Pfarelo Brandy Matsila, a researcher at the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender at UP, pens a tribute to Pierre Brouard, the centre’s recently retired Director who sought to advance cultural diversity and inclusion at the University.

Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of cultures that shape our communities. It is a time to reflect on our collective heritage and recognise the dynamic nature of culture.

This year, as we honour our past, we also celebrate the leadership of Pierre Brouard, our recently retired Director, whose vision and commitment have been instrumental in advancing cultural diversity and inclusion at the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender (CSA&G) at the University of Pretoria (UP). Under his leadership, we have made significant strides, and as we look to the future, we are committed to building on the solid foundation he established.

Brouard’s tenure as Director was characterised by a deep commitment to cultural diversity, inclusion and social justice. His leadership guided us through significant initiatives that have strengthened our impact both within the University and in the broader community.

The following are some of the key contributions made under his leadership:

1. Anti-Discrimination and Trans Protocol: The CSA&G was integral in the development of UP’s Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP), serving as part of the core team. Moreover, we convened the team that developed the Trans Protocol, which was adopted as a crucial part of the ADP, marking a significant step towards inclusivity for transgender students and staff.

2. Critical Diversity Literacy workshops: Brouard was instrumental in the development and execution of a series of Critical Diversity Literacy workshops under the HEAIDS initiative, which were conducted across the tertiary sector, including at UP. These workshops have empowered participants to navigate and challenge the complexities of diversity, laying the groundwork for more inclusive educational environments.

3. Advancing inclusive curricula: As part of a grouping at UP, the CSA&G helped to advance the Doing Difference Differently (UP3D) curriculum, which has been successfully integrated into the Vets Professional Life curriculum. This initiative includes the UP3D online course and a facilitated visit to Freedom Park, enriching students’ understanding of cultural diversity and its implications for professional practice.

4. Race and diversity workshops: Our commitment to fostering inclusivity also led us to run a series of workshops on race and diversity for the Drama Department and the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, addressing the unique challenges these departments face in promoting diversity.

5. Anti-Sexual Harassment Initiatives: The CSA&G was instrumental in developing and co-facilitating the first iterations of UP’s Anti-Sexual Harassment workshops. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we co-developed the online version of these workshops, ensuring that staff could continue to engage with these critical issues in a safe and accessible manner.

6. Ongoing education on sexualities and gender: Brouard was a staunch advocate for ongoing education on health, sexualities and gender. As a result, we conduct an annual workshop on sexualities and gender for MA Psychology students, ensuring that future professionals are well equipped to handle these sensitive and important topics in their careers. Additionally, we offer workshops for staff at the Student Counselling Unit on sexualities, gender, HIV and gender-based violence (GBV), further embedding these issues into the fabric of university life.

7. Faculty and institutional transformation: The CSA&G’s influence extends to the broader UP community. As a founding member of the Humanities Faculty Transformation Committee, Brouard played a key role in establishing a memorandum of understanding with the Transformation Office, enabling ongoing collaboration on work around gender, GBV, sexualities and restorative justice.

As we bid farewell to Brouard and wish him well in his retirement, we are deeply grateful for the legacy he leaves behind. His vision and dedication have set the stage for continued growth and impact at the CSA&G. We are committed to building on the achievements realised under his leadership, ensuring that our work in diversity and inclusion remains vibrant and transformative.

Our commitment to his vision requires us to continue embracing the evolution of cultural practices, being open to new ideas, challenging outdated norms, and fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard and valued. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive society that champions gender equality and respects the rich diversity of our cultural heritage.