{"id":22388,"date":"2025-08-12T19:37:16","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T17:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=22388"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:03:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:03:11","slug":"70-year-old-women-celebrated-freedom-charter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/70-year-old-women-celebrated-freedom-charter\/","title":{"rendered":"Gauteng Celebrates 70-Year-Old Women Born the Year of the Freedom Charter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In a remarkable celebration during <strong>Women\u2019s Month 2025<\/strong>, Gauteng took a moment to honor a unique and inspiring generation of women born in <strong>1955<\/strong>, the year of the <strong>Freedom Charter<\/strong>. These women, now 70 years old, represent a generation that carried the weight of South Africa&#8217;s transformation. They played a pivotal role in shaping the nation&#8217;s history, culture, and economy. Their resilience, strength, and sacrifices continue to impact our lives. On <strong>August 9, 2025<\/strong>, they were celebrated for their contribution to the past and their ongoing role in South Africa\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/dikeledi-phiri-cleaner-to-hospital-leader\/\">Women\u2019s Month Spotlight: From Cleaner to Hospital Leader<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-honoring-the-freedom-charter-babies\" data-level=\"2\">Honoring the Freedom Charter Babies<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-a-tribute-to-resilience-and-strength\" data-level=\"2\">A Tribute to Resilience and Strength<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-health-outreach-and-wellness-for-the-freedom-charter-babies\" data-level=\"2\">Health Outreach and Wellness for the Freedom Charter Babies<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-health-education-and-empowerment\" data-level=\"2\">Health Education and Empowerment<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mec-nomantu-nkomo-ralehoko-s-tribute\" data-level=\"2\">MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko\u2019s Tribute<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-a-day-of-reflection-and-gratitude\" data-level=\"2\">A Day of Reflection and Gratitude<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-a-fair-future\" data-level=\"2\">A Fair Future<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-honoring-the-freedom-charter-babies\">Honoring the Freedom Charter Babies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Freedom Charter<\/strong>, adopted on <strong>26 June 1955<\/strong>, is one of South Africa\u2019s most significant historical documents. It laid the foundation for the country&#8217;s future democracy and human rights. It was during this year that a generation of women was born who would become silent architects of the country&#8217;s evolution. Now, as they reach the milestone of 70 years, the <strong>Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH)<\/strong> decided to spotlight their legacy during Women\u2019s Month with a heartfelt tribute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These women are fondly known as the <strong>\u201cFreedom Charter Babies\u201d<\/strong>. They were born in the same year as the Freedom Charter\u2019s adoption. This group of women carries the weight of immense history, having lived through apartheid, the struggle for freedom, and the dawn of South Africa&#8217;s new era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4052858148\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-tribute-to-resilience-and-strength\">A Tribute to Resilience and Strength<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For much of their lives, these women placed the needs of their families and communities before their own health and well-being. For decades, they supported their communities and contributed silently to society. They prioritized the care and education of their children. They were the <strong>nurses without uniforms<\/strong>, the <strong>teachers without classrooms<\/strong>, and the <strong>counselors without consulting rooms<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognizing the sacrifices these women have made, the GDoH organized a special day of <strong>health screenings<\/strong>, <strong>dental care<\/strong>, and <strong>wellness education<\/strong> on <strong>August 9, 2025<\/strong>. This event honored their sacrifices and gave these remarkable women an opportunity to focus on their own health and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-health-outreach-and-wellness-for-the-freedom-charter-babies\">Health Outreach and Wellness for the Freedom Charter Babies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The health outreach for the <strong>Freedom Charter Babies<\/strong> provided free health services. These services included <strong>blood pressure and sugar level checks<\/strong>, <strong>dental cleanings<\/strong>, and <strong>wellness education<\/strong>. Many of these women had never had regular healthcare access. Therefore, this event was particularly meaningful, allowing them to receive the care they deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lindi Gcabashe<\/strong>, one of the Freedom Charter Babies, shared how meaningful the event was to her. \u201cI came to check my blood pressure and sugar levels. They told me it\u2019s not too bad, although my sugar is a bit high because I had something sweet this morning. \u201cIt feels good to receive care and learn more about taking care of myself. We don\u2019t get this chance often,\u201d she said. For many women like Lindi, this outreach was empowering; it reaffirmed their dignity and worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3906819438\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-health-education-and-empowerment\">Health Education and Empowerment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The day focused not only on health screenings but also on <strong>educating these women about maintaining health<\/strong> as they age. <strong>Vuyiswa Zwane<\/strong>, another participant, said the event opened her eyes to routine care&#8217;s importance. \u201cI never get the chance to visit a dentist. Today they cleaned my teeth and told me I should go twice a year. I didn\u2019t know that. It made me realize how little I knew about my health,\u201d she shared. The event was a reminder of accessible healthcare&#8217;s importance and the need to prioritize our well-being throughout life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthcare workers took the time to listen to the women, explaining things that they had never fully understood before. <strong>Pheodora Pholoane<\/strong> expressed her gratitude, saying, \u201cThe healthcare workers took time to listen and educate. Their patience made me feel valued. They didn\u2019t just rush through; they explained things I never understood before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">MEC for Health &amp; Wellness, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NkomoNomantu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@NkomoNomantu<\/a>, celebrates the fearless women born in the year of the Freedom Charter this <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/WomensDay2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#WomensDay2025<\/a>. These trailblazers risked it all for our freedom, leading and shaping our nation. \ud83c\udf1f\u270a<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/WomensDay2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#WomensDay2025<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/GPWomensMonth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#GPWomensMonth<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/tOfopvtnlN\">pic.twitter.com\/tOfopvtnlN<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1954146295343407167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">August 9, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1954146295343407167\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X\/Twitter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mec-nomantu-nkomo-ralehoko-s-tribute\">MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko\u2019s Tribute<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko<\/strong>, played a key role in the event. She praised these women for their unwavering strength and vital contributions to South Africa\u2019s history. \u201cYou were the nurses without uniforms, teachers without classrooms, and counselors without consulting rooms. MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said during the tribute, \u201cYour strength beats at the heart of our nation\u2019s health.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The event served as a powerful reminder that true healthcare is more than medicine. It is about compassion, respect, and accessibility. The <strong>Gauteng Department of Health<\/strong> acknowledged that the healthcare system is evolving. However, services must be inclusive and reach those who need them the most, such as women who have dedicated their lives to society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">To celebrate those born in the Year of the Freedom Charter this <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/WomensDay2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#WomensDay2025<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GautengHealth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@gautenghealth<\/a> is in Soweto offering TB screening, cancer screening, nutrition and hygiene education, oral health, eye care, hypertension, diabetes, and podiatrist services to women. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/AsibeHealthyGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#AsibeHealthyGP<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/24QMeeyRIb\">pic.twitter.com\/24QMeeyRIb<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1954097142164807808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">August 9, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1954097142164807808\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X\/Twitter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3238690490\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-day-of-reflection-and-gratitude\">A Day of Reflection and Gratitude<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For the <strong>Freedom Charter Babies<\/strong>, it was a day to be seen, heard, and honored. It was a chance to celebrate the battles they fought and the enduring impact of their strength. Many of these women have witnessed monumental shifts in South Africa, from the struggle for freedom to the democratic nation&#8217;s establishment. Today, as they enter their 70th year, their legacy is cherished and revered as a symbol of resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This day was also a reminder that healthcare must evolve to meet the needs of all South Africans. It doesn&#8217;t matter what their age or background is. For these women, prioritizing their health and well-being was a long-denied gift. The celebration showcased the government\u2019s commitment to improving South Africans\u2019 lives and ensuring no one is forgotten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-fair-future\">A Fair Future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As Gauteng celebrates these <strong>70-year-old women born in the Freedom Charter year<\/strong>, the event underscores the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.gov.za\/Departments\/DepartmentPublicationDetails\/%7B3cdba2e5-e910-465f-8c00-7e6128bbbf8c%7D?departmentId=CPM-001006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">importance of<\/a> investing in the future by learning from the past. It is a recognition of their role in shaping the nation. It highlights the need to continue investing in public healthcare for all generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The legacy of the <strong>Freedom Charter Babies<\/strong> is woven into the fabric of South Africa\u2019s progress. Their continued well-being is vital to the country\u2019s strength. As we move forward, it is essential to honor their contributions, care for their health, and ensure future generations of women have the support they need to thrive.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In celebration of Women\u2019s Month, Gauteng honored the women born in 1955\u2014the year of the Freedom Charter. These women were celebrated for their strength, resilience, and lifelong contributions to South Africa\u2019s growth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":22389,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"In celebration of Women\u2019s Month, Gauteng honored the women born in 1955\u2014the year of the Freedom Charter. These women were celebrated for their strength, resilience, and lifelong contributions to South Africa\u2019s growth.","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[608,5799,7091,10533],"class_list":{"0":"post-22388","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-gauteng-department-of-health","9":"tag-human-rights","10":"tag-public-healthcare","11":"tag-womens-day"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22388","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22388"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22388\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22390,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22388\/revisions\/22390"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22389"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22388"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22388"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22388"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}