CALL ME COW!

Kgaogelo (Cow) Mashilo (23) is an M Tech: Fine and Applied Arts student and gifted sculptor who wants to reclaim the word ‘cow’ from being derogatory to women.

WHY DO YOU LIKE TO BE CALLED COW? The first part of my name, Kgaogelo, is pronounced ‘cow-gelo,’ or, at least, I made it out to sound like that. I live the concept of calling myself Cow. I am vegetarian because cows are herbivores. I stretched my ear because cows mostly have ear tags on one ear. People say I’m odd or ‘otherly.’ I say I’m udderly. I just need to brand myself to complete the concept. I get mixed reactions from people. Some are scared to offend me. Some think I’m joking. Maybe some will realise one day that I’m as sacred as the divine cows.

YOUR M TECH THESIS IS ALSO BASED ON COWS . . . It is inspired by the nickname I gave myself. When I introduce myself as Cow to most White people, they react in shock and embarrassment. They think they might offend me. I have to convince them that this is a preferred name. In contrast, most Black people who hear the name start using various vernacular versions of the word, such as ‘kgomo’ or ‘inkomo.’ Investigating and comparing different interpretations of a term/phenomenon can enrich cultural insights. Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate Western connotations of the cow and how those could differ from African associations, specifically from a Black feminist perspective.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY YOUR PEERS, HAVE ABOUT YOU? A lot of people are under the impression that I am Goth because I mostly wear black. I am definitely not Goth! I associate strength and authority with the colour.

TWO OF YOUR SCULPTURES OF NOTABLE SOUTH AFRICANS STAND TALL AT PUBLIC SPACES (ANC STALWARTS FRANCIS BAARD AT THE NATIONAL HERITAGE MONUMENT AND OR TAMBO AT THE OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT). NOT BAD FOR SOMEONE AGED ONLY 23 . . . It’s a big achievement indeed. To be a female of colour in my field is unfortunately still scarce. I hope that this shows that there is place for women too. This also means that my parents don’t doubt art as a career anymore. I can continue playing with clay without being questioned about priorities. I love my parents. They have always supported me through my studies, but this specific achievement gave them bragging rights to defend my career choice. That’s awesome.

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS OF THE #METOO CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGING WOMEN TO SPEAK UP ABOUT SEXUAL HARASSMENT? For many years, women have been forced into silence, coupled with the fear of never being believed and therefore shunned from communities. The #metoo campaign has demonstrated to the world that women no longer have to endure any abuse, like sexual harassment, by anyone; not by a public figure or anyone financially influential. This movement is so important and necessary to every female who feels that her voice is not heard.

Kgaogelo (Cow) Mashilo (23)

Photo: Hein Grové

"People say I’m odd or ‘otherly.’ I say I’m udderly."

ON COURT WITH OUR RINGTENNIS CHAMP

Marizelle le Roux (20) is a first-year Radiography student who hails from Polokwane in the Limpopo Province. She is part of the National Tenniquoits (Ringtennis) team who has bagged a silver medal at the 2018 Tenniquoits World Championships in Belarus.

YOU HAVE RECENTLY BEEN SELECTED TO PLAY FOR THE NATIONAL TENNIQUOITS (RINGTENNIS) TEAM. IT’S NOT SUCH A WELL-KNOWN SPORT.  TELL US HOW IT WORKS? Well, it is something like tennis, but also not like tennis at all. Ringtennis is played on a tennis-style court, with a circular rubber ring hurled over a net, separating the two players. The game begins as one player serves the ring upwards over the net, diagonally into the opponent’s court, and the opponent tries to catch the ring before it can land in their court, and, throw it back. The game may be played in singles (one player per side), doubles (a pair per side) or mixed doubles (male and female pair). There are more rules than in tennis. If you want to know more, you are welcome to come to a practice and join in the fun.

THE NATIONAL TEAM HAS JUST RETURNED FROM BELARUS, WHERE THE 2018 TENNIQUOITS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TOOK PLACE. WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE AND HOW DID THE TEAM DO? It was the best experience for a young Ringtennis player like me to be part of such intense games with some of the best players in the world. South Africa did well in the team games, but, unfortunately, missed the gold with a few points. To bag a silver at this level is also very good. So, we are very proud and happy.

IN COMPETITIVE SPORT, THERE ARE ALWAYS WINNERS AND LOSERS. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT WHEN YOUR TEAM LOSES? I've been playing Ringtennis for almost eight years. From a young age, I was taught to enjoy every game, even the ones I lose.

WHO ARE YOUR FEMALE SPORTING HEROES, AND WHY? Shelley Russel, a South African field hockey player. She is an inspiration and shows good sportsmanship. Her family’s motto really inspires me: ‘Luck is where preparation and opportunity meet.’ In other words, the more prepared one is, through hard work, dedication and practice, the more equipped one is to make the most of your opportunities and, in so doing, you create your own luck.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THE STATEMENT THAT SPORT HAS THE ABILITY TO UNITE PEOPLE, AND DO YOU EXPERIENCE IT AS A PROFESSIONAL SPORTSWOMAN? Yes, definitely! The Fifa World Cup is a perfect example, where people from all over the world united to support their respective teams. Even during the finals, everyone had a favourite team, whether they lived in that country, or not. I also experience it in South Africa, especially in Ringtennis circles where people from all over the country will gather for try-outs. There you meet people from different cultures who compete to be taken up in the national team. We cry together, whether we made the team or not.

Marizelle le Roux (20)

"Luck is where preparation and opportunity meet."

Carol Mphahlele (27) is a B Tech: Surveying student flying the flag high for females in engineering, in spite of many stereotypes.

EXCELLING IN A MAN'S WORLD

YOU HAVE OPTED FOR A MALE-DOMINATED PROFESSION. WHY? I wanted to break the stereotype mentality that women are incapable of doing what men can do, especially in industries such as engineering, where women have had particular difficulty gaining entry.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING FOR A PRIVATE COMPANY, COGHSTA. WHAT ARE THE STEREOTYPES YOU ENCOUNTER, IF ANY, AND ARE MEN STILL SURPRISED TO SEE YOU WORKING IN THIS ENVIRONMENT? The stereotypes are mostly that women are weak and that they are not physically fit and knowledgeable to survive in this industry. Especially when it comes to pregnancy, companies are still structured and function in ways that do not always support women and our need to integrate work with family responsibilities. Yes, men are still surprised to see me working in this environment. They doubt whether I will survive, because often women who choose male-dominated careers soon change in favour of more female-dominated careers due to the challenges they encounter.

WOMEN ARE OFTEN UNDER-REPRESENTED IN THE FIELD OF ENGINEERING, BOTH IN ACADEMIA AND THE PROFESSION. HOW COULD THAT BE CHANGED? Even though there are policies to protect women against biases and inequality, it is still not being implemented. Organisations must enforce these policies.

WHO ARE THE FEMALES WORKING IN ENGINEERING THAT INSPIRE YOU? Unathi Ntshuntshe, my previous employer. She owns a successful surveying company (UNN Surveys) based in Gauteng. She is strong, bold and a hard worker. Her gender doesn’t define her. She is one of the few women who has survived the industry for so long.

WHAT ARE YOUR ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE FEMALE STUDENTS WHO ARE CONTEMPLATING STUDYING IN THE ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT? Be prepared to make adjustments and sacrifices and accept that there will be a lot of challenges and prejudices. You must be thick skinned, self-motivated and be willing to work hard to be successful. Giving up must never be an option.

IF YOU WERE THE MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING, WHAT ARE THE ISSUES THAT YOU WOULD ADDRESS AS A PRIORITY? Gender equality and making sure that related policies are implemented to protect and empower women in this industry. I would also push for higher numbers of female students in Engineering and Science faculties at universities.

Carol Mphahlele (27)

"I wanted to break the stereotype mentality that women are incapable of doing what men can do."

WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO STUDY IT? Technology is part of our daily lives and it helps make life easier. I have always wanted to help simplify things for humans and studying IT is an opportunity to do exactly that. IT is so diverse. After completing my studies, I will be equipped with many skills, such as troubleshooting computers, knowing different programming languages and creating games, among others.

YOU STARTED OFF AS A FOUNDATION-YEAR STUDENT. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? If you want something wholeheartedly, you will not give up until you have achieved it. I did not perform as well as I wanted to in Grade 12 to study IT. Luckily, TUT offers a Foundation programme, which is a precursor to your first year, to individuals who would like to pursue a career in IT and other courses, but who do not have sufficient marks. I am proud to say that I am one of the 2017 Foundation students. During that year, I have learned to work really hard, believe in my abilities, and to communicate better with students and lecturers.

IN JUNE, YOU RECEIVED A DELL BURSARY COVERING THE TUITION FEES FOR THE REST OF YOUR STUDIES, AS WELL A LAPTOP, BASED ON YOUR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS? YOU MUST BE VERY PROUD. I am very honoured. This is my greatest achievement and I am forever thankful for it. It encourages me to work even harder to achieve more.

WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS? Finding something that you love to do, working hard on it every day and not giving up, regardless of obstacles that come your way.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN TEN YEARS FROM NOW? As a critical thinker and a well-established programmer who is able to solve the complex problems of the world.

WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST SOURCE OF INSPIRATION DURING YOUR STUDIES? My mother, Mpho Maduna. Every time I talk to her, I remember the reason why I should continue to work hard.

BRIGHT SPARK BAGS SOUGHT AFTER BURSARY

Hard work has paid off for Kgotso Maduna (21), a first-year Information Technology (IT) student, who has just bagged a bursary covering her full tuition fees as well as a nifty laptop. We speak to the bright spark from Mokopane, Limpopo in whose vocabulary you won’t find the words giving up!

Kgotso Maduna (21)

"If you want something wholeheartedly, you will not give up until you have achieved it."

TAKE US BACK TO WHERE YOUR LOVE FOR FOOTBALL STARTED. From a very early age, I joined my two brothers every day when they set-off to practice with their football teams in Kliptown, Soweto, where we grew up. Playing next to the field whilst the boys were practicing, I nominated myself as ball ‘boy’ and instead of throwing the ball back onto the field, I preferred to kick it. Slowly, but surely, my football skills developed to a level where coaches could not ignore my inclusion in primary and high school teams.

HOW DID IT FEEL WHEN YOU WERE CALLED TO PLAY FOR YOUR COUNTRY THE FIRST TIME? I was very excited and humbled. It was what I've always wanted and worked hard to achieve.

YOU’VE CAPTAINED BANYANA BANYANA SEVERAL TIMES. WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THAT SET A GOOD CAPTAIN APART FROM ONE THAT DOESN’T REALLY HAVE A GRIP ON THE TEAM? You have to be a team player, able to communicate, lead, listen and know how to serve.

BEING A PROFESSIONAL SPORTSWOMAN, YOU TRAVEL EXTENSIVELY. HOW DO YOU PROMOTE SOUTH AFRICA TO PEOPLE YOU MEET AROUND THE GLOBE ASKING YOU ABOUT THE COUNTRY? I always tell them about the diversity and the rich history of our country. There’s so much to do and learn when in SA.

TUT’S WOMEN’S FOOTBALL TEAM HAS JUST RETURNED FROM SPAIN WHERE IT PARTICIPATED IN THE ANNUAL GIRLS CUP VILA REAL TOURNAMENT. WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE AND HOW DID THE TEAM DO? It was a life changing, once-in-a-lifetime experience, considering that the whole team was in Spain for the first time. We visited different stadiums and arenas (VilaReal and Valencia) and learned so much about the culture in Spain. The team did extremely well and got third position, not bad – considering that we were playing the tournament for the first time and against teams in the premier division.

DOES FEMALE SPORT GET THE SAME RECOGNITION AND SUPPORT (INCLUDING FINANCIAL) AS THAT OF MEN? IF NOT, HOW CAN IT BE CHANGED? Not at all. More corporates need to come on board so that the game can be taken to the next level in all its aspects.

MIDFIELDER ON A MISSION

Meet Refiloe Jane (25), an M Tech: Marketing student who plays for both TUT’s Women’s football team and the South African women's national football team, Banyana Banyana.

Refiloe Jane (25)

"You have to be a team player, able to communicate, lead, listen and know how to serve."

WHY AUDITING? My passion for Accounting actually led me to study in this field. Not a lot of high school learners who take commerce subjects are exposed to Auditing as a career. At first, I thought I would become a Chartered Accountant, as that’s the only course related to Accounting that I was exposed to at the time. While exploring Accounting careers, I discovered Auditing. It really caught my attention and I instantly knew that I wanted to become an Internal Auditor.

ARE INTERNAL AUDITORS JUST CHECKING UP OTHER PEOPLE’S WORK, OR IS THERE MORE TO THE JOB? No, we don’t only check up on other people’s work. We ensure accuracy and make recommendations. Internal Auditors add value to organisations. We assist them to achieve its objectives and look at potential risks that might prevent them from attaining their objectives.

YOU ARE VERY INVOLVED WITH THE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AUDITING AND CONTROL ASSOCIATION (ISACA). HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR YOU TO PUT YOUR WEIGHT BEHIND DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM? TUT is one of only three South African universities accredited by ISACA. The Auditing department has recently formed a Student Committee accredited by ISACA and the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIA SA). I’m the committee’s IT operator. ISACA mostly deals with IT Auditors. My involvement has broadened my knowledge of IT Auditing. For instance, I didn’t know that we can specialise as auditors. The Student Committee is now spreading the word to fellow students that they can specialise as Operational Auditors, Forensic Auditors, Performance Auditors, Environmental Auditors and IT Auditors. It’s all possible through the IIA SA that offers relevant training. This semester we will be assisting students to become members and register with the IIA SA. It will enable them to attend affordable seminars and training courses.

WHAT ARE YOUR GENERATION’S STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES? We are powerful beyond measure, influencers, goal-orientated and go-getters. We fight for what we believe in. Being influencers we, unfortunately, might influence people negatively because of peer pressure. Other weaknesses include that we sometimes try so hard to get other people’s approval that it derails us from achieving what we initially set our minds to. Sometimes, we also misuse our power. We also have a sense of entitlement, often not working as hard as we should to achieve our goals.

I’M INSPIRED BY WOMEN WHO . . . are powerful, successors, unstoppable, speak with purpose and wisdom, live fearlessly, and who do not only stand up for themselves, but also for others.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? Owning an auditing firm that competes with the big guns in South Africa. I also want to empower young people by creating job opportunities.

AUDITING – MORE THAN ONLY CHECKING UP ON OTHER PEOPLE

Nokwanda Dlamini (23) is a fourth-year Auditing student who has her sights set on becoming an IT Auditor.

Nokwanda Dlamini (23)

"Internal Auditors add value to organisations."