WSU women in leadership in collaboration with the Student Development and Support Services held a rigorous discussion on the barriers that prevent women from participating in politics at the Mthatha Campus recently.

This comes after a group of young women in various political structures at the campus, including Amakhosazana group, made a pact to build each other especially in the environment of politics at an induction of the SRC structure at Mpekweni Resort earlier this year.

The team includes Mihlali Mbasane, Nomveliso Ntakani, Sakhe Zito, Nhoto Zoko, Liyema Lande, Nobuhle Njapha and Buhle Mnqanqeni.

“Empowering women is taking a great leap toward closing the gap between both genders by providing motivation for women to excel in all platforms, to be considered equals and to be granted respect and embraced by the same society. Constant disapproval and lack of motivation and support are all reoccurring challenges for women in politics and our mission is to get to the bottom of those challenges,” said political activist and organizer, Buhle Mnqanqeli.

Senior Student Development Practitioner, Nobuntu Rabaza said, “We are here to find out from women what challenges they are facing when it comes to being leaders in the political sphere. As a university we have a responsibility to fill this gap of women in politics, “she said.

This is in response to a challenge identified by SDSS of a lack of female leaders in political structures, regardless of them being the largest number of voters in various political structures in the institution and the country at large.

Acting Deputy Director, SDSS, Dr Thandiwe Mangxa said, “I understand that culture has played a big role in positioning women behind when it comes to leading, however, this is a platform to change that.

She added, “If we sit in gatherings like these, we must see a reflection of them out there. It is my wish that for the next elections, I see a female premier, that is the reflection that these gatherings should have.”

SRC premier Litha Ngalonkulu emphasized the significance of women supporting each other, especially in the field of politics, highlighting the progress that women who are leaders in the institution have made.

“The reference I always make is the story of our new female Vice-Chancellor and Principal,  who started out as a corrido rep and is now leading the institution, it proves that, indeed, women are capable of leading. More than anything, it is important for women to support each other and believe in their leadership capabilities as they are majority voters in political structures.” he said.

Guest speaker, who is an LGBTQI and political activist, Busisiwe Nxumalo took an unexpected jab at the patriarchy built by society, especially in politics, describing it as ‘a patriarchy that does not even benefit society itself’.

“It is very unfortunate that politics has also been shaped by society, and has in turn, been a very inconducive environment for women hence women are scrutinized in a very different way by the same society. You will find that women are always getting support,” she said.

Nxumalo added, “I’ve always told people that you must always find a mentor in politics so that you always have somebody to walk the journey with. Furthermore, understand that politics is a complicated journey filled with trial and errors, therefore, you must always be willing to learn and unlearn.”

The event was inspired by the change in leadership structures within the university, which are majorly led by women, especially the recently inaugurated Vice Chancellor, Prof Rushiella Nolundi Songca, who is the first female VC of the WSU.

By Ongezwa Sigodi