Goitsemang Mathekga is one of the UP Council and Senate’s newly appointed women members, nominated and elected by Professional Services staff members. She tells Tukkievaria about her plans for her tenure.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in this significant month that celebrates women. I was born and raised in a township called Mabopane in Pretoria. I’m an optimistic, motivated, and hardworking woman who is passionate about helping others. I grew up in a working-class family, born the third of five children. I aspired to be a graduate from a very early age and have always made a commitment to my parents that I will make them proud and ascend the stage. One of my favourite quotes is Kofi Annan “Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy, and sustainable human development.” I am a firm believer in education and share the sentiments that it is a powerful tool to transform, sustain and develop society. I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Applied Ethics at the University of the Witwatersrand and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law with the University of Johannesburg in 2021. I also hold a National Diploma in Language Practice from the Tshwane University of Technology.

Please tell us about your time at UP.

I have been an employee at UP for 15 years, starting my career as an Administrative Assistant in International Relations in 2008. I then moved to the International Students Division as Postgraduate Specialist Consultant and then proceeded to the Department of Residence Affairs and Accommodation in 2014 as a Postgraduate Consultant, and subsequently appointed a Senior Coordinator in the same department in 2021. As a woman who has had access to career development opportunities at UP, I can confirm that the University has been an inspiring employer for me and other colleagues. This is in no way a reflection of everyone’s path at the University but, personally and as a black woman from a previously disadvantaged background, I’m grateful to have had such growth-bearing opportunities. I am equally grateful to those who believed in my skills and capabilities.

What inspired you to choose your field of study/profession, and what challenges did you overcome to pursue it?

I pursued my studies in languages as I had an interest in communications, media, and publications during my early career, and I had a short stint in the space. My involvement in and commitment to the labour movement encouraged me to pursue a programme in labour law in order to effectively serve and represent workers. I have over the years also developed an interest in institutional governance as a result of my exposure to the different roles and structures within the University. This led me to pursue ethics as a niche area for my master’s studies, which I will be completing in the 2023 academic year. The study is, amongst other things, equipping me to think critically about ethical issues in the workplace and how they impact institutional stability and sustainability. One of the biggest challenges has been pursuing my postgraduate studies as a mother of two young children and a professional. It has come with the burden of striking a balance between family, social, and professional life. Pursuing master’s studies has been the most challenging for me because it requires me to put in a lot of hours in my studies. I had to attend and prepare for classes three Saturdays a month over the past 18 months. It has not been easy, but I overcame these challenges by constantly reminding myself of my lifelong goal to obtain a master’s degree and subsequently aim for a PhD in the near future. I remain committed, and it has been an absolutely empowering and transformative journey worth the time and effort.

Who/what prompted you to raise your hand for this enormous role?

I am a firm believer in committing one’s time or resources to offering a service. The world would be a better place if most of us were. I started committing my time to serve in my late teenage years, volunteering as a peer educator in a wellness centre, in a community radio station, and a student publication. I also started my formal career as a volunteer in a non-governmental organisation in my early 20s. Being a leader or representing people is not only about one’s capacity, it is also about the impact one makes on people’s lives. As a person who is exposed to committing time and resources in structures that serve people’s interests, one does not raise their hand. The people identify those who are believed to be principled and capable leaders with the right qualities to lead or represent them. I believe it is on the basis of my commitment, hard work, values, and integrity that the NEHAWU leadership and many other people outside the union structures encouraged me to stand for Council and Senate. I graciously accepted and remain humbled by the confidence that people continue to show in me. I look forward to what I think will be a learning curve that will impart valuable knowledge and experience on institutional governance. I believe the next four years serving in both Council and Senate will harness my skills and provide me with an opportunity to be part of solutions to issues that affect both students and staff. Serving in Council and Senate will further empower me to contribute to building a sustainable and progressive institution for the future. Similarly, in my new role as NEHAWU Tshwane Regional Deputy Secretary, serving over 100 branches and also serving as a Shop Steward and Branch Secretary of NEHAWU UP Branch for over seven years, I was encouraged and chosen by the people both at the branch and regional level to lead. I remain committed to the course of pursuing working-class ideals. It is a great honour and privilege to be amongst people identified to lead in a movement that serves and represents vulnerable workers in the main and defend their rights and gains.

As a woman in Professional Services, which topics/issues will you be paying special attention to?

I will pay attention to a number of issues, including the turnover of staff and dropout rates of students, particularly females. I believe this is one of the critical issues that the University should put effort into understanding its root causes and develop tailored interventions. I will also support initiatives that assist students with funding and other basic needs. With regard to employment opportunities, I take a keen interest in the transformation agenda, with a specific focus on appointments of people living with disabilities, and females in management positions, especially those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Lastly, and critically, it is my wish to utilise the space to advocate for benefits I know workers at UP are in desperate need of; that is, increased study funding, career development opportunities, and a thirteenth cheque, among other things.