What does Wathinta Abafazi Wathinta Imbokodo mean?

“Wathinta Abafazi, Wathinta Imbokodo” translated means “You strike a woman, you strike a rock”. These are words from a famous resistance song that have come to symbolise the courage, dignity and strength of South African women.

Who said Wathint Abafazi Imbokodo?

LILIAN NGOYI (September 25 1911 – March 13 1980) In 1953 she became the president of the ANC Women’s League. On August 9 1956, she was one of the four women to spearhead the women’s march to the Union Buildings, in Pretoria, to hand over thousands of signatures opposing pass laws.

What is Imbokodo mean?

In Zulu the word rock corresponds to the word idwala and the word imbokodo is the equivalent of a round stone and a grinding stone.

What is the meaning of Imbokodo Why was it used?

“Imbokodo is a Zulu word meaning “a rock”, often used in the saying “Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo” meaning you strike a woman, you strike a rock; and while the saying is common, black women in these marginalised societies never quite experience the respect with which the saying is meant.”

How old was Wathint Abafazi when she died?

In 1953 s he became the president of the ANC Women’s League. On August 9 1956, she was one of the four women to spearhead the women’s march to the Union Buildings, in Pretoria, to hand over thousands of signatures opposing pass laws. She died in 1980, aged 69.

Which is the correct translation of Wathint’Abafazi?

Wathint’ Abafazi Wathint’ imbokodo! The English translation: “Now that you have touched the women, you have struck a rock!”

Why did the South African women sing Wathint Abafazi?

After the petition was handed over to the secretary of the prime minister, the women sang a freedom song: Wathint` abafazi, Strijdom! Since then, the phrase ‘wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo’ (You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock) has come to represent the courage and strength of South African women.

Who are the women in the Wathint Abafazi statue?

Statues of Rahima Moosa, Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph and Sophie De Bruyn at the Women’s Living Heritage Monument during the Women’s Day march at Lillian Ngoyi Square on August 9 2017 in Pretoria. ‘Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo’.