In celebration of Women's Month, Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) is shining a spotlight on extraordinary staff and students on our campuses who champion women's rights and gender equality. Through their dedication and leadership, they inspire and drive positive change within our community. Thandile Ngxikwe is the Chair of the Societies Council at SU and busy with a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development. Inspired by her parents' activism, Ngxikwe is a dynamic student leader who has dedicated much of her efforts to raise awareness about issues affecting women and girls.
Can you share a bit about your upbringing and how it has influenced your passion for social justice and activism?
I grew up with both my parents in an environment where I was always encouraged to dream and be bold. My parents were activists in the early 1980s, so politics were always discussed in my household and that made me interested in politics as well. As I am getting older, it has been the politics of my identity and existence in this society that influence my passion for activism.
How did you become involved in student leadership at SU?
I didn't feel accommodated and included in the campus space in terms of its culture and some of its practices. I wanted to be in student leadership so that I could contribute to changing the culture to be more inclusive for black girls like me. In the beginning, it was hard to get a leadership position, especially within res because I am not a palatable black girl, and my activism is always about the Black experience. I think my boldness scared my peers into thinking that I was going to radicalise the space, which was a biased assumption. Mastering the balance between my big personality, my capabilities and my strong politics has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced within student leadership.
What are some of the most impactful initiatives or campaigns you've been a part of, particularly those related to gender-based violence (GBV)?
I was part of leading and organising the GBV protests in 2019 and 2020 both on campus and in Cape Town. I work with an organisation called P2P (Post2Parliament) and we have done some successful fundraising and awareness initiatives with great collaborations with organisations such as the Uyinene Foundation and the V&A Waterfront. We advocated for the Anti-GBV National Council Bill which is an ongoing effort to ensure that it is implemented well. I also a part of Anti-GBV SA which is an organisation aimed at reviving the activism efforts of other organisations such as #TotalShutDown by working with organisations and government entities such as the Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities to strategise on how anti-GBV mitigation policies can be better implemented.
Do you have female role models or women who have acted as mentors to you?
My biggest role models are Mama Winnie Mandela and Brenda Fassie (my mother is of course the cliché answer, but she is in between these great women). I am motivated by these women's strength and courage to live as boldly as they did at a time when it was unfashionable to do so, especially as black women. They are beautiful black women who inspire me to go after my dreams and live in my truth. At 中国体育彩票 I have met some great women as well. Dr Uhuru Phalafala stands out to me as a mentor because of how she was able to recognise my potential and help me nurture that potential.
How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your activism work?
This is an ongoing battle that I have lost on some occasions! Because I have my hands full with student leadership, activism and life unfolding, my academics have suffered because I could not always prioritise it. Managing this balance has become better over time and experience. I will say that it comes at the sacrifice of my sleep because I need all the hours I can get to ensure I'm able to get to everything (which is still not always possible).
Outside of your activism and academic pursuits, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
I love being outside so much and even more so when the weather is warm. I enjoy a beautiful day by going for a walk, a run or a hike or trying out a new restaurant with my friends and family. I love music and dancing and I enjoying reading too.
How do you unwind and practice self-care given the emotionally taxing nature of your work in social justice and GBV advocacy?
I am so fortunate to be held and supported by my community in my many pursuits. My friends and family afforded me space to vent and cry about all the challenges I encounter in this work. I talk about it in therapy, and I keep a journal just so that I am always checking in with myself as well. Music helps a lot too.
What are your future goals, both academically and within your activism?
This is a big question with a big answer, especially with me having so many interests in several things! I am trusting all the powers that be to lead me to the best pathway in terms of where to go from here. One thing I do know is that I am done with student leadership after this year, and I will probably do my Master's part time as well.
PHOTO: Stefan Els
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