Unisa online - Prof Makhanya's commitment to Unisa women

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mandla Makhanya with (left to right) Dr Sebiletso Mokone-Matabane (Unisa Council: Deputy Chairperson), Mandu Makhanya (Unisa Career Development Advisor and wife to Prof. Makhanya), Gloria Bongi Ngema (South African First Lady), Dr Anna Mokgokong and Prof. Divya Singh (Unisa: Assistant Principal)

This was the commitment made by Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mandla Makhanya, when he hosted a Women’s Empowerment Gala Dinner on 4 August 2011 to cement his dedication to partner with women in the efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment; at the university, in South Africa and Africa.

In his opening remarks, Prof Makhanya acknowledged and celebrated the historical achievement of the women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to challenge and contest the apartheid regime and its dehumanising policies. “We felt it was imperative for the University of South Africa to cast its eyes back and draw from the lessons of the women who were central to the demolition of apartheid and contributed to the construction of the democratic South Africa and regional development.”

Explaining Unisa’s role and commitment to social justice as a central motif for transformation and women’s empowerment, Prof Makhanya asked:

• What then, is Unisa’s vision, perspective and commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment?
• What then are we here for?  Is it just to continue the celebratory mode?
• How should universities and/or higher learning institutions, such as Unisa, celebrate women’s month?
• How should Unisa be an active partner in the advocacy and active transformer/partner in the transformation of those aspects which impede women from optimally participating in higher education and/or in the economic and other developmental aspects of South Africa?  What are and can be the contents and strategies for Unisa’s active participation in women’s empowerment in South Africa and the world?

Guests at the Women's Empowerment Gala Dinner

Heeding the advice and call of African female intellectuals, Prof Makhanya said that in order to achieve women’s empowerment, universities have to promote gender justice, equity and the empowerment of women in higher education and for the broader society.  “We should heed the call which requires academics to play prominent roles in the socio-political and economic, development and change in our world today. We should also enhance institutional, national and international instruments aimed at promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.”

“And we should ensure that women are fully engaged in  research, innovation and the development of new theories, constructs and concepts which capture, nurture and advance what is real in Africa rather than merely applying what is formulated elsewhere.”

Examining the steps taken by Unisa, Prof Makhanya said he was even more ecstatic about the fact that Unisa’s efforts toward gender and women’s empowerment are aimed at unearthing lessons from the past; engaging phenomenal women and global leaders from our societies, such as keynote speaker Dr Anna Mokgokong, to address and share with the Unisa community, the resources that are essential and useful for the advancement and empowerment of women at Unisa and the broader community. “This is an opportune time in the history of South Africa and Africa to ensure that the humanity, dignity and rights and responsibilities of women are respected, affirmed and promoted for their well-being and for the well-being of their societies. It is also an opportune moment for us as a university, in the context of Africa, to ensure that the empowerment of women is something done, promoted and not just talked about … I truly believe that the success, development and advancement of any society can only be evaluated by how such societies and their institutions address issues of gender relations, empowerment and socio-economic transformation.”

Director: Principal and Vice-Chancellor’s Projects, Prof. Puleng LenkaBula presents the keynote speaker, Dr Anna Mokgokong

Dr Mokgokong raised the issue of why women’s empowerment is still being discussed when women are in the majority in the world. “How do we explain women’s low participation rate, why are there such gender gaps and why do women face such challenges?”  The answer, she said, is tied to history.

She believes that education is the key to addressing these issues; however this process needs to be expedited. One way is to ensure that government and private sector commit more bursaries to female students, ensuring an increase in the number of girls and women in schools and universities.

Dr Mokgokong also said that while some women have broken the invisible barrier, they are few in numbers. “Some people, especially women, fear success. You (women) have to step forward; it can be tough, but do not fear. If the principal needs volunteers, the first hand that goes up should be that of a woman … I don’t fear the failure, if I fall, I get up, shake myself off and go on.”

She concluded by saying that women at Unisa should take ownership of all of their endeavours because a vision is not just realised, it requires implementation. “…And if one woman makes it, she should make sure that there are more women who come on board … And ladies, step with humility into your position of power.”

Director: Principal and Vice-Chancellor’s Projects, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, said: “It is the responsibility of education to change the hearts and heads of people to ensure that, not only are their own accomplishments and development celebrated, but also that they help others.”

Chairperson: Unisa Women’s Forum, Dr Judy Henning, also acknowledged Unisa women achievers and the winners of the Unisa Woman of the Year Awards.