Three Generations, One Struggle: The Seth Mazibuko Foundation Three Generations of Women Summit

On Tuesday, 29 September 2026, the Seth Mazibuko Foundation, in collaboration with key stakeholders, hosted a powerful Three Generations of Women Summit.

Picture: Supplied 

The summit brought together three generations of resistance and resilience.

Picture: Seth Mazibuko Foundation

(2026 Generation with Seth Mazibuko)  

The women of 1956 - who marched to the Union Buildings against passbooks. The young women of 1976 - who were student leaders, first aiders, and mothers who protected the youth during the Soweto uprising. And the young women of 2026 - the current generation continuing the fight for equality, education, safety, and an end to GBVF.

Opening the summit, Busisiwe Msimang set the tone. Women deserve to lead this country, she said, because when women stand, amazing things happen in this country. "When Women Stand, Amazing Things Happen" said Msimang.

A Relay Race of Liberation

Introducing the significance of the day, Mme Gauta reminded the room that while we read about women protesting and women in parliament, those chapters often end on paper. The story of women never ends.

She noted a painful reality: women make up 51% of South Africa's population, yet they remain unrecognized in the working world.

Mme Gauta likened the summit to a relay race. The generation of 1956 and 1976 are passing the baton to the young generation of 2026. The women of 1956 were the foundation builders.

And she closed with a powerful definition: Leadership is a decision to accept responsibility.

The Charge to the Generation of 2026

Representing the women of 2026, Princess Somuhle ka Mawewe of the Royal House delivered a direct challenge.

The women of 2026 must finish the work that was started by the pioneers of the older generations. She encouraged the women of 2026 to rewrite their own history and to stop using only the women of 1956 and 1976 to celebrate women's empowerment.

Her responsibility for this generation is clear: to focus and lead.

In a moment that struck the whole room, she said: “ The women of 1956 and the young people of 1976 had no WhatsApp, no Facebook, and no TikTok to mobilise. But they met, they united, and they fought for us”

Her final plea: That the generation of 2026 must unite - not just online, but exactly like the women of 1956 and the young people of 1976 did.

Three generations. One baton. The race continues.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi