NUM National Women’s Structure Collaborates with Mmonday Pictures for Land-mark Film Screening and Panel Discussion on Women’s Emancipation in Matlosana (Klerksdorp), Northwest

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) National Women’s Structure, in partnership with Mmonday Pictures, will host a special screening of the bold new film Marxism and Period Pains.

The film, spearheaded by the country’s well-known artist, writer, actress, and film director Mmabatho Montsho, provides a powerful pedagogical exploration of the intersections between class, labor, gender, and the often-invisible costs of reproductive and bodily labor in contemporary society.

The event marks the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March, offering a vital platform to reflect on progress made while confronting the persistent challenges faced by working women today. In the spirit of advancing the emancipation of women workers, the program includes a film screening followed by a high-level panel discussion focused on advocacy for institutional menstruation leave for both working women and school-going girls.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, 28 August 2026
• Time: 10:00
• Venue: Matlosana Region (Great Noligwa No8, Harmony Mine), in Orkney Northwest Province
• Theme: “MARXISM & PERIOD PAINS, WOMEN VALIDATE YOURSELF”
• Dress Code: PPE (Overalls and Tekkies) – Women to wear their own PPE

Approximately 300 workers, in particular the NUM members and general members of the public are expected to attend the event, which will be held in a mine setting to underscore the realities of women in labor-intensive and underground work.

Program Highlights:

• Screening of Marxism and Period Pains
• Panel discussion featuring:
  • A woman working underground
  • A woman from the construction sector
  • Deputy Minister of Labor
  • COSATU President
  • Representatives from the SACP and MHSC (Mine Health and Safety Council)

The gathering aims to foster intentional collaboration between labor organizations, activists, workers, professionals, and youth to drive sustainable legislative and systemic change.

“Together, we honor the feminist legacy of 1956 by organizing around the material conditions of working-class women today,” said organizers.

Media are invited to attend and cover this important event.

For more information, interview requests, or venue confirmation, please contact:

Nthabiseng Mashiteng, NUM National Women’s Structure Secretary: 072 073 3936

Mmabatho Montsho, Artist and Film Director: 083 944 6524

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/10086002340