotel spas, where in addition to the wide array of treatments you can also schedule in that all-important apres-spa chill-out session too. Take a look at our Joburg spa round-up here and get your bookings in ASAP.
Pay a visit to the national heritage landmark Constitution Hill, where you can learn more about the role of South Africa's women anti-apartheid leaders at the Women's Jail for free on National Women's Day. Take in the different areas of the old fort and prison, Constitutional Court and other parts of the complex. Find out more and plan a visit here.
Time spent taking on a local hiking trail is the perfect day out for active families and those who enjoy the great outdoors. Most of Gauteng's hiking trails are easy-going, even for beginners, and can be tackled in a morning, leaving you with plenty of time to spare to enjoy a lazy lunch while you rest your feet. Here's our tried and true guide to hiking trails in Gauteng.
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