PROVINCE: Western Cape

MUNICIPAL DISTRICT: City of Cape Town

Activator since: 2015

What’s your passion?  

The emancipation and empowerment of women and social political activism. Youth participation in bringing about change.

What change are you keen to drive?

I come from a family of strong women and that inspires me. I have seen single parents who take care of their kids and still go to work, women who care for those who are HIV +, women who have faced challenges and come through it.

I want to see woman in leadership positions across all spheres of government and private sector, there are a number of women participating but only a few of them in leadership roles and I want to change that.

I believe that woman are nurturers and will bring a different leadership style.

I want to see youth participation in the leadership of South Africa, it is important for us to make sure that we are informed, involved and part of the processes.

How are you driving change?

Being involved in the social/political space in Cape Town and encouraging women to avail themselves to participate in change-making. 

I’m currently working on the development of a mentoring programme with young women where we match them with great role models from the industry they want to work in.

Mentoring is important to me because in my community there is a lack of role models and it is better if young women have someone they can reach out to.

As young professionals we meet and collaborate, we also talk about our goals and see how we can assist, develop and support each other.

I am also the coordinator and, facilitator of a tutoring and mentoring programme with Grade 9 learners in maths and English at the organisation I work for Iliso Care Society in Khayelitsha.

I work as a sexual and gender-based violence ambassador for the Department of social development and Department of health in making sure people are aware of the Thuthuzela Care Centres. Community-based spaces where those who were raped can come and see a doctor, social worker and get support. Shower facilities are also available and if the person needs to see the police, they are called to come to the centre.  

How has ACTIVATE! supported you so far in driving this change?

In so many ways, specifically the articulation and public speaking modules.

I have also used most of the practical tools such as the ice-breakers, project development tools and how to identify your stakeholders. The social political navigation module has added to my knowledge and broadened my thinking as well.  

Networking with fellow Activators has also been very beneficial.  

How do you motivate yourself?

I pray. My faith and belief in God motivates me.

 My passion for what I do and seeing people persevere and achieve through all the odds.

Final comment? 

Gender activism is so important, we need to be consistent from the start, we need to speak about issues and be aware about what is happening around us and then we will see change and empower each other