Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on South Africans to draw inspiration from Charlotte Maxeke’s legacy to combat gender-based violence, inequality and discrimination nationwide.
Speaking at the 125th Graduation Anniversary Memorial Lecture of Charlotte Maxeke, Mashatile said South Africans have a responsibility to uphold the values of resilience, equality and empowerment that defined Maxeke’s life.
He urged citizens to tackle gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), economic exclusion and discrimination affecting women and girls across the country.
Mashatile praised Maxeke as a trailblazer who became the first Black South African woman to obtain a university degree, overcoming barriers created by colonialism, patriarchy and poverty.
He noted that she returned to South Africa to establish schools, lead women’s organisations and contribute significantly to the liberation struggle.
The Deputy President also highlighted the relevance of Maxeke’s principles in the digital age, saying artificial intelligence and technology should be used to expand opportunities rather than deepen inequality.
According to Mashatile, education remains a powerful tool for empowerment, enabling young people to contribute meaningfully to economic growth and social development.
He said Maxeke’s legacy continues to offer valuable lessons for building a more inclusive and equitable South Africa.
