The Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga is very disappointed by the statement issued by the ANCWL, an organization that she has served for years at numerous levels including as its President.

Minister Motshekga has not organized any events under the name of the ANCWL, however regularly gets invited to address forums on Women’s issues during the month of August and throughout the year as a gender activist in different capacities.

“This month I have been invited to many women’s month forums within and outside of the education sector. I still have many invitations that I will be honouring. These will include forums with women professionals. I will be addressing another such forum of women on the 3^rd of September 2017 at Freedom Park, I am sure the organisers won’t mind guests if they request invitations should anyone wish to attend.”

In recent weeks the Minister has also addressed learners, educators, tertiary students, faith based organizations, professional and different women formations and the invitations continue to pour beyond the month of August.

The Minister takes immense exception to the statement issued by the ANCWL directly to the media without even requesting facts beforehand.

“It is disappointing that an organization to which I have dedicated a large portion of my life because it is meant to help women rise up together can release a petty media statement aimed at trying to bring a fellow woman Cde down. Is this what the ANCWL has become under the current leadership? Where is the spirit of the great Comrade Charlotte Maxeke who founded this organization and said – if you rise bring someone with you”. Said Motshekga.

Minister Motshekga is a leader in her own right, she remains a dedicated member of the ANCWL in good standing, she is an elected member of the ANC NEC and is a Cabinet Minister of one of the most demanding Departments in Government. She has written academic papers on Women’s issues and served time in prison during Apartheid fighting for the rights and dignity of women in this country.

“My involvement in women’s struggles date far back, before the ANCWL Presidency and my commitment goes beyond that.”

In recent weeks Minister Motshekga has been addressing women every weekend and most evenings as per invitations as part of women’s month activities, as one would expect all committed ANC leaders to be doing.

“The content of the ANCWL media statement is sadly so cheap, petty and actually silly and regretfully this makes it difficult for one to even engage with it constructively without risk,” said Motshekga.

The accusations levelled at Minister Motshekga are vehemently rejected and she would encourage the leadership of the ANCWL to remain steadfast in their endeavors to emancipate the women of this country rather than take up the petty political battles as they seem to be focused on of late.

MALIBONGWE!

Enquiries:       Elijah Mhlanga - 083 580 8275

                        Troy Martens - 079 899 3070

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF BASIC EDUCATION