WATCH: Women in uniform honoured in Durban parade
Women within South Africa's security forces marched in formation on the roads of the Durban CBD during a celebratory parade today.
Members of the police service, Metro, the defence force, eThekwini Fire Department, and Correctional Services marched from Joe Slovo Street along Pixley KaIsaka Seme to the Durban City Hall.
The Durban Light Infantry's Angel Thusi says they have high hopes that the inaugural event will be hosted again next year.
"We wanted to show the community and the country that we as women are as equally [represented] within these classes and we are still here. The parade also honours women that have been in the field and have paved the way for us," she said.
She says despite the milestone of the inclusion of women in the previously male-dominated fields, women still face challenges within the sector.
"In many cases, we are not respected by the community - some scenarios police are exposed to [assault], or an SANDF member is robbed. This despite working within the channels of command internally. When we wear this uniform - we wear it pride," Thusi says.
The officers were then awarded certificates of service at the infantry's offices in Durban.
See footage from the parade below.
(Photos, video by Portia Cele)