Public Protector and Stellenbosch University honorary doctorate, Dr Thuli Madonsela, encouraged staff and students of SU to continue with the difficult conversations that are happening on campus around transformation and to continue to actively pursue social justice for all.
Dr Madonsela's address formed part of Women's month celebrations and was organised by the Stellenbosch Women's Forum.
"The reality is that if we do not allow a difficult conversations to take place, it usually still takes place. And when it does, having had to force itself, the aftermath is more difficult to deal with," Madonsela said.
She spoke about how in 1956 a few women brought together 20 000 women to protest against pass laws. "That is what happens when you are driven by the audacity of hope, the power of love and the power of faith. Faith in yourself as an agent of change, faith in humanity that they will join you in your crusade and faith in those you are fighting against, that they will hear you. I believe that spirit is still here with us – that's why you are having this conversation.
"It is not just this conversation of today, but an ongoing conversation about the role each of us can play in bringing about social justice in the world we live in."
Dr Madonsela explained that the reason women have been involved in crusades for social justice is because as humans our happiness and prosperity are dependent on that of our fellow human beings. "As human beings we are interconnected. Women globally and in this country have always appreciated this interconnectedness. They have always appreciated that I cannot harm you or let you suffer, without being adversely affected. If you do suffer, I will feel it, even if I look away."
She referred to two women, Olive Schreiner, author of the well-known novel, The story of an African farm, and Charlotte Maxeke, who is often honoured as the 'Mother of Black Freedom in South Africa'. "All they spoke about was social justice, and it wasn't just social justice for women, they just concerned them with humanity - that everyone deserves better.
"At the core of these two women, is the spirit of Ubuntu – I am because you are."
She went on to say that many others, like Schreiner and Maxeke, "continue to push the frontiers of freedom further, particularly to ensure that everybody enjoys an improved quality of living and has their potential freed".
Madonsela spoke highly of businesswomen, Wendy Appelbaum, who was the driving force behind a successful application by the SU's Legal Aid Clinic about emoluments attachment orders (EAOs, also known as garnishee orders).
In closing she remarked on how women in South Africa have participated in creating a national legal framework that moves us towards equality. She referred to the Frene Ginwala generation - which was focused on entrenching equality, not just for women, but for everyone - as the women who should be celebrated without reservation.
Watch a video of Dr Madonsela's speech here.
