Struggle veteran speaking out

Struggle veteran Ms Glory Masilela said she was concerned about some of the issues but more importantly about gender-based violence.

She added to say that as women a lot need to be done to stop the abuse of women and children in the country.

The ANC veteran started her activism while at Elukhanyisweni Secondary School and continued while at Ongoye University and met the likes of Archie Gumede and Victoria Mxenge as Azasco members.

During student protests in the 1980’s the university had to close as lecturers were suspended.

Ms Masilela said they protested at the university and held other campaigns like the Release Mandela Campaign and other campaigns.

She started teaching at Mabande Secondary School in Phola after completing her teaching course and was detained and was released and banned from Phola.

She taught at Deveyton and later at Kopanang Secondary School as well. She was active as a member of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU).

She has been involved in politics and met the likes of Ms Winnie Mandela, Mr Aubrey Mokoena, Billy Ramogoba, Zola Majavu and Tiego Moseneke brother to Dikgang Moseneke.

“We need to come together as women and fight against gender-based violence. We need all the stakeholders like the non-government organisations, faith-based organisations, political organisations, traditional leaders, men’s organisations and other organisations to combine our effort. The perpetrators of gender-based violence must be reported and be rooted out to face justice. We need also to support victims of gender-based violence; it is a battle we need to fight to win. A case in mind is that of Nozipho Ngwenya who was murdered at Clewer with her daughter Samkelisiwe in December 2016. I feel that we have in the past failed some of these victims,” said Ms Masilela.

Ms Masilela is also concerned about corruption in the country and said that must be stopped.

She added to say that as veterans they are prepared to give guidance to any structure.