Stellenbosch University’s (SU) new Gender Non-Violence (GnV) coordinator at the Equality Unit (EqU), Division of Student Affairs, Thembelihle Bongwana believes, her “suitability for the post has nothing to with gender, sexuality or race.”
As a young woman growing up in the Eastern Cape exposed to the diverse experiences of her community, her passion for justice evolved into research based on gender dynamics in South Africa and a fulfilling career which allows her to help students facing discrimination of various forms every day. Bongwana (32), who is currently pursuing a doctoral degree (PhD) in Gender Studies at the University of the Western Cape, previously studied Social Science at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
A lecturer at UCT’s African Gender Institute, Professor Jane Bennett, gave her such a good grade and amazing feedback for her third year proposal presentations that it boosted her confidence in the field of study. Bennett’s comment: “You have a very powerful voice, continue researching,” stayed with Bongwana during her studies.
Bongwana at the offices of the EqU on the telephone engaging with stakeholders. PHOTO: Bonita Williams
It shaped her approach to studies in the field as one of ease and effortless passion. The EqU coordinates, educates, and raises awareness around sexuality, gender, HIV/Aids, and anti-discrimination in partnership with relevant campus structures. Jaco Greeff, head of the EqU, says that Bongwana was chosen for the position because she has a background in gender-related matters and has a clear vision of what the opportunities and challenges for this kind of position are.
“She brings a strong combination of professional and academic backgrounds. We are excited to have her in our team to work towards a gender violence-free campus,” says Greeff.
Unsurprisingly, Bongwana’s supervisor, Professor Desiree Lewis, says: “I have always found her to be a dynamic and courageous individual who tends to take leadership positions spontaneously. She is unafraid to speak her mind.” Her passion for women’s issues is deeply intertwined with an interest in land rights. She even interned for the Transkei Land Services Organisation in the Eastern Cape. “Given my background into the study of women and gender, it is hard to not tackle this question of women and land ownership without getting a little if not severely depressed,” she says.
She explains the most frustrating aspects of trying to teach or facilitate discussions around gender, gender based violence, and equality are misconceptions and society’s lack of knowledge around issues of gender. “We are in a crisis! More so now that rape has also found its way into spaces of higher learning, where students and staff should be moving around freely and safe from harm. This is not the case as reports across South African universities continue to paint a grim and horrific picture of the realities of gender and sexual related violence.”
She refuses to believe that violence is the new normal, shaking her head before saying, “perhaps more can be done by government, civil society and other organisations that can equally contribute to our efforts in trying to challenge the ‘normalising’ of violence related cases in everyday media reports. There is nothing normal about violence so maybe that should be the starting point in addressing the problem.”
Her co-worker, Dumile Mlambo agrees. “I wouldn’t hesitate to say as a South African woman she is aware of many of the gender based challenges in this country as gathered throughout her academic and professional journey. She is fully conscientious of the sensitive political and social implications of working in this gender field.