Iimbokodo

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South African womxn’s narratives

Edition 1 • October 2017

Pic Credit: Lebogang Thulare

CONTENTS 2 Team Introduction 3 Womxn in literature 4 Talking trash 5 Influential womxn 6-7 Feature 8 Tumelo’s corner

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Pic Credit: Thandolwethu Gulwa

The rising of the voices of womxn.

BY THANDOLWETHU GULWA

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he South African contradiction is reflected when one googles “womxn in South Africa” and is shown articles about gender based violence and inequality. In a country where the majority of its citizens are womxn (51.3%), Africa check reiterates that they are likelier to be killed every four hours by an intimate partner. Furthermore, they are often paid less than their male counterparts (a 33.5% wagegap). The highest levels of unemployment are borne by the majority of South Africa’s womxn: black womxn. All of this underscores the tents of the Constitution that are undermined every time you read newspapers,browse the media,or listen to the radio: “ Womxn shot dead in front of her daughter”.

Consequently, my editorial team deemed it paramount for our publication to spotlight the influence of womxn as well as highlight the struggles of everyday womxn. The recent cases of femicide, including the killing of Soweto-born, Karabo Mokoena, have reiterated the profound words of 20-year old Malala Yousafzai: “If one man can de-

stroy everything, why can’t one girl change it?”

Yousafzai’s question is especially relevant to the ongoing sexual violence and existing discriminatory policies in the workplace in South Africa. Such policies determine how womxn dress and consequently play a role in diminishing the impact of womxn. However, the unequal payments between black and white female professionals in the formal sector strongly compel one to wonder - what “can’t one girl change?”

It is important to document monumental events such as the inauguration of Nhlakanipho Mahlangu, Rhodes University’s second black female president in eight years. Such events highlight institutionalised heteronormativity and the pressures womxn undergo to prosper. In an interview, Mahlangu explained the amount of pressure she underwent during her campaign. Mahlangu accords the womxn who raised her for paving the leadership way for her.

She acknowledges the black womxn surrounding her for the seed of strength and leadership planted within her. However, her struggle as a womxn in a patriarchal space is not

a unique one.

Gillian Rennie, one of the few womxn in the Journalism department at Rhodes University, explains it is indisputable that the Rhodes University’s Journalism and Media Studies Department is one of the least transformed departments.

Rennie draws to question whether the influence of womxn in South African media, despite the impact of womxn such as Noxolo Grootboom and Debora Patta have made within the male-dominated industry.

Perhaps if we as a country were to understand the importance of the social, political and economic equality of the sexes, we would invest our time in strengthening more womxn to become influential in their own respects. By so doing, we would not only fix the social ill of inequality between men and womxn, but also ooze the confidence to wear the eminent Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie expression; “We should all be feminists” on our hearts like Madonsela did during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

This would compel us to read and write widely about the narratives womxn bear.

Introduction to the team of Iimbokodo I reign from the amaXhosa kingdom of AbaThembu. My paternal blood streams flows to the Rain Queen of the BaPedi kingdom. My umblical cord is planted in the soils, brown as my skin, in the City of Roses, Bloemfontein. My tongue has different brushes, that paint white paper and destroy its immortality - eternally. My pen bleeds like a soldier’s limb, cut by the sword that is mightier than the pen. When I feel like it, I dance to the beat of my heart and walk at the pace of my pulse. I am Thandolwethu Gulwa. And I am an imbokodo…

Thandolwethu Gulwa

“Everybody is a genius, but if you are going to judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid” ~ Albert Einstein Vuxaka Mahlaule

“The invention of writing will produce forgetfulness in the minds of those who learn to use it, because they will not practice their memory” ~Plato Declan Connelly

He said “ all womxn are beautiful” I told him “beautiful” is a lazy and lousy way to describe us.

Lexi Botha My suburbia accent coats my vernacular making my Zulu slur and stutter.

“Ngi ja puma eh Joburg” is my response to him what I say comes out like an attempt derived from all the stompies of most people’s lingo. The taxi falls quiet at my response and I am encompassed by the keen sense of coconut at the tip their tongues. Their eyes pick me apart, looking for an answer to this riddle: “how do you sound like that when you’re black?”

My pervasive difference is suffocating. My skin feels uncomfortable like an oversized shirt. Hanging loosely and paired with the uniform sideways glance. I know I don’t fit in. I quickly add nga zwala eZimbabwe so nga mover ku S.A The taxi let’s out a sigh of relief as if to say thank God she is just a foreigner. My suburbian dipped Zulu is now a welcomed attempt to fit in with the locale. Thus, the coconut smell no longer permeates the taxi air. The private school crest reflecting in the side mirror.

Tumelo Thamaga

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A prologue to Dr Lynda Spencer

BY LEXI BOTHA

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hat does a fictional, female, and fashion-forward white American journalist, have in common with a Ugandan lecturer who has a doctorate? Independence. And that is exactly what Dr. Lynda Gichanda Spencer explores in her third-year elective class, Chic Lit. “If she wants to spend a ridiculous amount of money on Jimmy Choos, that's her business, all that matters is that she worked to pay for them", exclaims Spencer referring to Carrie Bradshaw, a character from the popular series of book and films, Sex in the City.

Spencer is a Lecturer in the Department of English at Rhodes University. Her research interests include Contemporary womxn’s writing, Popular Culture in Africa, African womxn’s writing, East African fiction and African Studies. “She is passionate and she is determined”, describes Sean Bosman, an English Literature tutor at Rhodes University. A description which adequately speaks to the copious amounts of publications Spencer produces, and her positions as a council member of the English Academy of South Africa, the Council for Development of Social Science Research in Africa as well as co-editor of Eastern Afri-

can Literary and Cultural Studies.

Spencer moved to South Africa from Uganda in 1992 in order to pursue her tertiary education. She has left an impressive academic trail across the country, obtaining a BA LAW (Walter Sisulu), BA Honors (Pretoria), Masters (Witwatersrand) and a Ph.D. (Stellenbosch). “Some people find her to be quite scary”, states Shennay De Witt, a past student of Spencer, “but that’s just because she speaks with so much authority”. And rightfully so.

When discussing her favourite books- Kintu, Nervous Conditions, God of Small Things and Purple Hibiscus- Spencer adopts her "lecturer" tone. She not only offers a brief explanation as to what the books are about but also launches into a quick analysation of key themes and issues within each novel. Her discussion evokes a desirability to climb into bed with a cup of coffee and affirm her explanations for yourself.

The intensity with which Spencer speaks when giving lectures gives the impression that she is somehow maintaining eye contact with each member of the class. Her rich Ugandan accent causes those with an unpracticed ear to listen all the more intently. Spencer's third-year elective, Chic lit explores womxn’s

narratives. “Some people don’t take those who chose this elective seriously”, states Spencer with a shake of her head, “but what’s silly about exploring financially independent and sexually liberated womxn in the 21st Century?”

Spencer’s has a knack of taking popular “light-hearted” characters such as Bridget Jones, “you know, the funny weight obsessed blonde womxn”, and using them as a tool explore prominent issues around womxn in the 21st Century. “Why does Bridget want to be so skinny?

Because she thinks that’s what’s good in her society! But why is this?”, exclaims Spencer, her dangly earrings swishing back and forth and emphasizing the excitability in her voice. These are the sort of thoughts Spencer successfully evokes from her student. “Dr. Spencer’s class completely changed my opinion on feminism”, remarks De Witt, “it is so important to understand womxn’s representation in society”.

When in conversation with Spencer, it is not hard to feel acutely aware of your own literary ignorance. “You haven’t read a Mills & Boon? That’s not possible”, she says not with distaste but eagerness, taking the opportunity to march over to her overflowing bookshelf and select

a book with a couple locked in an erotic embrace pasted on the cover.

“Here take it, don’t return it. Learn!”

Spencer married Dirk Klopper, the Head of the English Department, in 2013. “It was quite hilarious actually”, explains Bosman, “Dirk recently tried to move into the office next to her and she would have none of it, she has enough of him at home”. This literary power couple leaves for Dai Salam next week to attend an East African Conference. Here Spencer will speak on the lack of womxn representation in war novels. Spencer hopes she will be spared a few hours so she can read Arundhati Roy’s new release, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness.

Dr Lynda Spencer recommends publishers Mills & Boon Pic Credit: Lexi Botha

One more page...

BY VUXAKA MAHLAULE Philanthropy and literature often go alongside one another. Literature is inspired by sharing people’s stories.

Dr Ntosh Mazwi, born and raised in the rural Matatiela next to Lesotho has always wanted to be an inspiration to the younger generation after being inspired by the male authors they had in her time. Dr Mazwi believes that education is the key to success and it is the tool that has made her successful in her field.

‘The only grade that I was supported by my parents was grade 10,” said Dr Ntosh Mazwi. This was when her love for literature began. Her passion for literature meant she could not sleep without finishing a book she had start reading. Seeing that she loved literature, after completing grade 10, which was the highest high school grade then. She went to Zwelitsha Training College where she obtained a Primary Teacher Certificate (PTC). Afterwards, she taught at a primary school until the teachers who did not have matric certificates lost their jobs because of a lack of qualifications.

“I privately wrote my matric. After the completion, I did a BA Degree at UNISA through correspondence,” said Dr Mazwi. After her BA Degree, she did her honours in African lan-

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guages specialising in literature. Because of the qualifications she now had, the Department of Education felt that keeping her in primary school would be futile to the education she had. “I became a high school literature teacher.

I would exude the love I had for literature in front of my pupils hoping to inspire them,” which has been a dream for her.

After progressing from being a high school teacher, she became a lecturer at Rhodes University from the year 1995 Dr Mazwi’s love for literature. Pic Credit: Lexi Botha in isiXhosa. She to Stellenbosch University to do taught isiXhosa literature and language to independent her masters in literature. Her new students. Dr Mazwi bettered her qualifications enabled her to teach qualifications to teach students that the beginner learners of isiXhosa at are learning isiXhosa for the first Rhodes University. Earlier this year time at university level. She went she earned her PHD in literature

which she says marked her success and she now can retire from her job and live to inspire young womxn and men.

“She always tells us that we have the opportunities that they did not

have in the past and we should always make sure that we make of them what we want” said Sibusiso Klaas. During her high school years there were very few female writers because they were marginalised.

Now that the opportunities are open for the youth, she thinks they should strive to do better than what she did.

“The isiXhosa writers back were not allowed to write anything related to their culture but were restricted to the religious writings.” Dr Mazwi says that now that African authors should publish and make use of the opportunities they have now as the past system would not allow.

“Her work ethic is phenomenal and I can say she is one of the few womxn I can look at and say I am inspired” said Abulele Mkhona. Mkhona believes that her success from being a primary school teacher up until university has enabled her to understand students and inspire them.

Now she is living her dream of inspiring young womxn of our country not only in literature but also in the other fields of teaching. “If I had a talent for writing I would easily do so because of how things have changed in literature in our country.

Pic Credit: Lexi Botha

BY TUMELO THAMAGA

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he whispering of the fading heat welcome a breeze as the last of the sunrays stroke our faces. While absorbing the dying dusk, Prince Alfred feels like deserted roads after peak hour traffic. Empty, except for you and me. I feel like someone has poured cold water down my back.

I’m standing erect, easy pickings for your predator instincts. But my mind has untangled itself from my paralyzing anxiety: cold, calculating, it leads me further away from you.

I’m running. Kanye’s Love lockdown drum beats. My heart thumps in tune with the faint music from my earphones that are now trailing me in the dirt and grass by New House, on the path to the Journalism department. But I can’t shake you.

You continue to lurk and suddenly I’m aware of all the signs screaming “SECURITY BLUE ROUTE” neoning in my peripheral vision, taunting me with the promise of safety.

Your pervasive power is suffocating. All the recent headlines rush into my mind, reminding me of that womxn- Karabo Mokoena, of all the images of charred womxn entangled in retweets and shares, likes and comments. My fear is echoed by the steady rhythm of my heavy steps. I

am aware of my fragility.

This reminds me that womxn are constantly forced beneath the mounting pressures of patriarchy. We feel them in our bodies, are forced to police ourselves and our every thought-turned-action.

Priscilla Boshoff, a Journalism and Media studies lecturer at Rhodes University, offers an informative view as to how patriarchy informs the background on gender-based violence.“As womxn, we have to embody it [patriarchy] in specific ways or face the consequences.” She provides the context for the buzz surrounding the #MenAreTrash movement.

The recent #MenAreTrash was started in 2016, by womxn frustrated with a patriarchal and misogynistic South African society. However, it has gained traction this year due to an increase in violent killings of womxn spotlighted on social media this year. It can be argued that this hashtag has brought the conversation and illuminated the genderbased violence rife in South Africa.

Most prominent in the conversation of the hashtag was the killing of Karabo Mokoena, a catalyst that drove the movement in mainstream media. As Boschoff puts it, “There

are millions of Karabos.”

Although we know where the #MenAreTrash comes from, the question that arises is what is the movement trying to achieve?

Boschoff states that there is no answer to these questions. Rather she believes the movement is a

“spontaneous expression of exasperation and anger at patriarchal relations.”

However, she does insist that the movement cannot be looked at without our history as context: “It speaks to particular lived experiences that are the result of our colonial and apartheid history. All of that is a part of the way we create our gender relations.”

With the coming of the 1996 Constitution that liberally articulates freedoms that must be provided to all, the insurgent rise of cor-

rective rape, gender-based violence and attacks on queer, black bodies are frightening. Very few of these incidences have reached mainstream media, and it can be said that those that have, are certainly the tip of the iceberg.

Furthermore, it has been shown that it is only when a specific kind of womxn is affected or a specific kind of man enacts abuse that the media will shed light on a national epidemic. #MenAreTrash has illuminated the negation of womxn’s struggles, particularly black womxn. JMS student, Aphiwe Ngalo reflects on the lack of an addressing of womxn’s issues in other movements: “It’s almost as if on the agenda the first item is Black Lives Matter. If we have time then we will discuss the womxn”. A pertinent example is when SASCO members (men) repeatedly catcalled and showed disrespect when a womxn SRC candidate took to the podium. These members, who were prominent leaders and participants in the #FeesMustFall movement, were summoned by SASCO for a disciplinary hearing for their actions according to Maxwell Alexander*.

The reality now is that the movement is ebbing and Ngalo believes

it is important for South Africans to “stop being reactionary”. The scope of what the movement is defending needs to be defined. This includes tackling issues like the vagina being a “commodity”, how womxn are ‘allowed’ to exercise self-determination in public spheres but in private have to forego that. Ngalo also emphasized a change that must manifest in the media, that the media’s tendency to ride the wave of important movements undermines the essential, transformative conversations.

Unpacking the #MenAreTrash cannot be done in a feature alone.

This is a movement about dialogue, meant to be kept alive by men and womxn engaging in conversations and actions that influence change. It reflects the “damages of patriarchy at various levels,” says Boschoff. It charges one to challenge their biases and to start the journey of being ‘woke’ about gender-based violence and all that it entails in South Africa. Loosely, the movement aims to actualize the freedoms of the constitution. This is so that the sun does not set with womxn’s security any longer and nightfall no longer darkens womxn’s minds with fear. It is so that instead of running, we can walk.

Silent protest breaks the silence

BY LEXI BOTHA The South African Police Service (SAPS) estimates that one in 25 womxn report incidents of rape, explains Lindsay Kelland at the RU Silent Protest briefing this morning at Alec Mullins Hall, Rhodes University.

The primary purpose of the Silent Protest is to draw attention to and challenge the culture of silence around sexual violence in our country. Nadine Engels (fake name), a first year student at Rhodes Univer-

sity, opens up about her experience with sexual harassment on Rhodes University campus and what the Silent Protest means for her.

“My immediate response was to speak and in doing so I prevented something really bad from happening”, explains Engels. During her first term at Rhodes University, Engels was allegedly stalked by Sipho Bantu (fake name), a male student in her dining hall.

Engels states that Bantu had

on more than one occasion tried to break into her residence, had gained access to her lecture timetable and made several comments to her peers about his sexual intentions with her.

Engels approached her hall warden, Professor Gambiza, for help.

Engels explains that during this meeting she was made to feel as if she had done something wrong. She reports that Gambiza asked her if she has “an axe to pick with the university”. Gambiza also allegedly wished

her luck in further raising this issue with authorities, stating that “they (the university) will break you”.

He also refused Engels’s request to move out of her current residence.

“They just don’t believe you”, explains Engels, “that’s why we need things like the Silent Protest to create awareness”. Determined, Engels went a step further and sought out an attorney and Bantu is now facing charges of harassment in the Grahamstown Magistrate Court. Engels

reveals that although the process was grueling, she is glad she took action otherwise “who knows what would have happened”.

Engels hopes her story will encourage other womxn to break the silence and take action in order to prevent instances of sexual violence. *Fake names requested by interviewee as the case is still open*

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“She’s the bomb man. The bomb!”

BY TUMELO THAMAGA

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tant to me. I try to always make time to be there for them, to know the things avido’s ‘IF’ reverberates from the Suzuki speakers. She bellows that are important to them and to truly be their parent.” the lyrics and if you didn’t know her, you wouldn’t know that she Tamarah Mtetwa a grade 6 pupil believes that an influential womxn “is is masking a beautiful voice. Teasingly serenading her daughter, kind, puts other people first and looks after those she cares about.” Acshe screams “Hey wena, Juju” and emits a rich, deep-dark coffeecording to Ximba, her mother is kind to the point that it is self-sacrificial, like laugh so enthralling that you are caught between laughing wholehearta quality which Jeyi acknowledges can affect what she can provide for her edly, not knowing why and bottling this fleeting moment. As she drives, her children. “She is thoughtful, insightful and accommodating and people take natural carefree disposition is infectious and when I asked her daughter advantage of that,” Ximba says. Jeyi has had to be the main breadwinner for Uvile Ximba who her mother is she says: “She is the bomb man. The bomb.” her immediate and extended famBut Noncekelelo Jeyi struggles ily. Thus, she is the bearer of “black and stumbles when she asked to tax”, a role where she carries the define herself. Growing up, Jeyi’s financial responsibility of supportdream was to be lawyer but she ing her siblings and their children. became a nurse because of finan“I am the only one working ekhaya. cial reasons. “After high-school, I Ekhaya I do everything. But I can’t worked. We grew up without a farefuse them and my children have ther. So, I thought when I grow up had to sacrifice for me to help them I will work so that my mother won’t but I’m going to stop now.” go through this again.” True to her Jeyi makes this statement after word she built and furnished her the death of her mother this year. late mother’s home.

She thinks it’s time to put herself Her hard working nature has fosfirst, like starting own midwifery tered Jeyi’s self-sacrificial nature. practice with her friend, going on In her youth, Jeyi wished to make vacations with friends and dating a living in the performing arts, but again. “I want to date now. I feel her biggest passion was writing. like I’m ready now.” She says getShe wanted to become a writer and ting back to dating is difficult bealways thought she would publish cause “the kids sleep at 21:00 and her work. As is the story of life, reif they want to take me out before, sponsibilities got in the way and I would have to say no. But where her dream of writing, like a memoare you going to go after 21:00, so ry you hold dear, faded and slipped you can’t date nicely.” Jeyi says away. that she wants her children to be Although it was her second happy. And she believes that now choice Jeyi says that she enjoys is the time for her to achieve her her career as a nurse and wants goals and enjoy her life. to do more with it. “Roles come to you,” says Jeyi. Similar to the role she assumed in taking care of her mother in her early life, in 2010 her husband’s passing meant she would take on a new role as a single mother. According to the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), more than 40 percent of South African Mothers are single parents. Of these single mothers, the likelihood of them being black and poor is high.

Jeyi’s life is centred around giv“I am a mother then everything On the left Noncekelelo Jeyi (Red Dress) celebrating her nephew’s umgidi. ing herself and love to other peoelse falls in line.” For Jeyi it’s imPic Credit: Tumelo Thamaga ple. Much of the difficulties in her life portant to create a better life for her have come from this and the deaths of loved ones. However, these challengthree children than the one she had growing up. Speaking about her oldest es have not discouraged her. She remains compassionate, open and hopeful, daughter Uvile she says: “When she told me, she wants to go to Rhodes. I dreaming to eventually found her own charity. Her story is a lived experitold her even though there is no money you will go to Rhodes.” She insists ence of many womxn and speaks to the pulse of the country. It reminds that the efforts she makes at work are aimed at ensuring she can afford a us that the word ‘influential’ is not exclusive to public figures. Influence is relatively comfortable life for her children. Despite this, however, her relaabout creating ripples. tionship with them does not reduce her to a mere cash cow. “Time is impor-

“I want them to be happy and successful in their careers and lives.”

Womxn, it’s not a typo

BY DECLAN CONNELLY

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Try and guess how many times you’ve heard or read the words “man” or “woman” before… impossible, right?

I begin with this question, because it is the exact question I asked myself before deciding to write this article. Now, how many times have you heard or read the word “womxn” before? For some of you, it may be the first time you’ve ever encountered it, and as a result of this, you’re still trying to conceptualize the importance of such a small and perhaps insignificant change in spelling. Essentially, replacing the letter “e” with the letter “x” fundamentally challenges a history of gender inequality and stigmatism, which, ironically, originated from basic classifications such as that of “man” and “woman”.

As explained by Natalia Emmanuel, choosing to use “womxn” as opposed to “woman” is done in order to promote the individuali-

ty of females all around the world.

Essentially, the change in spelling functions both literally and symbolically, where removing the presence of “men” from the word, removes the idea that womxn rely on men, or that they are in any way inferior to men.

Furthermore, the use of the letter “x” as the replacement, becomes more inclusive for womxn of colour, womxn from third world countries, and basically all self-identifying womxn on Earth. This resonates within the local forum, and has become an increasingly more popular movement at Rhodes University. Examples of this include the Black Lawyer’s Association in conjunction with the Rhodes University Law Society, and their event called the “Womxn’s Luncheon” which will take place on the 16th of September 2017, where the right to education for females in particular is the main topic that will

be discussed. This is an important step in the right direction for the entirety of the womxn’s rights movement, and the wave of female individuality and independence that is engulfing Rhodes University at this moment in time.

However, the notion of “womxn” is still grossly misunderstood in today’s social atmosphere, where misogynists and patriarchs continue to attack its credibility. A quick search of the word “womxn” on Google, and you’ll come across users like DootMcNoot on Urban Dictionary, who describes it as “some sexist word made up to remove the "men"/"man" out of womxn. Not only does it look retarded, it makes feminism look more like a bunch of crybabies.”. Unfortunately, DootMcNoot’s uninformed perception is all too popular, receiving 346 likes for his comments on the word. It is

comments such as these which need to be eradicated from the conversations that take place amongst male learners in and around the Rhodes University Campus.

The comparison between these regressive conversations (whether they be online or here in Grahamstown) and the local progressive movements of individuals and societies at Rhodes, is a topic that must be explored and analysed in further detail. Additionally, in light of the sexual abuse and rape protests that have earned Rhodes University its status of infamy, it needs to be understood that even the smallest changes, such as that of a letter in a word or name, can have a significant impact on the mindset and attitude of all Rhodes Students.

Pic Credit: Lexi Botha

The six best ovaries

BY LEXI BOTHA

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he Not-So-Evil Stepmother, the Whiskey Dad and the One Who Talks Herself Into Too Much Shit, sit around a table doing what womxn do best-chatting over a cup of coffee (usually, however, the trio prefers wine). Lauren Tonkin, Isabella (Izzie) van Wyk and Eryn Page have been holding each other’s hair back in Friar Tuck’s bathroom, sharing smokes and bashing each other’s exes for the past four years. These three best friends are big advocators of the importance of female friendships.

“Only a womxn knows what it feels like to be a womxn, ”,explains Eryn glancing at her friends for confirmation, “that’s why it’s so important to have female friendships”.

The group as a whole reveals that their understanding as womxn allows for them to offer each other support, guidance, and acceptance.

“A lot of girls break each other down, we got lucky”, Izzie states, evoking the question as to why this is. Chiaku Hanson from the Huffington Post, explains that society puts a lot of pressure on womxn to be “perfect”. “Many womxn have not learned how to accept themselves outside of the norm of what is being projected onto them. Instead, womxn have learned how to be catty and competitive with one another”.

This trio according to Lauren, however, “does not give a rats ass” about what society wants them to be. “Two of us are bi, we drink beer and belch and we eat what we want”, laughs Eryn, “maybe that’s why we are such good friends”. In affirmation, Lauren offers the example of the recent French law banning the use of unhealthily thin models. “There are a lot of changes taking places in society around womxn”, she explains, “womxn need to be physically and mentally healthy to handle what this world throws at us”.

Grinning at each other, the three friends enthusiastically explain how their combined efforts have made their university experience easier. “Lau comes to my house so that we can work together but it is mostly just her screaming at me to get off YouTube and do something”, giggles Eryn. Izzie reveals that she and Lauren work together on their essays, “funny thing is we don’t do the same subjects but some of my best essays come from when we work together”.

Growing earnest, the group opens up on personal issues that their friends have helped them resolve. “I suffer from sever anxiety”, explains Lauren, “and sometimes the only thing that can get me out of it is having my friends listen to me”.

Eryn reveals that she has ongoing boy issues, “

I’m always being stuffed around and disrespected, I start feeling insecure but my friends quickly shake it out of me”-“ yes because you are bad bitch Eryn”-interjects Izzie. “Behind everyone successful womxn is a tribe of other successful womxn who have her back”, a popular saying which speaks so true to the friendship between these three girls.

In the last stretch of their university career, these womxn all have different and exciting plans for the future. “Sure, we will be apart, but our friendship is consistent and unconditional”, remarks Lauren, followed be a chorus of “aaaaaaw”, by the two others. “These girls have helped me grow into who I am today, I am so much more confident with myself because of them. I feel ready to venture out”, explains Eryn. Laughing, Izzie lightheartedly states, “man, stop it, we all know we are going to have a pissup every holiday”.

With Lauren looking at moving in with her boyfriend, Eryn juggling job applications, and Izzie, well “who knows”, these three womxn feel confident setting out into the “real” world. “They will always be there to phone and have a snotty cry, laugh or just speak shit with and that’s reassuring”, explains Izzie. Satisfied, they each light another cigarette and launch into an enthusiastic conversation about their evening plans for karaoke.

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A seed planted eQonce grew to lead a student body

BY THANDOLWETHU GULWA

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he walks calmly at the drum of her heartbeat. Not in a hurry, never in a rush. Her outfit is the colour of her hair – black and proud – with a touch of red, a colour which speaks to her soul most. There is something about the sound of her voice that compels you to open your soul and listen. It is the calmness through which she addresses sensitive issues that speaks volume the most. It is her crackling laugh that bares the power to break even the most awkward of silences in the room. It is her warmth which is a sunray that reaches out miles away to touch even the roots of a tree.

Yet, among all else, it is the narrative packed in her throat that truly invites you to tape into her mind to explore her thoughts, ideologies and compelling strength.

Nhlakanipho Mahlangu, the newly elected President of the Student Representative Council (SRC), is a child of the soil whose roots stem from eQonce. She matriculated from Kingsridge High School for Girls, which in many ways compelled her to inevitably take over the fight against patriarchy and hegemonic masculinity as the womxn before her. “My first experience of leadership came through my grandmother and my mother, the strong womxn who raised me”, she says proudly.

The name ‘Nhlakanipho’, meaning wisdom, is a name which her mother gave to her. She humorously recalls how her mother would threaten her and say that, “Ndizokutshintsha eligama ukuba usisibhanxa”(I will change your name if you are stupid).

This is the very name that gave her the strength to aim for a greater purpose, wisdom itself.

Mahlangu was inspired by her political organisation at Rhodes University, the South African Student Congress (SASCO) to run for presidency. It is after she secured the position as chairperson within the organisation when she realised she needed to branch out for an even greater good. It is also her previous leadership roles and experiences which led to the decision. However, the decision would not have been an easy one had she not had the tenacity to contest. She recalls how a lot of people who critically asked her, why she opted to contest when she knew that Rhodes University is a patriarchal space and that she, as a result of the former, would not win.

Mahlangu accords her strength mainly to black womxn and the things they do. She critically analyses how the fights black womxn have to fight are often downplayed. “It is not a lie that we have to work twice as hard”. She further elaborates that

it is the first time in over eight years that a president of the Rhodes University SRC is a female. “It is not because there have not been competent female leaders. I do not believe it is because there have not been female leaders availing themselves, but I think it is just the same time it happened. It is just how patriarchy works. It restricts you so much and then sometimes it allows you to breakthrough”.

Although the road to transformation is not an easy one, Mahlangu is convinced that, at this stage, the student body is well aware of what has to be transformed and decolonised.

Therefore, we need to work towards mapping out the manifestations of transformation. If there is one thing she aspires to be, it is to be a president working on the ground, and not from her office. Just as a plant lover waters its plants until they grow into strong bodies of shade and protection, so does Mahlangu aim to be a part of Rhodes University’s growth and transformation. Undoubtedly, with the very womxnly strength that she bears, if given the opportunity to, Mahlangu will not only pave the way like the stars, but share a narrative with the student body in action that will bring healing.

Nhlakanipho Mahlangu, new SRC President jubilant at her inauguration Pic Credit: sourced from www.grocotts.co.za

Cult Clit: a celebration of womxn

BY DECLAN CONNELLY In resonance with a movement that is currently taking place across the globe, womxn in Grahamstown continue to fight for what they believe in, while inspiring countless others to join them in the process. The very identity of Grahamstown is being transformed by womxn, where throughout the last two years, womxn from a wide range of ages and occupations have taken it upon themselves to fight for gender equality.

It is the year 2017, and the widespread support for gender equality and its promotion of sexual identity and freedom continues to metamorphosize Grahamstown’s social atmosphere. Essentially, the state of this movement within Grahamstown today, comes more than a year after the #RUReferenceList protest which saw students and staff alike stand in defiance against the instances rape and sexual violence that womxn had experienced throughout Grahamstown, and more specifically at University Currently Known as

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Rhodes (UCKAR). What the protest signified however, was a mass shift in stance from neutrality to partiality for many students and residents, where a space of possibility and an enhanced sense of unity amongst activists, students, staff and citizens alike was created. The #RUReferenceList succeeded in initiating an atmosphere of defiance through unity, whose long-lasting psychological effects can still be seen throughout Grahamstown today.

Now, fast forward to Womxn’s Day on the 9th of August 2017, and the showing of Cult Clit – a play created by Rhodes student Mmatumisang Motsisi which actively opposes the regressive views of female sexuality, signifies that the movement still exists as powerfully now as it did before. The outstanding reception of the play after its last showing, is a stark reminder that issues of rape and sexual abuse are still very real, and that even more attention and support is required from the peo-

ple of Grahamstown. On the other hand, an event which took place in bigger and better fashion than ever before, was the celebration of female South African Police Service (SAPS) employees. In conjunction with 11 other organisations, the Womxn’s Day event focused on raising further awareness around rape and sexual abuse, while also allowing spokespeople from each of these organizations to interact with, discuss, and celebrate the role of womxn in Grahamstown and the way in which they continue to inspire those around them whether they be children, students or citizens.

What these examples highlight, is the slow but steady redefining of female identity and the intrinsic role that womxn play in the community of Grahamstown. The barrier-breaking mindset instilled in these groups of womxn stands testament to the way in which they continue to inspire all those around them, regardless of gender.

Far left, Shaurissa Borchard as part of the Cult Clit ensemble in action.

Pic Credit: www.cuemedia.co.za

Shaurissa Borchard, member of Cult Clit cast.

Pic Credit: Declan Connelly

The tragedy of being an Arsenal fan

BY TUMELO THAMAGA

F

ifteen minutes left on the clock. My body is trembling with rising excitement and fear at the question: can they can make history by doing the impossible? Eleven minutes left. As if the Lord heard my prayers, Aaron Ramsey produces a miracle. I jump with a start like a live wire and stifling a primal scream, trying not to wake my mother. Five minutes left. I watch the rest on my knees pleading with any higher power to make them win. Three minutes to go. With reluctant resignation and a lump in my throat, I accept this inevitable defeat. The referee blows his whistle and for the seventh consecutive season Arsenal Football Club are knocked out of the UEFA Champions League. This is the tragedy of being an Arsenal fan.

As an Arsenal supporter, the strength is ingrained in you to withstand any form of ridicule or humiliation from opposition fans. Through all of this, Arsenal fans remain committed to their team. To us, the saying, “There is no one more fickle in the world than a football fan” does not apply. For nine long years

(2005-2014), we went without a trophy. During this period, we finished fourth in the Premier League six times. Being an Arsenal supporter requires you to have emergency units on speed dial for fear of going into cardiac arrest. Already, mine has endured the pain of watching Arsenal have 57 percent possession against Monaco and still lose 3-1.

Arsenal FC has a long, decorated history. In 2017, we became the most decorated side in the history of the FA Cup, winning it for a 13th time. Of course, who can forget our record 49-match unbeaten Premier League run, which saw us become the only team to go through a 38game league season without defeat in 2003/04? However, every great reign must come to an end. We went from playing like football gods to middle-aged men playing Sunday soccer at a park.

Arsenal’s spectacular decline has even led to a supporter (me) going to church after realising that divine intervention was the only way to win.

Also, the short prayer: “Lord, if they win I promise to stop doing my assignments at the 11th hour.” Being

an Arsenal fan has taught me the value of commitment through my complicated relationship with Arsene Wenger – our legendary manager who brought us three Premier League titles in his first eight years, but has yet to deliver another.

“My mother once told me that I love Arsenal more than I love her.

I said that could neither confirm nor deny the truth of that statement.

(I think you know who I love most.”)

Like me, other supporters have gone to extreme expressions of devotion with one naming his son

and daughter Arsenal and Arsena.

Upon hearing we signed Alexandre Lacazette another tattooed Lacazette’s face on his butt winning him a signed shirt and the chance to meet his idol. Such antics inspired the Arsenal faithful’s nickname the ‘Gooners’ showing that even though our team is struggling: Arsenal supporters have Jay Gatsby’s extraordinary gift for hope. They have stuck with their team in their disappointments: going down in history for losing the 2015/16 Premier League title to relegation favourites Leicester City. Plus, not qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 21 years. Through this Arsenal fans have supported their team even though it was killing them. Reminding me: Piglet once asked Winnie the Pooh: “How do you spell ‘love’?”

Pooh Bear responded by saying: “You don’t spell it. You feel it.” So, I will leave you with this: How do you spell Arsenal? You don’t. You live and breathe Arsenal, no matter how poisonous they can be.

It’s my turn...!

BY TUMELO THAMAGA Other than everything that undermines their masculinity, what will men go to war over? Football. Men are generally the face of it; it is loved so beloved that if one doesn’t take to it, their manhood is questioned in a scornful deep baritone: “What guy doesn’t like sports?” Arguments over who is better between Ronaldo and Messi are likely to start riots or end friendships. However, rarely do you hear “Did you see Carli Lloyd’s goal from the halfway line against Japan?” Neither do officials in South Africa make headline statements that rock the boat about womxn’s football.

Womxn’s football should be taken seriously. Banyana Banyana (South Africa’s womxn’s team) is ranked 48th in the Fifa World Rankings, 32 places higher than Bafana Bafana who are ranked 80. Yet, they do not have national league.

Womxn’s football in South Africa has been around since 1962 and 55 years later there haven’t been strides in making the game more equal and accessible. According to the Mail and Guardian, the “Sanlam National Womxn’s Football League was set up in the late 1990s with the goal of increasing the number of womxn

in soccer administration and a second season was played in 2002. As of 2014, South Africa does not have a national womxn’s football league.

The league is believed to have been discontinued as no more seasons have been played since the early 2000s.”

“Womxn’s football should be taken seriously” The need for a national league has been noted. Former Minister of Sports and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, called for its formation after the national womxn’s team returned from the 2012 and 2016 Olympics defeated. So, if the Minister of Sport can’t implement a national league, the question is “who can?” Duke University found “a generally strong correlation between the performances of the womxn’s national team and the popularity of the professional leagues. As womxn’s soccer continues to grow, other national teams

are continuing to develop, and their professional leagues.” This opportunity has not been afforded to South African womxn footballers, and as a result, they are forced to ply their trade at a University level or enrol in the Sasol League. The effects of this can be seen with the majority of the Banyana Banyana team playing for Tshwane University of Technology. These womxn are no match for Germany, USA, Japan and England, not because they lack the talent, but because they do not have the experience needed to be competitive at the International level. It’s important to note is that the womxn’s leagues in the four countries previously mentioned have been created in the last 28 years, which is a short time in football with help from their respective national Football Associations.

South African Football Association (SAFA) has unfortunately failed its womxn footballers who are clearly not awarded the same opportunities as the men. They do not have their own ABSA premiership league like the men; and it is a disservice to the national team. If this South Africa wants to show progress against gender-discrimination, equal opportunity in the country’s beloved sport

is necessary.

Pic Credit: Tumelo Thamaga

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I A rock1 Stems from the isiXhosa idiom “ If you strike a womxn , you strike a rock�.

Wathinta abafazi, wathinta iimbokotho

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