These ministers are part of an extraordinary court that includes nine women Cabinet members. Stella Sigcau, the Minister of Public Works, is an example of a woman who went "mainstream" and won the leadership of the former Transkei National Independence Party. The Minister of Intelligence, Lindiwe Nonceba Sisulu writes scholarly articles such as "Women, work and the liberation struggle in the l980's." And Dolly Mthemi-Mahanyele, Minister of Housing, balances creating poetry with the administration of a politically charged program. Boasting women academics, writers, local authorities, scientists and teachers, South Africa attracted exceptional women into politics. The numbers are impressive-women hold nearly 30 percent of the seats in the National Assembly and 35 percent in the Provinces. But the real reason to be impressed is not their quantity but the high quality of their commitment to women's human rights and gender equality.

South African women in politics have achieved the near impossible-they staked a claim to power against apartheid and have held their ground to this day. In recognition of their contributions, the government celebrates August 9 as National Women's Day. On that day in l956, over 20,000 women from all regions of South Africa marched on parliament to protest against Prime Minister Strijdom. They sang songs of liberation, saying, "You have touched the women. You have struck a rock. You will be crushed." Women leaders saw that day as a turning point in their movement.

Now it is time to tell the personal accounts of these women's lives. Some women politicians are surprisingly modest so getting their inside stories would be a challenge - but a challenge worth taking. Their personal revelations would be an inspiration to women everywhere. (Dr. Soon-Young Yoon is a well-known anthropologist and columnist.)