1934 - 2010

Trade Unionist, Anti-Pass Law campaigner, Co-founder of the Federation of South African Women (FedSAW), Treason Trialist, National Treasurer of the ANC Women’s League, Member of Parliament

Bertha Mashaba, also known by her married name Gxowa, was a trade unionist and womens rights activist throughout her political life.

She was recruited to the ANC Youth League by Nelson Mandela during his visit to Katlehong in 1951 and took part in the 1952 Defiance campaign led by him as the Volunteer-in-Chief. She was an organiser of the 1956 Womens March to Pretoria and was chosen as an alternate leader should one of the main leaders be arrested. She remained on trial for three years during the 1956 Treason Trial until the charges against her were dropped in 1959. She was arrested in the 1960 State of Emergency and then banned under the Suppression of Communism Act. She later joined the ANC Womens League and served as the partys National Treasurer and as Chairperson for Gauteng. After the unbanning of the ANC she restructured its Katlehong branch, participated in voter education and was elected a Member of Parliament.

Described as dynamic and principled she came to champion the cause for women, particularly through skills development programmes.

Did You Know?

FedSAW members Gxowa and Helen Joseph travelled around South Africa in a small Volkswagen to raise awareness for the 1956 march to the Union Buildings. They helped set up local committees, branches and provincial committees of women in all areas, including rural areas. With only 10 pounds in the bank, FedSAWs fundraising call was rewarded by donations from women who sold old clothes, chickens and eggs to raise money for the cause.