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Recognising the unceasing resilience of women

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Courageous izimbokodo at the DTSFL wellness day event

The Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning (DTSFL) hosted a departmental wellness day during Women’s Month, aimed at recognising the resilience of women while also acknowledging their gentleness and need for love and support. Under the leadership of Prof Meahabo Magano, Executive Director of DTSFL, the event was held at the Unisa Science Campus, under the theme "She is strong, resilient, and considerate but gentle: She needs love and support". 

Addressing the event, Advocate Thando Gumede, an internationally recognised human rights defender and legal expert, reflected on the role that women play as nurturers, as well as the historical challenges they faced under the apartheid regime. Gumede is also a Pan-Africanist thought leader and an award-winning Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) entrepreneur.

Tracing the journey back to the apartheid era, Gumede recalled that most women were left to manage households independently while their partners were forced into migrant labour. She lauded the courageous women that marched against the oppressive pass laws, despite the burden of sustaining their families and communities.

Additionally, Gumede bemoaned that the significance of Women’s Day has been reduced to festivities instead of in-depth recognition of their courage. Her call was for women to honour the legacy of women that marched against the apartheid government in 1956, claiming their space in various leadership roles in government and within communities.


Redefining strength

In her address, Nkateko Ndala-Magoro, a counselling psychologist and founder of Wellifehub Inc – a Pretoria-based mental health and wellness hub, challenged the misconception that strength equals invulnerability in women, especially Black women. She cited a social psychology study that found that some Black men perceive women with darker skin tones as more resilient and physically stronger. "Such a perception," she explained, "is a harmful paradigm as true strength should not hinder softness, care and support. Similarly, precious stones are treasured and cared for despite their strength."

Ndala-Magoro added: "Strength does not mean a woman cannot feel tired, hurt or in need of help, and neither does gentleness translate to weakness." She urged women to not portray themselves as able to "take anything" as that could be misconstrued to mean that they do not need to be treated with gentleness and care.


Women as each other’s pillars

Well-known motivational speaker and author, Claudine Makhetha, emphasised the importance of self-love as a foundation for relationships. Makhetha is also a family and marriage counsellor and a healthcare professional. She implored women to have intentional friendships rooted in support and active listening, which would enable them to recognise potential cries for help. "This would further empower them to build authentic communities where compliments are genuine, gossip is eliminated, and trust is built," said Makhetha.

The DTSFL women lauded Magano for her unrelenting encouragement and support for women, and for creating a space for them to feel that their strength can be honoured without expecting endless resilience.

* By Nomaza Moagi and Tidimalo Manyaapelo, Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning

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Publish date: 2025-09-09 00:00:00.0

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