Tribute to a staunch supporter of Womens’ Empowerment and Gender Equality – The late Rev. Makhenkesi “Bra Stof” Stofile
We tip our revolutionary hats in honour of the African National Congress stalwart, the late Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile. Bra Stof entered politics at an early age, and progressed to serve the movement in various capacities. A passionate politician and avid sports activist, he fought tirelessly for equal opportunities in sport. A reverend by ordination, he was a soul caretaker whose life was spent in pursuit of a better life for all.
We find solace in knowing that Mfundisi leaves us during Women’s month wherein we can reflect on milestones which can be attributed to him. Bra Stof will be remembered as a staunch supporter of women’s emancipation and gender equality. He supported the programme of the Women’s Charter of 1954, which was championed by the Women’s coalition after 1994.
As the longest serving Premier of the Eastern Cape, Bra Stof played an immense role in introducing women to leadership in this province – powerful women who later became critical in the transformation of the province. We can mention the late Ncumisa Kondlo, Pam Yako, Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela and Nomawethu Danster among key people who were in the student movement that he worked with and groomed.
Hence it came as no surprise that Bra Stof became very instrumental in the establishment of the Gender Machinery comprising of the Commission for Gender Equality, the Office on the Status of Women, Special Programmes Units as well as the Women’s Caucus.
The Task Team which was mandated for the establishment of the Gender Machinery as led by Nocawa Basopu from the ANC Women’s League, the South African Communist Party led by Bulelwa Tunyiswa, and COSATU led by Zukiswa Ncitha, enjoyed his unwavering support.
His commitment to the realisation of human rights in general, and women’s rights in particular, was further formidably seen in his contribution towards the fight against social ills such as violence towards women and children. As a result of his influence, the Women’s Caucus has made impressive strides in protecting the rights of women to dismantle forced marriages through the practice of Ukuthwala. We are proud to be associated with this calibre of leadership.
We can attest to his solid commitment in fighting gender discrimination and in promoting equality. Bra Stof possessed clarity of thought and led from the front in fighting patriarchy and reoriented society in appreciating that women can play an instrumental role in developing society, Mfundisi assimilated the words of Samora Machel in that “Women’s emancipation is not an act of charity but a precondition for the liberation of society”.
Without any fear of contradiction, one can boldly state that Mfundisi understood that patriarchy is cruel and deceitful, and affects all of us at times unwittingly - when it is presented as if patriarchy is part of our human genetic makeup.
Bra Stof affirmed women in all decision making structures and was steadfast in that domination against women can be firmly resolved by also reconstructing economic relations in society. He knew that patriarchy is interwoven within and intersects with other oppressive systems such as racism and capitalism.
His approach was that the manner in which male and females relate to each other is a product of society, and should be reconstructed to be equal and just by the very same society.
Bra Stof should be all smiles in that his never-compromising attitude on principle, in all levels of leadership he served, is bearing fruits. We are going through tough times wherein some of our sportswomen are under frontal attacks from racist and patriarchal sections of our society.
Nyawuza stood firm in defence of the dignity of the African female – this was seen in how he vehemently opposed the manner in which a shadow of doubt was cast on the achievements of our own Caster Semenya.
He stood firm in the belief that her human right to dignity was atrociously violated by both the sporting fraternity and society in general.
The respect Bra Stof bestowed on women exemplifies the love he had for his mother - uMambamba. He believed that there can be no true liberation without the liberation of women. We will never forget his role and contribution, because he taught us the importance of gender equality and women emancipation.
Thahla, we will ensure that more women are at the centre of our second radical transition as you have taught us. Forward to the total emancipation of women and gender equality. Long live the spirit of Thahla, Nyawuza, Hlamba ngobubende, Ziqelekazi.
Hamba kakuhle Nyana ka maMbamba.
